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CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY Vol. 67, No. 14 | WEDNESDAY, APR. 1, 2015 | 403-783-3311 | EDITORIAL@PONOKANEWS.COM
Ponoka skaters return with medals from competition Story on page 25
The first Imperial Bank of Canada Ponoka Branch was built in 1959 Story on page 5
Cultural Treat Students at Ponoka Elementary School received a cultural treat during the official move to their new school Thursday, March 26. Here Lenon Buffalo dances for students at the now old school. Please see our story on Page 9 Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
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2 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Public hearing set for Gemini Council wants a rezone application review of parking on playgrounds BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
A recent request to review the Town of Ponoka’s policy for camping on the ball diamonds shows it is not allowed. Information in the traffic bylaw presented to town council during the Tuesday, March 24 regular meeting states operation or parking of vehicles is not allowed on playgrounds or parks. The CAO can, however, designate areas with proper signage. Coun. Carla Prediger said she did not feel the traffic bylaw properly covers what council requested but Dave McPhee, director of operations and property services for the Town of Ponoka, said that any time vehicles are considered,
they fall under the traffic act, necessitating it comes under the traffic bylaw. Having vehicles or campers parking in the parks for an event also raises liability issues, explained Betty Quinlan, director of corporate services. She said it is important to support economic development, but there are other places people could camp. “I personally look at it, we have a beautiful campground in town,” she said. Mayor Rick Bonnett said the town’s traffic bylaw is being reviewed by council and changes could be made to accommodate different needs. Coun. Teri Underhill questioned how this bylaw affected parking during the
Ponoka Stampede week but Coun. Loanna Gulka suggested the CAO may have allowed parking in restricted areas during those times. Council directed administration to compare neighbouring municipalities’ bylaws. Town adopts National Health and Fitness Day Mark the first Saturday in June as National Health and Fitness Day in Ponoka. Town council made the decision after Wetaskiwin MP Blaine Calkins sent a letter seeking the town’s support of the day. Wes Amendt, director of community services, told councillors that the Ponoka Youth Centre uses that day for its Capital One Race for Kids campaign.
Town councillors approved a public hearing date to rezone commercial property in the Southwest Industrial Park. The request came during council’s regular meeting Tuesday, March 24, when councillors heard that a Ponoka company seeks to rezone its two adjacent properties to heavy industrial, one from light industrial and the other from commercial/industrial designation. Although the name of the company was not provided, a map was, which shows the location as belonging to Gemini Corporation. Betty Quinlan, director of corporate services, said the biggest difference in the proposed zoning is the potential for heavier traffic. She added that area of the industrial park has po-
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noted the only other area of town where there is zoning for heavy industrial use is in the Northeast Industrial Park, near the Battle River and walking trail. Council approved first reading to amend the landuse bylaw and set a public hearing for April 28 at 7 p.m. in council chambers.
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tential to become a heavy industrial area. “It’s basically designed to give them greater flexibility.” Coun. Carla Prediger asked if the company had any plans to change its operations but Mayor Rick Bonnett said he feels if operations changed, it would be to work 24 hours. He
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PONOKA NEWS 3
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Motorists block impaired driver from driving on Highway 2
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
With the help of two concerned motorists, police were able to catch an impaired driver at twice the legal alcohol limit. The Ponoka Integrated Traffic Unit was called to Highway 2 about a grey Pontiac Montana being driven in an erratic manner Friday, March 27 at 8:30 a.m. Witnesses state the driver, a 25-year-old woman from Red Deer, had trouble maintaining the lanes and her vehicle went in and out of the ditch several times. To prevent any issues, the driver of a semi truck and a passenger vehicle worked together to block the car and officers found them pulled over on the side of the highway. The woman showed signs of impairment and
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she was subsequently arrested and taken to the detachment where she provided two blood-alcohol samples of .17 and .18. She was charged with impaired driving and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. Suspended driver loses car for 60 days A minor two-vehicle collision on Monday, March 23 resulted in the arrest of a 28-year-old woman from Red Deer. The collision occurred near the Morningside exit on Highway 2 between a Ford Escape and a GMC Sierra. Investigations found that the woman is a suspended driver and she
had warrants out for her arrest. She was arrested and released with a promise to appear in court. Her vehicle was seized for 60 days. There were minor injuries in the collision. Missing person Police are asking for help in locating Amanda Ruby, who went missing from the Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury Wednesday, March 25. The 34-year-old woman is described as Caucasian with blue eyes and multiple piercings on her face. Police say they believe she is in Red Deer.
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Break-and-enter results in stolen puppies Ponoka RCMP are seeking public’s assistance in solving a theft and break and enter. Four Rottweiler puppies were stolen from a residence on first Chain Lake Road. In addition, a 22 Rifle was taken. The theft and break and enter occurred sometime on March 30 between 12 noon and 4 p.m. Ponoka RCMP and the Integrated Traffic Unit took 85 calls for service last week. If you have information on any crime call Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4472 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477.
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4 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Religion
Your Guide To Local Houses of Worship
Where has all the good news gone?
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. & James Crosina - Fac. of Community Life
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 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
Jerel Peters Area Director Central Alberta Youth Unlimited It seems to me that this past few months have been more difficult than usual, and no, it’s not because of the winter weather.
Mass Times: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 9:00 a.m. Sunday
Dear Editor, In the public imagination, Easter often revolves around bunnies, new chicks and Easter egg hunts - not necessarily in that order and not necessarily a bad thing. There are layers of history to this tradition though, that go unnoticed even as we shop for Easter treats. Wherever you start, the history of that tradition is fascinating in itself, involving expectations, surprises and earth shattering claims, and a deep exploration of what is real or as Pontius Pilate, the Roman Procurator in Judea from AD 26–36 asked “What is truth?” In our political environment, with 24-hour news cycles and endless information of all kinds available on the internet, it would seem that the answer to what is real and what is truthful are fundamental questions.
After pleading guilty to possession of a prohib-
ited weapon and failing to appear, a Ponoka man was sentenced to a 18-month probation at Ponoka provin-
stachurch@shaw.ca
Rev. Donna Willer Rev. Marty Tuer, Honourary Assistant 5120 - 49 Ave. Ponoka
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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 10:30 am
was not right … not as it should or could be. God became man and experienced suffering, sorrow, sadness, and death. That might not sound like good news but it is when you discover that the death of Jesus leads to life. It is the starting point of restoration for a broken humanity. Where once we faced death with no sure hope to be found, the life of Christ is the start of things becoming right. Not only did he face death and overcome it, something I know I cannot do, he made a way to restore my relationship with God, something I couldn’t have done on my own. I encourage you this weekend to find a local church to hear the whole story and see why it is called Good News.
We know for ourselves that a lot of spin happens in virtually any environment and the question remains throughout the spectrum of experience: Who do we trust? Easter seems to me to be an exploration of that phenomenon, at different levels: What do we trust about our own and the experience of others? And how important and essential is that in our lives? Spin doctoring has become a refined art that is sometimes difficult to recognize. What, therefore, do we recognize as legitimate claims, whoever makes them, and how do we discern where truth lies? All of this, no doubt, is a personal and a lifetime project both secular and spiritual. George Jason
Man sentenced to probation for threatening father with knife
5113 - 52 Ave., Ponoka, T4J 1H6 403-783-4048
ST. MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH
ing, feel-good, dog rescued kind of a story, the story I cling to in my darkest times centres around the Easter season. This coming Friday and Sunday mark two of the most significant dates in the Christian calendar, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. They mark the remembrance and celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. You might ask, “What is so comforting about that?” Well, it doesn’t take much to show us that stuff is just not right in our world. Things are not the way we believe they should be, death and sadness amplifies that message. The Gospel message, also known as the “Good News” is that Jesus Christ came into this world knowing too that everything
Seeking truth in Easter context
BY AMELIA NAISMITH
ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH Fr. Chris Gnanaprakasam, S.A.C.
Possibly you have encountered some of the trials and tragedies that I am reflecting on this week, if so, I am sure you can relate that it has been an emotionally challenging time. Globally there are threats of terror, acts of violence and numerous catastrophes, but as difficult as they are, they haven’t hit nearly as close to home as the many losses locally of loved ones … valued community members, needed fathers and mothers, cherished grandparents, loved sons and daughters. I’m not sure how you handle and process the vast tragedy, but I found myself longing for some good news, something to cast warmth and comfort to the heart of sadness. While I don’t have a heart-warm-
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cial court on Friday, March 27. On June 3, 2014, Earl Chalifaux, 18, got into a verbal argument at his father’s residence in Medicine Hat. The Crown told the court, at the time of the incident, Chalifaux threatened to cut his father’s throat because God told him to. He picked up a knife and the father left the residence to call the police. Upon arrest, it was decided mental health issues were at play and he was taken to a psychiatric ward. The incident occurred two days after Chalifaux’s 18th birthday. Now living with his mother, Chalifaux is under
the care of medical health services and on medication. The court was told the father was not looking to press charges but the police felt it was necessary. “I remember the knife and I remember getting mad but I couldn’t put a reason to it,” Chalifaux told the court, who was battling a drug addiction at the time of the incident. He added the medication has helped him control his anxieties and his aggression. Chalifaux’s probation includes not carrying a weapon save culinary work situations, community service, no contact with the father, a $200 fine and not continued on page 8
PONOKA NEWS 5
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Reflections of Ponoka Ponoka’s new building era of the roaring 70’s
Our Ponoka Provincial Building, which is located at 5110-49th Avenue was designed by Douglas Cardinal and built in 1977. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Landmarks BY MIKE RAINONE FOR THE NEWS
When Ponoka officially became a town in 1904, the ‘building boom’ began in earnest, and eventually three big lumber mills along the Battle River just east of the community were turning out millions of board feet of lumber to serve the ongoing construction of homes, businesses, barns, churches, schools and whatever else would be required to serve the rapidly expanding population in the rural and urban areas. If one gets the opportunity to browse through our history books or visit the Fort Ostell Museum, they will see that during this exciting turn of the century, these magnificent wooden structures were quickly filling the skyline. It wouldn’t be long before the citizens would welcome the arrival of a colorful row of stately grain elevators, several fancy three-story hotels, the tall spirals of local churches, the livery stables, the stores, a movie theatre, wooden sidewalks and on and on. As our town expanded by leaps and bounds, more changes were added to the building mix, including the use of brick, mortar, stone, steel, and tin and all this would help to offset the always impending danger of fire, which ravaged many a structure in those early days. Some of the other unique facades that appeared on these new early businesses
and homes would include: decorative awnings, recessed and stained windows, white stucco, balconies, elaborate brick and tile designs, barber poles, tongue and groove panelling, false store fronts, gable roofs, flashing neon signs and anything else that might attract the inquisitive new crowds of clientele. Heading into the ‘roaring 60s and 70s’, an overwhelming array of modern changes would be begin to emerge in the construction industry, featuring exciting new and durable materials and structure, as well as universal designs and colors from throughout the world. Three of the most vivid introductions to Ponoka’s new building trends and styles included the new Ponoka County Office at 5018-Chipman Avenue in 1963, the most unique construction in 1977 of the Ponoka Provincial Building at 5110-49 Avenue, which was designed by internationally famous architect Douglas Cardinal, and the Imperial Bank of Commerce at 5002-51 Avenue, which was built in 1959, and introduced a spectacular new concept in the appearance of financial institutions. Ponoka’s first Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce was built on the same sight as the historical Algar Store, which burnt down in 1902, was replaced by the Brady and Morgan Garage, later owned by Hughie Roberts, but was also destroyed in the dramatic blaze of 1952. The 1959 opening
The first Imperial Bank of Canada Ponoka Branch was built in 1959 at 5002-51st Avenue. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Landmarks of the Imperial Bank unveiled a striking angular ‘butterfly roof’, and the airy interior was targeted to tastefully serve the clientele in a bright and wide open kiosk. The CIBC only operated in that location until 1961, when their amalgamation with the Bank of Commerce relocated them into their building on Railway Street, from which they have faithfully served the community since 1903. Our Ponoka Provincial Building was completed in 1977, and undulates along a quiet street in the magnificent curvilinear style of the internationally renowned architect Douglas Cardinal. Initially the home of the Provincial Treasury Branch and the Alberta Opportunity Company, it continues to host hundreds of clients from various government offices. Built in 1963 for the Ponoka County offices at 5018 Chipman Avenue, this building at that time was likely the best local example of the influential and widespread International style. The construction used unabashedly new industrial materials such as I-beams and concrete blocks, and the elements were assembled into a unique composition of right angles, recesses and ledges, complemented with a series of aluminum mesh panels on the front. After the County of Ponoka moved into new offices along Highway 2A, the
Ponoka Outreach School took over the premises for many years, after which the building was eventually dismantled. These are only three early examples of the changes in our building trends and highlights as they popped up in the community over a half century ago, during which time there have been many more, and of course, will continue to be long into our bright future! Throughout those ongoing exciting decades of successes and growth in our Town and County of Ponoka, the founding families and new generations have always carried a great pride and interest in our long and outstanding and colorful heritage and history. In 2000, the councils of the Town and County Of Ponoka formed a local committee and joined forces with the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation to spearhead the exciting Ponoka Main Street Project. As a result of countless hours of research, great team-work and keen community spirit, 53 of our historical 20th century landmarks were identified and given the opportunity to revitalize and restore their buildings back to their original facades. As the program continued, others would join in, information plaques were put in place, and these sites, along with countless new additions to the mix, can always be enjoyed on a quiet family stroll throughout our friendly community.
Remember When... Photo from Trails Grown Over
In the early days of settlement on the prairies, times were tough, but with a strong sense of progress and high spirits, the hardy pioneers would hitch up their horses and spend countless hours building miles of roads. That voluntary labour and grit would pay their taxes, and allowed them for the rest of the year to carry on raising their families, building their farms-businesses-districts and communities, and to hopefully achieve their lofty goals.
6 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Opinion Short-term trick hurts democracy in the long run
Mustafa Eric
Editor The long-awaited provincial budget has been announced and, as expected, cries of foul came from everywhere, from public workers’ unions to schools to medical associations to seniors’ organizations. That this budget is a severely belt-tightening program should come as no surprise, as Premier Jim Prentice has been using all loudspeakers he can put his hands on to let people know that he faces a $7 billion deficit. After the disclosure of the details of the new budget, political pundits lost no time in drawing comparisons between the current financial dire straits and those during the times of former premiers, Messrs Ralph Klein and Don
Getty and stressed with bold fonts that Jim Prentice had chosen to follow the taxand-spend example of Mr. Getty over Mr. Klein’s much praised practices aimed at balancing the books by reducing government spending. Of course, there are a lot of circumstances that render those comparisons less than fully meaningful, but by and large, the new budget does bring a lot of tax burden, a little more to the wealthier sections of the population. But what is being omitted from most of the eco-political comments is the fluidity of the circumstances conditioning our bottleneck: In the Middle East, the latest flareup of nascent Yemeni internal conflict and the Saudi-led intervention to end it in favor of the Sunni side threatens to further increase the instability of the flow of oil into international markets, thus pushing the prices higher, while a possible deal between Iran and the western powers over the former’s nuclear material enrichment program could pave the way for the lifting of sanctions against Tehran, thereby leading to the markets being flooded by Iranian oil exports in addition to those by the Saudis. In short, the state of influx in the political and
market conditions may just push the price of oil much higher within months just as they can also drive it even further to new lows, making all the calculations in the current budget just an academic exercise. That is to say, market fluctuations and their impact may very well turn out to be short-term headaches. But what Mr. Prentice has been doing to secure a mandate to implement this budget has already dealt a strategic blow to the fundamentals of democratic governance in Alberta. Probably within a few weeks, if not days, we will hear the announcement of the date of the early provincial election with the justification being that the new budget requires a new mandate from the people of the province and it is very acceptable reasoning. What is less acceptable is the fact that the search for new mandate comes after the killing of the most vibrant opposition this province has seen for a long time. As you may have heard by now, Danielle Smith, former leader of the Wildrose Party who crossed the floor with eight of her colleagues, has lost the nomination race in her riding to another hope-
ful, and so has Rod Fox of the Lacombe-Ponoka riding. But in another nomination race, Mr. Prentice’s leadership blocked the candidacy of a party faithful to open the opportunity to a different floor-crossing former member of the Wildrose Party.
Do these practices sound as open, transparent, egalitarian and honest to you? We have even been told that PC party leadership, as a matter of principle, is keeping the results of the ballot counts in the nomination races secret. One wonders why.
With so much skullduggery going on at the nomination phase, it will be interesting to see how the electorate of the province will vote and how much support Mr. Prentice will receive when the time for real election arrives.
Which candidate has what priorities? Dear Editor, The premier wants to gouge people with a health care premium. Why? Redford slashed $28 million a month in royalties to support a bonus of $2.3 million a year for oil company executives. Which political candidate will agree to collect those royalties? The premier wanted to cut wages, but wanted a 6 per cent cost of living increase for MLAs. The Keystone would allow four new refineries to be built in the US. If built here each new refinery would employ 2,400 workers for four years. That’s 9,000 or more new, well-paid jobs. There would be 1200 yearly
maintenance jobs for 30 years. That’s another 36,000 or more new jobs. Each refinery would need a permanent staff of 700 people for 30 years. That’s another 21,000 or more new jobs; hundreds of new office staff jobs. New homes, cars, furnishings, trucks, drapes, lamps, would be needed. Who will sell the furnishings? New schools, staff, and school bus drivers, for all the new kids; more food: bread, meat, veggies, beef, pork, chicken, fruit - to feed all those new people; more market gardens; more teachers, welders, nurses, mechanics, engineers, technologists, doctors. Each refinery would require lumber, steel, wire, gadgets, vehicles, machinery, so thousands of new sup-
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
ply jobs would be created. All those jobs would create $21 million a year in income tax revenue every year for 30 plus years for Alberta. Provincial income tax could be lowered. There would be millions for more and better rural health care. The tax on purple fuel for rural residents could be eliminated. Which political candidate wants this “Alberta First Budget”? Which political candidate wants to collect royalties, create jobs, increase revenue, and improve FREE health care for the people of Alberta? Robert Fitzsimmons Edmonton
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PONOKA NEWS 7
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Town Times
Town and county will stick to plans despite tough budget BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
The town and county of Ponoka are both planning to conduct business as usual despite the newly announced provincial budget which raised taxes on everything from tobacco and spirits to gas, and brought in a health levy while cutting on public expenditure. Mayor Rick Bonnett said there was little to see as a win or loss in the 2015 Alberta Budget for the town. “The government’s not going to be a factor in what we’re able to do,” said Bonnett. His issue is with the education tax requisition. Bonnett wants to be able to use that money for the municipality. “The government pays us nothing to collect taxes on their behalf,” he
said. Starting in 2016-17, the education property tax requisition will be determined annually. Both the town and county will see an increase of one per cent to their education property taxes assessment. Bonnett says the way the town will be able to see some control over their own taxation is by addressing a desire for change in the Municipal Government Act. Ponoka County Reeve Paul McLauchlin said the county planned on operating as usual with or without money from the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI). However, the province’s announcement of $400 million to the fund was looked at favourably. “I think that it wouldn’t change our budget alloca-
Ponoka, AB T4J 1P7 Ph: 403-783-4431 | Fax: 403-783-6745 | Email: town@ponoka.org Or Check us out Online: www.ponoka.ca
NOTICES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
tions,” added McLauchlin. He says the county has one of its largest capital project allocation in years with $8 million planned for a variety of projects. While there is MSI funding, the county is finding they are having to do more projects with less money, he added. Once the education requisition comes through, taxpayers will have a better idea of what their tax bill will look like. McLauchlin says the real questions will come in the 2016-17 budget. “It’s hard to do any longterm capital planning,” he said. As for the county’s plans, McLauchlin has always been proud of the county’s balanced approach to budgets. “It’s a good way to do business. Don’t spend money you don’t have.”
STREET SWEEPING The Town’s sweeper is once again out cleaning away the winter residue from the streets. We ask your assistance in removing vehicles from the streets when the sweeper is in your area. Unfortunately, due to unpredictable weather, we are unable to provide exact locations and time schedules. Please drive with care and consideration, obeying all traffic laws.
VOLUNTEERS Volunteers are needed for Canada Day For the “Largest Human Canadian Flag” Record attempt, July 1st. Ponoka Day in the Park , August 29th. For more information please contact Wes Amendt, Director of Community Services (403) 783-0118 or email wes. amendt@ponoka.org
Summer Waste Transfer Station Hours Begin April 1, 2015 Tuesday through Saturday – 10 am to 6 pm Excluding Statutory Holidays – Closed Good Friday, April 3
Report a Pot Hole / Sidewalk Repair Have you noticed a pot hole on your street or back lane or have a sidewalk that is in need of repair? Please visit our website: www.ponoka.ca and fill out the Community Feedback Form, or call Public Works at 403-783-0159 with the location, so we can add it to the repair list. Thank you for your assistance.
EVENTS AND RECREATION Library News DESSERT WINE TASTING: Ponoka Jubilee Library is hosting its 4th Wine Tasting! ‘Uncorked’ is a dessert wine tasting session and is being held on Saturday, April 18th, starting at 7:00 pm. It will feature 8 different dessert wines from around the world along with food pairings. Tickets prices are $40/per person, and can be purchased at the Library at 5110 48 Avenue. All participants must be 18+. Tickets are limited, so gets yours today! COMMUNITY CAUSE: Ponoka Jubilee Library is super excited to have been chosen as Cilantro & Chive’s Community Cause for April! For every burger purchased at Cilantro & Chive in April, $0.50 will be donated towards the library’s free membership program. So go enjoy an amazing burger, and help support Ponoka Jubilee Library!
Come join us for the annual
PONOKA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
FUNDRAISING AUCTION (Live & Silent)
Proudly sponsored by Ponoka Lions Area is now closed Thanks for your support, see you again next fall.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11 at 9:30 a.m. Ponoka Christian School Gym
FUtN he
for whole family!
Public Skating:
Aquaplex Update Closed Good Friday. STAT hours Easter Monday. Family 2-4 pm, Public Swim 4-6pm
There is something for everyone:
Kids corner (lots of fun games and prizes)
Bake sale, concession an
mo s t o dl
COUNCIL UPDATES & BYLAW INFO DID YOU KNOW...???
re
All auction items and services are donated by community members and businesses.
Your civic address must be displayed on your property, both on the front and back. Civic addresses are used by our puplic works department as well as emergency services to locate your property. Not displaying your civic address could result in delays for these services in assisting you.
Next Town Council Meetings April 14 & April 28 @ 7:00 pm
All proceeds go to the Ponoka Christian School. Come and support your local school.
Hope to see you all there! Contact Elaine Makkinga at 403-783-1036
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
8 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Gym club sees thousands of dollars in damage from break in BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
Members of the Ponoka and Gymnastics Trampoline Club had a big shock after seeing thousands of dollars of damage to their new building. Police say overnight of Saturday, March 28, culprits broke into the building
and caused approximately $30,000 to $40,000 worth of damage. Vandals smashed light bulbs, causing glass to be strewn across the building floor, they smashed the drywall, threw paint over parts of the floor and three items into the trampoline pit. Among the vandalism was graffiti spray-painted
on different walls, some with vulgar language and others with a swastika and a statement of “white power” spray-painted on the wall. Club president Barry Groves said he was shocked by the language. “(It’s) just a big shock to how this is going to affect our kids and community.”
The building was nearing completion, explains Groves, but the club can’t do any cleaning up until it is cleared by their insurance company. The delay not only affects the club, but also the contractors who have been working on the building. Clean up and repairs must occur before the construc-
tion work can resume. “This is a September move in for us,” stated Groves of the delay. He is grateful to the community support for reaching out to offer assistance and says they will endeavour to complete the project. “It’s not going to stop us for sure.”
Police are also investigating a similar occurrence on a Wolf Creek Public School’s bus during the same time period. A school bus is reported to have been spray-painted with a swastika and the same “white power” phrase. Police say both matters are under investigation.
Reach
out-of-town customers where they live
PONOKA
WWW.PONOKANEWS.COM
S-aupvtoe-
Speed skater faces loss at nationals competition Page 23
30
%
NITY CONNE CTING THE COMMU
S.COM | EDITORIAL@PONOKANEW , JAN. 22, 2014 | 403-783-3311 Vol. 66, No. 4 | WEDNESDAY
Calumet Curling Club celebrates 60 years Page 14
Reflections of Ponoka A life dedicated to sports, family, and community Story on page 5
Rainbow face
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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Members of the Ponoka and Gymnastics Trampoline Club are in shock after seeing vandalism to their new building over the weekend. Walls were smashed in and culprits spray-painted racial slurs on the walls. Here gym club fundraiser Deanna Groves inspects the damage Monday, March 30. Damage is estimated at $30,000 to $40,000. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
BOBTAIL NURSERY
Now Open!
Man sentenced to probation
We are now open for the 2015 season
continued from page 4
So feel free to stop in for any reason
possessing firearms, crossbows, prohibited weapons or ammunition for five years. Chalifaux has no previous criminal record. Impaired driver sentenced A man pled guilty to driving while disqualified and driving over .08; consequently he received a $3,000 fine and a three-year driving prohibition. On Dec. 6, 2014 Ponoka RCMP patrol pulled over a suspicious vehicle and upon reaching the front windows the officer smelled alcohol on the breath of the driver, Henry Schmidt. Schmidt provided a breath sample, coming in at .14. Schmidt says he suggested to the officer that the machine was broken and asked for another test, which did not happen. Schmidt resides in the Ponoka area and on the night of the incident had visited a local establishment. His friends drank heavily and while he had nothing to drink there, he had had drinks earlier. However, Schmidt thought he was able to drive. He has three other similar charges, the most recent dating back to the mid-1990s.
Or bring in your pots for us to custom Åll And if you have some time to kill Stroll through our greenhouses, it’s a beautiful thing When we can say goodbye to winter and “hello spring!”
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EASTER FLOWERING PLANTS AVAILABLE! April hours Monday - Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
PONOKA NEWS 9
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
PES includes First Nations in opening ceremony BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
Students at Ponoka Elementary School (PES) had a chance to say farewell to their now old school just before the start of their spring break. A farewell ceremony was held in the pink building gym Thursday, March 26 with many dignitaries including two retired principals and teachers in attendance. It was also marked with a First Nations grand entry and dance. Principal Lois Spate said the day was to mark the end of an era for PES but to also celebrate the start of a new time with the opening of the new school. Including First Nations was an important part of that. “They are very much a part of our school,” she said. “For our entire school community, the day was about paying tribute to the history of PES, while also celebrating the future.
A day of hope for the future, interwoven with good memories of the past,” added Spate. She is excited to move into the new school as there are new opportunities for learning. The building is equipped to prepare students for their transition to Ponoka Secondary Campus and to work under the new Inspiring Education curriculum. “There is a sense of nostalgia with it being the last day of being “the pink” and “the brick,” said Spate, referring to the two buildings they used to occupy up to now. “But there is also lots of excitement and anticipation as we are finally in one newly modernized building.” She says students will be part of smaller learning communities within the school broken up into grades. Teachers and students will be able to collaborate more together on
An open house was held for parents and students of Ponoka Elementary School Thursday, March 26 of their new school. Here (l-r) Sarah Avison walks with Bella, Brodie Vaussen and Lyric Bacon as they check out the new layout. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
bigger projects. “When they’re talking about literacy and numeracy, we’re poised for that,” said Spate. Students, teachers and
dancers then walked to the new school for a special ceremony. First Nations elder Joey Deschamps, said the collaboration between Wolf
Creek Public Schools (WCPS) and Cree nations is valued. “We’re honoured that they accept our children and that the drum got included.”
Past principals George MacKenzie and Lyle Boman were in attendance as well as MLA Rod Fox and WCPS superintendent of schools Larry Jacobs.
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Business Hours: Mon. to Thurs. 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
10 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Town seeks grant funding for capital projects Money for audio books: Ponoka Jubilee Library manager Jaclyn Berry accepts $1,000 from Peggy Mouck (in red), of the Ponoka Lions Monday, March 30. Berry says the money will go towards new audio books for the library.
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
Town administration hopes to take advantage of a provincial and federal grant program to pay for some capital projects. Betty Quinlan, director of corporate services for the Town of Ponoka, said there are two projects that are eligible. She told councillors during the regular council meeting Tuesday, March 24 that the Small Communities Fund (SCF) provides strict guidelines for what Alberta municipalities can apply for. Funding is granted based on a one third split among the town, province and country and eligible projects must be outlined in a 10-year plan. Quinlan said the first project they are applying for is the 50 Street rehabilitation project between 43 and 44 Avenue, which is projected to cost $670,000. The 50 Street project is already planned to be completed this year and Quinlan says the timelines will be tight. A request for proposal has already been sent out, explained Dave McPhee, director of operations and property services. “We’ll have to go ahead with the engineering,” he said. The other project the town will apply for are industrial/ commercial servicing upgrades at the Highway 2 and Highway 53 junction. This project is estimated at $6.2 million and is in the town’s 10-year plan. Mayor Rick Bonnett said the town should not get its hopes too high considering the 10-year SCF program is intended to service 300 communities across the province. The federal and provincial governments have committed $94 million each to be shared across the province. The cost of the town’s second project is approximately six per cent of this amount. Council gave the administration the green light to apply for both projects.
Photo submitted
TheWorld Worldof ofSuper Superheroes Unite The Hero’s Unite at at The
New vans in Covered Wagon Society’s future BY AMELIA NAISMITH
The Ponoka Covered Wagon Handicapped Transport Society is looking to upgrade its fleet and with little discussion, Ponoka County council is willing to help cushion some of the expenses. Despite having allocated $20,000 earlier for the society’s operating costs, council donated another $10,000 at its Tuesday March 24 meeting to help with the costs of the new vans. Each van costs approximately $77,000, “And they’re looking to replace both of them,” said county CAO Charlie Cutforth. “Typically the town and county would split the entire cost but we’ve never replaced two at one time,” said Cutforth. He also added the society already has $100,000 in place for the purchases.
At the PONOKA ARENA COMPLEX
April 17: 3pm-9pm | April 18: 10am-5pm Ponoka Chamber Office: (403) 783-3888
Admission: Families $10 Adults: $4 Seniors and Youth: $2 Kids under 5 FREE
$ $
Queen Contestants Rimbey Rodeo July 10, 11 & 12 If you are a horse crazy cowgirl, love to have fun, and between the age of 16 -21 please contact: Jessica Husband at 403-783-1102 for more information. Closing date is April 6, 2015
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Over 100 Exciting Booths Local Live Entertainment Games of Skill for all ages Balloon Clown Super-Baby Crawl Face Painter Hamilton’s IGA Movie Theatre Market Square Great Food Passport Program PONOKA
PONOKA NEWS 11
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Fundraisers support the efforts of Ducks Unlimited BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
Hunters and conservationists enjoyed a fun night last weekend in the effort to raise money for Ducks Unlimited. The fundraising dinner, hosted by Ducks Unlimited, was held Saturday, March 28 at the Ponoka Legion. Such dinners generally bring in $25,000 to $30,000, explained James Ingoldsby, manager of events and volunteer relations. He says the whole purpose of the fundraiser is to drive interest and to help with their wetlands conservation efforts. He remembers years ago Ducks Unlimited was a hunting organization but eventually evolved into what it is today. “That’s still very important to us,” said Ingoldsby. “The conservation and the hunting go together,” he added. Among the many auction items at the fundraiser were signed hockey jerseys, vacation trips, special artwork and also hunting and fishing supplies. Ingoldsby says the items they have in their silent auctions are tailored to the attendees. He said he would be happy to see $30,000 raised at the dinner. The money will go to important goals for the association. “We recently received $12 million of mitigation money of the floods of 2013 for the Bow River watershed,” he explained. Ingoldsby says if there are floods again in the same area, a wetland area will be developed to mitigate flood-
Carol Moore has a look at the silent auction bids Saturday, March 28 at the Legion during a Ducks Unlimited fundraiser. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
ing. He says the loss of wetlands continues at a rapid pace and he wants to help educate stakeholders on the importance of wetlands. “It’s a huge thing in the future. Fresh water is in short
supply everywhere,” he concluded. Ducks Unlimited has strong routes in the United States as well as Mexico, and Ingoldsby says their volunteers are what makes the organization as successful as it is.
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RESTRICTIONS: Offers good on new and unregistered units purchased between 3/1/15 and 4/30/15. *On select models. See your dealer for details. This is a limited time offer which is valid for the purchase of selected qualifying models and is subject to credit approval from TD Auto Finance (TDAF) on qualified purchases financed during this program. Offer may not be combined with certain other offers, is subject to change and may be extended or terminated without further notice. See participating retailers for complete details and conditions. Rates from other lenders may vary. Freight, license, PPSA/RPDRM, insurance, registration, any retailer administration fees and other applicable fees and taxes are not included in the financed amount. Dealers are free to set individual prices, but must be enrolled with TDAF to participate. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Minimum amount to finance is $5,000. Example: $7,500 financed at 3.99% over 36 months = 36 monthly payments of $221.40 with a cost of borrowing of $470.27 and a total obligation of $7,970.27. WARNING: Polaris off-road vehicles can be hazardous to operate and are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate. Passengers, if permitted, must be at least 12 years old. All riders should always wear helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. Always use seat belts and cab nets or doors (as equipped). Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. All riders should take a safety training course. Call 800-342-3764 for additional information. Check local laws before riding on trails. ©2015 Polaris Industries Inc.
12 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
DeWit wins PC Nomination for Lacombe-Ponoka BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
PC Party voters sat with bated breath Saturday, March 28 for the results of the PC Nomination for Lacombe-Ponoka. A total of 914 votes were cast with Lacombe’s Peter DeWit winning over former Wildrose MLA Rod Fox, Larry Henkelman and Wayne Rempel. While full voting results were not released, DeWit says it went into a second count of ballots. It was stated that when the first count of the votes failed to produce a clear winner with simple majority, in line with the PC party regulations, a second count of the votes was taken with the exclusion of the votes cast for the candidate who received the lowest number of votes. “It was nerve-wracking for sure,” said DeWit. He says now is when the work begins. DeWit is preparing his campaign for the upcoming provincial election. “The real work is still to be done.” As for vote counts, DeWit says all the candidates were provided with the actual voting results but were not al-
lowed to divulge that information. Full voting results not provided Executive director for the PC Party, Kelley Charlebois, says the system they have is to destroy ballots once candidates have signed off on the results. Rather than make the information public, it stays private.
“Either allow open contests or appoint outright. Last minute, unjustified disqualifications only hurt party morale.” Christina Pilarski on Twitter
“I like the system we’ve got. I think it’s a unifying system rather than a dividing system,” said Charlebois. He feels with lots of scrutiny during the nomination period, voters and candidates can feel secure in the process of selection. If there are any issues with ballots, a candidate can
always call for an arbitration process. Yet, in his last three years as executive director, Charlebois does not recall where someone has made that request. Since the PC Party is not necessarily a public body, Charlebois says the courts have deemed that political parties are like a private club, providing the results is not a priority. “We create the rules for the process we want,” he said. His job is to ensure those rules are followed. Despite his assurances, there have been misgivings about the PC Party process and the lack of transparency with providing results. Former Wildrose MLA Bruce McAllister was acclaimed as the PC nominee for Chestermere-Rocky View after the party blocked opponent Jamie Lall, CEO of the Calgary Housing and Employment Services, from running. No reason was provided by the party as to why Lall was blocked. On Twitter, user Christina Pilarski voiced her thoughts: “Either allow open contests or appoint outright. Last minute, unjustified disqualifications only hurt party morale.”
Peter DeWit spoke at the Progressive Conservative Party candidates’ forum, Friday March 20, one week before the nomination vote, as one of four candidates vying for the PC candidacy from Lacombe-Ponoka riding. Photo by Amelia Naismith
PONOKA COUNTY
FIRE SEASON REMINDER Regulations in effect April 1st to October 31st, 2015 Ponoka County is responsible for the administration of the Forest and Prairie Protection Act within the County. During the Fire Season, any person lighting a fire for any purpose, other than for burning household garbage or campfires, must have a valid fire permit. You may be liable for fire suppression costs or penalties as provided by law for any damage that may occur while burning without a permit. Most fire calls and associated costs can be easily avoided if precautions and extra care are taken. For example: • do not start a fire when weather conditions are conducive to a fire rapidly escaping out of control • establish a safe site for burning garbage in barrels • use a mesh screen over the top of the burning barrel to prevent the spread of sparks • keep grass around burning area mowed • never leave fires unattended Fire permits may be obtained free of charge from any one of the following Fire Guardians: Bryce Liddle SE 24-43-25-W4 783-8604 Mark Matejka NE 22-42-26-W4 783-6389 Doug Weir NW 27-42-27-W4 783-3713 Paul McLauchlin NW 32-44-2-W5 843-2675 Nancy Hartford NW 19-42-4-W5 843-3881 or from the Ponoka County Administration Office at 4205 - Highway #2A in Ponoka. Please note – FIRE BANS may be implemented in extremely dry conditions. Listen for ban information on your local radio station or check the County website at www.PonokaCounty.com Charlie B. Cutforth Chief Administrative Officer
PONOKA NEWS 13
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Touching remembrance play returns to Alberta BY AMELIA NAISMITH
Out of pure demand, playwright and actress Julia Mackey is bringing the remembrance themed Jake’s Gift back to Alberta with a performance at the Ponoka Legion on Friday, April 17. Last year, Mackey performed in Bashaw and Elnora and she says a few of the ladies who were in Elnora, at the time have ties to the Ponoka Legion; they are the driving force behind the play coming to Ponoka. “They contacted us to come back in the spring,” said Mackey. “I’m so excited,” she added. In what she is now calling an accidental tour, Mackey and her director Dirk van Stralen are returning from British Columbia for a 10-show Alberta-wide tour. “We’ve actually started to build a really nice little tour.” The pull from Alberta to bring Jake’s Gift back was so strong Mackey says it surprised both her and van
Upcoming Shows 3 SHOWS!! March 19 & 20 March 21 Matinee Shuswap Theatre Salmon Arm BC 250-832-1149 or 250-832-5100 or 1-866-311-1011
Stralen. “We’re just constantly amazed at the number of people who came back to see the show.” With the recent run in central Alberta last September and November, Mackey had no idea she would be returning to the province so soon. “It’s been a nice problem to have,” she said. She is also looking forward to performing the play at a Legion. “There is so much history there connected to the show,” she added. Taking into account brief adult language coming from the mouth of an ‘old war veteran,’ played by Mackey, she says the show is a good outing for parents and grandparents. “I think what’s true overall, it’s a great multigenerational story,” said Mackey. She says the themes of Jake’s Gift are also something worth looking for. “Remembrance, friendship, forgiveness, all of these things are universal.” The show will start at 8 p.m. and the $20 tickets will be available at the Legion.
Louisiana Hayride OUR 4 FOR 3 Louisiana ®
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March 22 Performing Arts Centre Revelstoke BC 250-837-5345 or 1-866-311-1011 April 16 Thorncliffe Centre Calgary AB 1-866-311-1011 April 17 Moose Lodge Ponoka AB 403-783-5355 or 1-866-311-1011 April 18 Memorial Arts Centre Wetaskiwin AB 780-352-2227 or 1-866-311-1011 April 19 Horizon Theatre Spruce Grove AB 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090 April 30 Performing Arts Centre Vernon BC 1-866-311-1011
Julia Mackey and Dirk van Stralen are bringing the highly received Jake’s Gift back to Alberta with a performance at the Ponoka Legion on April 17. Photo courtesy of Julia Mackey.
Performed by Amazing Live Band & Singers
Lori Risling
William Brookfield • Gil Risling • Mike Melnichuk • Andrea Anderson
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*Buy four selected Goodyear tires for the price of three from March 23 - April 25, 2015. See in-store for complete details. Offers applicable on our Every Day Pricing (EDP) and valid only with a minimum purchase of four (4) identical tires in one transaction. Not valid for Goodyear National Accounts or Fountain Tire Elite Accounts. Inventory may vary by location. All applicable taxes (ie: GST, PST, HST and tire taxes) are extra. ®™ Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne Inc, and Goodyear Canada Inc. Fountain Tire is licensed by AMVIC in Alberta.
14 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
War veterans enlighten Cambridge Bay students BY AMELIA NAISMITH
A group of high school students from Kiilinik High School in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut will have travelled more than 14,000 kilometers to meet with some of central Alberta’s war veterans and war survivors. Every two years or so, teacher Patti Bligh organizes a trip for a group of the school’s students to tour Europe’s Second World War sites and battlefields. For the last three trips, the students have also made the long hike to Ponoka for an intimate look at the experiences of those directly affected by the war. As it has in the past, this year’s session took place at the St. Mary’s Anglican Church on Monday, March 30. “For my students, we struggle with geography and we absolutely struggle with the history, because we have no connection,” said Bligh. In Canada’s remote north-
ern regions, during the time of the Second World War, the area had no consistent contact or knowledge base until after the war had ended. “However isolated Cambridge Bay is, we’re still completely connected to the new global world,” said Bligh. “We forget that a lot.” With no veterans in the north, Nunavut’s students do not have the same personal connection the rest of Canada’s students do. Bligh says if she or her mother, Donna Boyd, cry at any of the war memorials then that is where the 16 students involved in the trip will get that personal, emotional connection. This is where the visits in Ponoka and that extra education that is not solely based on the facts found in books or museums come in handy. This year also saw a much greater focus on the Netherlands than past trips have, and Bligh took advantage of Ponoka’s blooming Dutch
Veteran Hugh Greene was one of several speakers that shared their war experiences with the Kiilinik High School Cambridge Bay students, Monday March 30 at St Mary’s Anglican Church. The visit is a precursor to the European battlefield trip the school will take later this spring. Photo by Amelia Naismith
Happy Easter!
community to expose that culture to her students. “This time it’s the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Holland, so we want to celebrate that,” said Bligh. Elders are an important part of the community in Cambridge Bay and Bligh feels this opportunity for the students is something they can find a relatable foundation in. “The kids learn well and they’re incredibly lovely children. It’s nice to see everybody communicating; the generations
communicating.” “It’s unexpected connections, those are the most meaningful,” she added. The students will be visiting Paris, Belgium and the Netherlands, with a day trip from Paris to Juno Beach; a location that has not been on the itinerary since 2007. To round off the trip, the school will visit NAIT and Grant MacEwan, where they will meet with other students who came from Cambridge Bay. Bligh wants to teach the
students such trips cost money and success and earnings in life is based on a good education. “We fundraise all of it,” Bligh explained. Interest in history and the trip has spread through the community and Bligh says she already has a Grade 5 student looking forward to her high school experience. The largest concern Bligh is facing in the small number of veterans left. “They’re taking their stories with them,” she said.
Happy Easter! • Spring Bundles starting at $10 • Garden Baskets • Spring Plants • Beautiful Arrangements 403-783-8190 90 50 90 5008 5 00 008 0 51 1 Av Avenue enu nu n nue ue e
flowrs4u@telusplanet.net www.ponokaflowersforyou.ca
We have special treats for your Easter basket! Hope you enjoy all the goodness spring brings
Ponoka
HEALTH FOODS ETC. 403-783-3944
5024-50 Ave. Ponoka. AB
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Easter Services Sonrise Christian Reformed Church
½ mile south of Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury Pastor William Delleman 403-783-6012 www.sonriseponoka.com Good Friday Service 10:30am Easter Sunday Service 10:30am
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 5501 54 Ave • 403-783-4141• trinityponoka.ca
Pastor Tim Graff Maundy Thursday Service 7:00 pm Good Friday Service 10:30 am Easter Sunday Breakfast 9:00 am Easter Sunday Service 10:30 am
Associated Gospel Churches of Canada
CHURCH OF THE OPEN BIBLE 3704 42 St. Ponoka 403-783-6500
St. Augustine Catholic Church 403-783-4048
Fr. Chris Gnanaprakasam Holy Thursday, April 2 - Mass 6:00 pm Good Friday, April 3 - Liturgy 3:00 pm Easter Vigil, April 4 - Saturday 7:00 pm Easter Sunday, April 5 - Mass 9:00 am
PONOKA UNITED CHURCH 5020 52 Ave 403-783-4087
Minister Beatrix Schirner Good Friday 10:00 am Walk of the Cross 12:30 pm Easter Sunday 10:00 am
St. Mary’s Anglican Church 5210 49 Ave
403-783-4329
Priest in Charge Rev. Donna Willer Maundy Thursday April 2 - 7:00 pm Commemorating the Institution of the Lord’s Supper with the Washing of Feet Good Friday April 3 - 12:30 pm Community walk of the Cross Good Friday Liturgy - 3:00 pm Holy Sat. April 4 - 8:00 pm - Easter Vigil with a Celebration Party Easter Sunday, April 5 - 10:00 am Holy Baptism & Eucharist
First Baptist Church, Ponoka 5109-57 AVENUE PONOKA, AB, T4J 1G5 403-783-5533
WWW.FBCPONOKA.ORG
Please join with us as we remember Jesus’ death and resurrection!
Pastor Jerry Preheim • Pastor Matt Sealy • April 3 - Good Friday Candlelight Lord’s Supper Service - 6:30 pm • April 5 - Easter Sunrise Service - 8:30 am Breakfast - 9:30 am Morning Service - 10:30 am
5113 52 Ave
PONOKA NEWS 15
Good Friday, April 3 10:30 am Easter Sunday, April 5 10:30 am He is risen indeed!
Ponoka Word of Life Church 403-783-5659 • April 3 - Good Friday Service 7:00 pm Red Deer WOL Campus • April 4 Eggstravagant Easter Egg Hunt at 1:00 pm St. Augustine Church Gym • April 5 Easter Sunday Service 10:30 am Ponoka WOL Campus - corner of Hwy 2A & Hwy 53
19th ANNUAL WALK OF THE CROSS Good Friday, April 3rd at 12:30pm Gathering at the Ponoka United Church, walking through the streets of Ponoka and ending at St. Mary’s Anglican Church. An interdenominational project.
16 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Maskwacis job fair continues to expand BY AMELIA NAISMITH
Janelle Small tries out a welding simulator at the Maskwacis Job Fair, held Thursday March 26 at the Howard Buffalo Memorial Centre. Photo by Amelia Naismith
The Maskwacis Spring Job Fair is growing, as more schools, employers and community members come to realize its benefits. “The benefits are that we have the employers come directly to the community to offer the opportunities our people don’t get, because of transportation barriers,” said Danielle Cardinal, employer liaison with the Maskwacis Employment Centre.
This year the fair, held at the Howard Buffalo Memorial Centre on Thursday,
“My goal was to actively get a lot more local companies to come out.” Danielle Cardinal
March 26, also saw more high school students attend, and while they were always
welcome in the past, Cardinal says it was not geared toward them in the same capacity. “A lot of schools were interested in coming,” said Cardinal. “We developed the idea to have more attend.” Last year the fair had 41 exhibitors, this year Cardinal says a total of 62 registered. “My goal was to actively get a lot more local companies to come out.” With the economy in its current state and a regression of jobs in the oilfield,
the objective of the fair was to highlight companies still hiring, in order to show the people there are still jobs available. However, that did not mean the oil industry was completely cut out, as many companies are still accepting applications. When it comes to community reception, Cardinal says the fair has been quite popular. “We do get a lot of people from the local community attending.”
This year, Cardinal says she also saw a lot of unfamiliar faces in the crowd and feels word of the fair has spread to communities in surrounding areas. Another big message the job fair likes to promote is that it is not the only opportunity for those in the community who have to seek employment. The host organization, the Maskwacis Employment Centre, is open year long, offering employment aid services.
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PONOKA NEWS 17
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
As riparian areas and watersheds continue to be compromised, the health of the Chain Lakes will deteriorate more and more. At Ponoka County council’s Tuesday, March 24 meeting, Friends of Chain Lakes Society chairperson Joanne McMillan gave councillors a presentation in order to raise awareness on the status of the lakes and gain their support in public education initiatives. The First and Second Chain Lakes have been tested in the last few years and Friends of Chain Lakes used a portion of the $4,000 grant given by the county last year to for an analysis of the Third Chain Lake, which had not been looked at since 2001. “We know the water quality in the lakes are deteriorating,” said McMillan. According to the 2011 and 2013 reports, McMillan says at some points in the lake, there is no oxygen. Clarity of the lakes is decreasing while phosphorus, ammonia and nitrate levels are on the rise. “We can say with all honesty the lakes are deteriorating in health, and drastically,” said McMillan. McMillan added that areas of the lakes in Ponoka County are receiving low scores, which is not a surprise as there are boat access points on the lake. McMillan submitted county CAO Charlie Cutforth a documented analysis of the sites. “Hopefully that can lead to some improvement. We’re asking that you read through the documents.” When it comes to public education, the Friends of Chain Lakes are facing challenges with farming and livestock practices. “Some people have declined assessments on their property because they’re watering (livestock) at the lake,” said McMillan. She wanted to know if
the county enforced any conservation easements practices that could help slow or diminish the actions harming the lakes. With any new development around the lakes, the county is able to impose control or council can mandate healthy actions with applications and subdivisions. However, for older properties, Cutforth says there is not a lot the county can do. “To impose it retroactively, there’d be some legal issues, I know that,” he said. All terrain vehicles are also posing a problem in the county. McMillan says they do not only use the trials and roads to ride but also open slopes along the lake, causing earth and debris to fall into the water. “We have that constant
struggle,” said Cutforth. Coun. Mark Matejka wanted to know what exactly is causing the deterioration of the lakes. County Reeve Paul McLauchlin feels a good course of action would be to launch a point pollution investigation. “There’s a real need to get down to the source of it,” said McLauchlin. Tying into public education, McMillan is hoping the county will go where Friends of Chain Lakes cannot and use its mailing list to let people know the new report will be posted on the Ponoka County website. “The player I see missing for the most part is Alberta Environment,” said Cutforth. “If these lakes are classified as recreational, the health of the lakes is secondary.”
RECYCLE
BY AMELIA NAISMITH
YOUR PAPER!
Group wants to use education to breath new life into dying lakes
The Great Plains — Saskia and Darrel Delronde — played many originals and country covers at the Ponoka Legion on Friday, March 27. Photo by Amelia Naismith
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18 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Yemen: Unintended Consequences Gwynne Dyer Think Globally
The Sunni Arab countries that started bombing Yemen on Wednesday night seem to think they are fighting an Iranian-backed plot to expand Shia power and influence in the Arab world. Most other countries find that hard to believe, but even if the Sunni countries are right, wars often have unintended consequences. This military intervention is likely to have results that Saudi Arabia and its friends don’t like one bit. They’ve all shown up for this war. Saudi Arabia and the other monarchies of the Arab world (Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and even Morocco) have all committed aircraft to bombing Yemen. Egypt, Jordan, Sudan and Pakistan have
offered to send ground troops. And the United States (which just pulled the last American troops out of Yemen) promises to provide “logistical and intelligence support.” In practice, however, this coalition of Sunni Arabs and Americans is unlikely to commit large numbers of ground troops to Yemen: the country has been the graveyard of foreign armies from the Romans to the Ottomans. But if they don’t do that, the (entirely unintended) result of their bombing may be to facilitate the take-over of most of Yemen by al-Qaeda and/or ISIS. Sunni paranoia about the rise of Shia power has its roots in the American invasion of Iraq in 2003. So long as the Sunni minority ruled Iraq, it limited the influence of Iran, the paramount Shia power, in the Arab world. With the US
overthrow of Saddam Hussein and the destruction of Sunni supremacy in Iraq, Iran’s power automatically soared – and so did its influence in Shia parts of the Arab world. Iran didn’t have to do anything particularly aggressive for paranoia to take off in the Sunni countries of the Gulf. Of the 140 million citizens of countries that border on the Persian/Arabian Gulf, about two-thirds are Shias. With a Shia-dominated government in Baghdad, Saudi Arabia and the smaller Sunni Arab monarchies felt terribly exposed and began to see Shia plots everywhere. They see such a plot now in Yemen. The Houthi militia, drawn from the warlike Shia tribes of northern Yemen, have taken control of all the country’s big cities and most of its thickly populated agricultural heartland in less than one year.
This is not actually all that rare an event in Yemeni history, and it never required help from Iran before, but now the hand of Iran is suspected everywhere. That’s why Sunni countries from all over the Arab world piled in so readily. They really believe they are fighting the Iranian bogeyman, although there is almost no evidence of direct Iranian support for the Houthis. (Nor is it easy to think of any strategic reason why Iran would be interested in Yemen.) The historical pattern is that these periodic conquests of the country by the northern tribes usually recede again after a while, because Shias are only a third of the population and the northern tribes who provide the manpower for the Houthi milita are only a fraction of the Shias. But this time nobody is willing to wait for the local Sunni backlash in Houthi-occupied
parts of Yemen to push the northerners out. The “coalition” is now bombing the Houthis all over the country. How intensively and how accurately remains to be seen, but if they really succeed in breaking the Houthi grip on central and southern Yemen, they will create a power vacuum that will NOT be filled by the “legitimate” president of Yemen, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, whom they are allegedly trying to restore to power. Hadi’s forces have utterly disintegrated, and Houthi fighters now occupy the temporary capital that he established in his home city, Aden. (The real capital, Sanaa, has been in Houthi hands since September.) Hadi left Aden by boat on Tuesday, which suggests that he has left the country entirely – unless he plans to create another provisional capital on, say, the island of Socotra. So if the coalition bombs the Houthis out of Aden, but does not commit ground troops
of its own, the real winners will be the al-Qaeda forces that wait just outside the city. Much the same goes for Taiz, the third city, and even for Sanaa itself: it is al-Qaeda or ISIS jihadis who stand to profit most from a Houthi retreat. The only other force in Yemen that could offer any opposition to the jihadis is the fighters who have rallied to the support of exiled ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh since he returned to the country. But Saleh is allied to the Houthis and he is a Shia himself, so it’s hard to see the coalition switching its support from Hadi to him. Yet it’s also hard to see the coalition committing a big army to Yemen. Everybody who has done that has regretted it. So while Sunni planes bomb Shia fighters, the jihadis may step in and sweep the board. An unintended outcome, of course, but not an unforeseeable one. Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.
Alberta's younger generation squeezed more than any other province Paul Kershaw Troy Media Columnist
The budget allocates $7,489 for each of its under 45s while spending $17,129 for each of its seniors.
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Alberta Premier Jim Prentice primed the electorate for spending reductions in his 2015 budget by emphasizing that Alberta spends $1,300 more per person than the national average. What he didn't tell us is how this average breaks down by age. The bulk of Alberta's 2015 spending will be delivered through healthcare ($18.9 billion), education ($7.5 billion), post-secondary ($5.8 billion) and human services ($4.2 billion). Of this money, approximately $17,129 is budgeted for each of the half million Albertans age 65 and over. By contrast, the budget spends $7,489 for each of the
2.6 million Albertans under 45. At these rates, Alberta allocates $2,000 more per senior than Saskatchewan, the next most generous province; and $6,000 more than B.C. However, it spends less than Saskatchewan per younger citizen, and only moderately more than B.C. Alberta doesn't spend more on average. It spends more on retirees. Medical care is at the heart of this pattern. Data show that approximately 41 per cent of the $18.9 billion healthcare budget will go to services and procedures for the 11.5 per cent of the population age 65 and over. This adds up to more than the
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entire K-12 budget; a third more than the entire post-secondary budget; and nearly double the human services budget. Such health spending might be fine if Albertans were getting bang for the buck, because we want the best for our aging parents and grandparents. Alas, evidence shows Canadians spend more on medical care than many other rich countries, but get only middling or below average access to doctors, CT scans, MRIs and patient satisfaction. All the while, doctors get above average remuneration. In response, Alberta is the first province not to increase annual medical spending in some time. This change will make many of us anxious, because we cherish healthcare. So we must remain vigilant about the effects on seniors' access to care for their chronic conditions. If there are problems, we should give further attention to Alberta's new healthcare levy, which will raise 3 per cent of the health budget. It's important to focus on revenue sources for the aging population's medical care because we have not done so historically. As citizens aged 65 and over grew from 9 per cent of Canada's population in 1976 to 15 per cent today, governments added $32.5 billion in annual medical care spending for this age group. But governments did not increase revenue to pay for it. Instead, governments held post-secondary spending relatively constant since 1976, even though twice as many young people pursue this extra education to compete for jobs. Similarly, governments didn't build a child care system, even though young Alberta women increased their labour force
participation by 42 per cent. Although trade-offs like these persist into the 2015 budget, we don't have to cut important services for seniors to escape them. Other reallocations are possible, or we can listen to the 92 per cent of Albertans who supported some kind of tax increase in the government's pre-budget consultation. The Premier listened somewhat, raising various taxes by $1.5 billion - one third from fuel tax increases. Since the government brags that Alberta will still maintain the lowest taxes on gas and diesel in the country, there remains room to think seriously about advice from the Ecofiscal Commission. Supported by Suncor Energy, and championed by Preston Manning, the Commission urges governments to raise revenue less from income taxes and more from systems that put a price on pollution. From a generational perspective, it's time Albertans think about this option. Because we've spent decades raising medical care spending for the aging population without collecting additional revenue, we now have less to invest in younger generations. By pricing pollution, Alberta could ease the squeeze that younger citizens face from larger student debts and child care fees that cost more than university. And it could do so while reducing environmental debts left primarily to younger Canadians, their kids, and the children they still want to have, because the province relies so heavily on resource extraction to pursue economic prosperity. Dr. Paul Kershaw is a policy professor in the UBC School of Population Health, and founder of Generation Squeeze
PONOKA NEWS 19
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Pep rally unites St. Augustine students BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
A student-led pep rally at St. Augustine Catholic School Friday, March 27 helped promote a spirit of unity. The event was organized by the student council, which focused on sports, science and academics and incorporated a team effort to follow through with certain tasks. The goal is to be inclusive, explained teacher Pam Hoffman. “The student council plan activities throughout the pep rally that include as many students as possible.� During the pep rally, a game of hungry hippos was organized with the students being the hippos. Guided by another student, the hungry hippo had to capture different sized balls. Those balls were returned to the classroom and another set of players continued with the challenge. The trick in determining points occurred in the classroom. Hoffman says students rolled two dice; one to determine
The students of St. Augustine Catholic School played a rousing, live action version of Hungry Hippos during their pep rally on Friday, March 27. Photo by Amelia Naismith
which ball type earned points and the other determined how many points they were worth.
“It's a challenge coming up with games that all students enjoy, but it is worth the effort. It is
very rewarding to see the students participating and having fun,� said Hoffman.
Ponoka Riparian Restoration PROGRAM LAUNCH Thursday, April 9, 4:30-8:30pm ‹Â?•Â?‡Â? ‘Â?Â?—Â?‹–› ‡Â?–”‡ǥ ‘Â?‘Â?ƒ
BRIGHT & CLEApNm OPEN 6am-11
daily!
(with demos down at the Battle River)
*SUPPER PROVIDED*
Ponoka County and Town of Ponoka residents: Join us to learn more about this exciting new initiative. All are welcome! This is a free event, but please register by contacting Sarah at 1-888-672-0276 or sarah@battleriverwatershed.ca
We want to work with YOU to improve the health of the Battle River and its tributary streams in Ponoka County and the Town of Ponoka. Funding is available to support landowner and community projects that achieve this goal. Attend the program launch to learn more about the program and how you can get involved! Along with our partners: ‘™• ƒ�† ‹•Š ‘�‘�ƒ ‘—�–› ‘™� ‘ˆ ‘�‘�ƒ
”‡› ‘‘†‡† ‘”ƒ‰‡ ••‘…‹ƒ–‹‘� Ž„‡”–ƒ ‰”‹…—Ž–—”‡ ƒ�† —”ƒŽ ‡˜‡Ž‘’�‡�– ‘˜‡”��‡�– ‘ˆ ƒ�ƒ†ƒ
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20 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Madness in March
THE PONOKA NEWS
Grain markets continue to trade a little erratically with analysts mostly focused on acreage estimates and weather forecasts for the northern hemisphere. The big report to watch is the March 31 USDA Stocks and Acreage report, which will give the USDA’s final pre-seeding forecast for how many acres of what are going into the ground this year. Thus, while the NCAA Final Four Basketball tournament is in full swing, the March Mad-
Your source for your local news
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ness seen in the grains market will likely be a result of traders jumping on any headline or weather report that has to do with adverse planting conditions. There’s growing concern that parts of Oklahoma and Texas could see a big wheat rust problem with both stripe and leaf rust being observed. One specialist made the point that when stripe rust is observed before March (in the area), a large stripe rust epidemic is likely for the Southern Great Plains. The good news is that weather conditions for an exponential growth and spread of the disease have been minimal. Staying in the U.S., there’s chatter that U.S. producers will cut back on their purchase and application of pricey
fertilizers this year. Intuitively, this would help lower fertilizer prices (would expect some easing as demand falls) but we might see an average corn yield below trendline (which, conversely, would help support corn prices). Keep in mind that Purdue University estimates that it’ll cost about $446 USD/ acre to grow corn this year (on average soil), compared to just $228 USD/ acre for soybeans. If you think crop input costs are high here, then consider the Black Sea where currency devaluations have made said costs about 30 per cent higher year-over-year! For this reason, I’m expecting less production that most analysts are calling for in the region. This is mind, the Russian Hydrometcen-
Farm Lead Brennan Turner tre (weather forecaster) is saying that Russian wheat winter crops are in worse conditions than they were last year but matches average characteristics from the last five years. continued on page 22
79th Annual Ponoka Stampede Parade
$99.95* 2015 THEME:
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403-783-8333
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LU SA
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STAMPEDE PARADE ENTRY FORM
Volunteer Week
April 12-18, 2015
Volunteer Week is held annually to thank all the people who donate time to make life better for others. BE SURE TO RECOGNIZE YOUR VOLUNTEERS. Publishes: April 8 Deadline: Thursday, April 2
Spring Home and Garden
IT IN THE
Name: ______________________________________________
Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to promote your products and services to those who might need advice in their upcoming spring needs. Publishes: April 22 Deadline: Friday, April 10 (noon)
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Mailing Address: _____________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________ Fax: _____________________ Contact Person: ______________________________________ Category You Are Entering: _____________________________ ____________________________________________________ Brief Description of Your Entry: _________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Registration deadline; June 24, 2015 Mail entries to: Greg Gordon, Parade Director Box 4336, Ponoka, AB T4J 1R7 or fax to 403-783-5858 or phone cell 403-704-3541
PONOKA NEWS 21
Wednesday, April 1, 2015 • RIMBEY • PONOKA
Need to know what’s happening The lifelong values and joy of good friends in your community ? A long time buddy bour. Here are some of the sent me an email last joys and lessons that we week wishing me a happy have been blessed to learn Friendship Week, and en- along the way, and should couraging everyone to send always strive to share with the same greetings to all of others as much as we can our cherished friends of throughout our lives. yesterday and today. TakWe have learned...... ing nothing away from the *That the best classwonderful leadership, sup- room in the world is at the port and occasional tough feet of an elderly person. love that we received along *That when you’re in the way from our amazing love, it shows. parents and family, most of *That just one person us would definitely admit saying to us, ‘You’ve made that without the countless my day.’ will always make friends, characters and ex- our day. periences that we all have *That having a child shared, we may not have fall asleep in our arms is survived or turned out as one of the most peaceful well as we have.. feelings in the world. The Hammer will be *That being kind is the first to confess that I more important than being made quite a few mistakes right. along that exciting and *That you should nevtopsy turvey road from tots er say no to a gift from a to teens to adults, quite of- child. ten putting play ahead of *That we can always priorities, but I can assure pray for someone when you that I was never alone we don’t have the strength in that great adventure. All to help them out in some of us, through the best and other way. the worst of times, have *That no matter how surely received the sup- serious or busy our life report and encouragement quires us to be, everyone of friends and folks of all needs a friend to act goofy ages and walks of life that with. we have been so lucky *That sometimes all a to have rubbed shoulders person needs is a hand to with. We should be proud hold and a heart to underto look back and be as- stand. sured that the precious *That the simple walks friendship and interaction with our father or a best with others has helped us friend around the block on in many ways to become summer nights when we a better person, and to be were children did wonders hopefully looked upon as for us when we became a pretty good wife, mom, adults. sister, 403-783-3311 grandma, husband, *That life is like a roll www.ponokanews.com dad, brother and grandpa, of toilet paper...the closer it as well as a trusting and gets to the end, the faster it loyal friend and neigh- goes.
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*That we should be glad that God doesn’t give us everything that we ask for. *That money doesn’t always buy class. *That it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular. *That under everyone’s hard shell there is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved. *That to ignore the facts does not change the facts. *That when we plan to get even with someone, we are only letting that person continue to hurt us. *That love, not time, heals all wounds. *That the easiest way for us to grow as a person is to surround ourselves with people who are smarter than we are, then listen, and ask lots of questions. *That everyone we meet deserves to be greeted with a smile, which will hopefully encourage them to return the favour.
Ponoka Capitol Theatre 4904 - 50th St. Ph. 403-783-3639
PLAYING April 3 - 9
*That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them. *That life is tough, but we must be tougher. *That opportunities are never lost, because someone else will take the ones we missed. *That when we harbour bitterness, happiness will usually dock elsewhere. *That many of us wish that we could have told our mother or our father or a family member that we loved them one more time before it is to late. *That one should keep their words soft and tender, because tomorrow, we may have to eat them. *That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve our looks.
*That when our newly born grandchild holds our little finger in their little fist, we are hooked for life. *That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs when we are climbing it. *That the less time we have to work with, the more things we will get done. *That we should always try to meet new friends, but we should always make an effort to keep in touch with our old friends....just a short visit for coffee, phone call, letter, card or email, and we should never push away the people who really care about us, because one day, they won’t come back. Please cherish the true
138 min 2:00 PM Sat & Sun 8:00 PM Daily Rated 14A
SCREEN #2
Cinderella 113 min 2:00 PM Sat & Sun 7:00 PM Daily Rated G
AGES 1264 $9.00 AGES 211 & SENIORS $7.00 TUESDAYS & MATINEES $6.00 3D $3 EXTRA
Hammertime meaning of Easter to the fullest, don’t forget some treats for the kids, and have a great week, all of you..
Saturday, April 11 ~ 10 am - 6 pm Sunday, April 12 ~ 10 am - 4 pm at
PONOKA DROP-IN CENTRE 5015 - 46 Avenue
ANNUAL ART SHOW & SALE
* DOOR PRIZES * * REFRESHMENTS * * SILENT AUCTION * CASH DONATION AT THE DOOR
SCREEN #1
Fast & Furious 7
Mike Rainone
FEATURE ARTIST Bernice Edwards
All new paintings by Club Members
GUEST EXHIBITORS
Ponoka Potters Guild
Ponoka Drop-In Activities 5015 – 46 Avenue
Apr. 19 @ 7pm- Gospel Concert with “Visions” Regular Jam Session every Saturday at 1:00pm - NO jam Session Apr. 4, regular sessions will resume Apr. 11 PONOKA ART CLUB CLASSES 25 Apr Pencil or Colored Pencil “Old Buildings & Cobblestones” - Frank Haddock Classes held at Drop In Centre - 10am - 4 pm Cost $25.00 paid at class Contact Lyla Lang Langford 403-783-1887 or Bernice Edwards 403-783-6858 Pickleball cancelled until spring. Watch for announcement of start up. Billiards - Weekdays 1:00pm. Mon through Sat – 50 cents per game. Honour system Monday Bridge 1:00pm Monday Whist - 1:30pm Monday Yoga - 6:30pm NEW PROGRAM Tuesday Canasta - 1:00pm NEW PROGRAM Tuesday & Thursday Exercise class 9:30am Tuesday Shuffleboard - 7pm. Wednesday Sewing Guild 9:30am to 4pm Wednesday Cribbage 1:00pm Wednesday Yoga - 6:30pm NEW PROGRAM Wednesday Duplicate Bridge 7:00pm Thursday Floor Curling - 1:00pm. Thursday Weaving 1:00pm Welcome to drop-in to see how it’s done Thursday Bridge 1:00pm Thursday Art Club Drop In Noon to 4pm Friday “500” 1:00pm Saturday Yoga 9:30am NEW PROGRAM Memberships available for 2015 - $10.00 per person. 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!
22 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Grain market madness Be environmentally friendly RECYCLE YOUR PAPER!
VJV MARKET REPORT MARKET REPORT MARCH 25, 2015
On Wednesday, March 25, 2015 - 1723 head of cattle went through our rings TOTAL - 1723
SLAUGHTER CATTLE D1 - D2 cows D3 - D4 cows Good Holstein cows Medium Holstein cows Heiferettes Bologna Bulls
128.00-147.00 118.00-130.00 118.00-127.00 105.00-115.00 140.00-148.00 150.00-170.00
Feeder bulls 150.00-160.00 Good Bred Cows 2800.00-3200.00 Older Bred Cows N/A Good Bred Heifers: 2500.00-2800.00 Cow/calf pairs (younger) N/A 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: Dairy Steers Baby Calves Dairy Type: Baby Calves Beef Type: Hay: Sq Bales Straw: Sq. Bales Greenfeed: Sq. Bales.
200.00-215.00 215.00-235.00 230.00-255.00 260.00-285.00 285.00-305.00 310.00-345.00 340.00-370.00 350.00-390.00 185.00-215.00 230.00-470.00 290.00-700.00 4.00-7.00 1.00-2.50 4.75-
Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers
180.00-202.00 205.00-220.00 220.00-240.00 240.00-266.00 265.00-280.00 285.00-314.00 305.00-350.00 330.00-370.00
continued from page 20 The Russian Ag Ministry is suggesting that about 17 per cent of the winter crop was killed off but still expects 100M tonnes to be produced this year (I disagree, as mentioned). Next door in Ukraine, the Ag Ministry says that spring seeded acres is less than half of what was a year ago at this time (AKA behind schedule). If you follow any American farmers on Twitter, you know that U.S. producers are hitting the fields already in the Midwest while wet weather has slowed seeding progress in the Southeast (usually about 45% of corn crops planted by now Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas but almost nothing is in the ground). This in mind, the most recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration outlook report says that things will continue to stay dry out on the U.S. west coast in 2015, with some of this arid weather possibly heading east into the Northern Plains and even western Great Lakes area (Some of this drier weather would be welcomed by areas of Eastern Saskatchewan and western Manitoba). What’s for sure is that we’re seeing an early snow
melt this March (albeit some areas are still getting a little snowfall here and there). Seeing the black stuff re-appear after a winter is given us the itch to get out there and turn that dirt over. Don’t go mad just yet though – spend some time in the shop and get everything ready to go. Proactiveness pays. 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 marketplace (app available for iOS and Android). His weekly column is a summary of his free, daily market note, the FarmLead Breakfast Brief. He can be reached via email (b.turner@farmlead.com) or phone (1-855-332-7653).
ADVERTISE
THE FARMLEAD.COM MARKETPLACE Rd Bales Rd Bales Rd Bales
50.00-85.00 22.5020.00-45.00
Vold Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd. | Dawson Creek Auction Vold Jones & Vold Co. Ltd. © 2006 4410-Hwy 2A, Ponoka Alberta, Canada, T4J 1J8
HERE
INTERESTED IN FINDING MORE $$$ FOR YOUR GRAIN? Register free account, post your grain, & negotiate with 100s of verified buyers (via quarterly credit checks). We make you the broker; increase your marketing options!
403.783.3311
1-888-332-7653
CALNASH AG EVENTS CENTRE APRIL
CALENDAR
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Please check website regularly for further information & updates as info is ‘Subject to change’
5
6
Team Roping Canada Open Ride 1-4pm Roping - 9am East & West 4H Beef Practice 8-9pm Private Booking 6-9:30pm
12
13
Barrel Bash at 10am Ponoka Stampede Assoc. Queen Contest Arena & Classroom 10am-3pm
19
Top Gun Horse Sale - Noon
20
Open Ride 1-4pm
7
Private Booking 8:30-10am
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 1 2
Barrel Practice/Open Ride 9am-4pm Don Laing Trailer Barrel Series #12 7pm
8
Barrel Practice/Open Ride 9am-8pm
Open Ride 10:30am-4pm Private Booking 6-9:30pm Large Arena
14
Private Booking 8:30-10am
15
Barrel Practice/Open GOOD FRIDAY Ride 9am-1pm Arena Closed Open Ride 1-4pm Ranch Roping 7-10pm TRC Roping - setup Small Arena Private Booking 6:9:30pm Large Arena
9
10
Barrel Practice/Open Barrel Bash Jackpot Ride 9am-1pm at 7pm Open Ride 1-4pm Ranch Roping 7-10pm Small Arena Private Booking 6-9:30pm Large Arena
16
17
SATURDAY 4
Team Roping Canada Roping - 9am
11
Barrel Bash at 10am Slot Race at 7pm Central 4H Beef Mini Show 8am
18
Top Gun Horse Sale Preview at 5pm
Open Ride 10:30am-4pm Don Laing Trailer Barrel Series #13 Private Booking Final JP 7pm 6-9:30pm Large Arena
Barrel Practice/Open Open Ride 9am-4pm Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-4pm Ranch Roping 7-10pm Small Arena Private Booking 6-9:30pm Large Arena
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25
29
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Private Booking 8:30-10am
Barrel Practice/Open Ride 9am-8pm
FRIDAY 3
Barrel Practice/Open Ride 9am-8pm
ASHA Move in
24
AB Saddlebred Horse AB Saddlebred Horse Assoc. ‘Spring Fling’ Assoc. ‘Spring Fling’
Silver Valley 4H - Arena 7-9pm Open Ride 10:30am-4pm
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AB Saddlebred Horse Open Ride 1-4pm Private Booking Assoc. ‘Spring Fling’ 8:30-10am Private Booking - Arena 6-9:30pm Open Ride 10:30am-4pm
Barrel Practice/Open Ride 9am-8pm
Barrel Practice/Open Ride 9am-1pm
Open Ride 1-4pm
www.ponokaageventcentre.com 403-755-8490 | 3611 Hwy 2A, Ponoka BREAKFAST & LUNCH SERVED MONDAY – FRIDAY 7AM – 2PM
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Sports
One steer down: Bulldogger Denver Roy grabs hold Saturday, March 28 during the Cinch Spring Thaw Timed-Event Challenge at the Calnash Ag Event Centre. The event started March 27 and ended March 29. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
Cinch Spring Thaw timed event results BY PONOKA NEWS STAFF
These are the results from the Cinch Spring Thaw Timed Event challenge over the weekend of Friday, March 27 to 29. The event was announced by four-time Canadian Pro Rodeo Announcer of the Year Brett Gardiner. Friday’s Barrels for Buckles There were 226 riders in Friday’s open event. 1D: First: Traci MacDonald on Copy N Paradise Second: Jenny Traub on Foxy Third: Kallie Lamb on Perfect Centerfold 2D: Brittany Kaiser on Dorie Sheila Chamulke on Pete
PONOKA NEWS 23
Tamara Bonnett on Savvy 3D: Leanne MacKenzie on Money Shelby Grinde on Cosby Chael Nykolyn on Rio Saturday’s Spring Thaw results: 1D Barrels with 234 entries in the open category: Rene LeClerq on Flit Marci Laye on Hope Madelyn Schauer on Gambler 2D: Megan Ganzer on Huffy Dee Jay Reid on Rosie Deryn Rutz on Jessie 3D: Pam Havens on Harley Penny French on Drifter Leanne Stav on Poncho Team roping open with total payout of $18,254: Winners of the average:
Brett Buss and Klay Whyte Brett Buss and Chase Simpson Justin and Brett McCarroll Team roping #12 Winners of the average: Jesse Tompson and Don DePaoli Luke Skocdopole and Monty Gerner Tyler Johnson and JC Davies Steer wrestling with a total payout of $3,220: Winners of the average: Johnny Webb, time 9.8 seconds Rowdy Hays, 10.8 Matt Richardson, 11.5 Tie-down roping with a total payout of $3,160: Winners of the average Randy Smith with a time of 18.4 on two runs Virgil Poffenroth, 19.6 on 2 Tyler Johnson, 20.2 on 2
WANT TO KNOW IF THE LIONS COMMUNITY BUS IS AVAILABLE?
C heck O ut
our Bus Calendar at ponokalions.ca
Ponoka cowboy sweeps Canadian College Finals BY AMELIA NAISMITH
It may have only been his first time at the Canadian College Finals Rodeo (CCFR) but Ponoka’s Logan Bonnett still managed to out ride and out wrestle most of his competition, winning several accolades. Bonnett competed at the Canadian Finals Rodeo late last year and had high hopes for himself going into this year’s college finals, which took place in Edmonton March 26 to 28. Qualifying in team roping (heading), tie down roping and steer wrestling; Bonnett won the team roping championship along with his partner Leonard Johnson, the tie down roping championship, the finals fast time in team roping, finals fast time in tie down roping, finals men’s
high money winner and the Canadian Intercollegiate Men’s High Point championship. “Team roping is my main event so I had high expectations,” said Bonnett. “I had a really good experience,” he added. On March 26 he finished first in team roping, third in steer wrestling and fifth or sixth in tie down roping. “I was a bit long in calf roping.” The second night Bonnett won the team roping and the tie down roping. In his final performance he won tie down and placed second in team roping. “It was really good. It was a bigger finals than I expected. The competition was really good,” said Bonnett. Going into the competition Bonnett was the high
Logan Bonnett Submitted photo
point boy. Bonnett graduated from Ponoka Secondary Campus last spring and now attends Olds College. He also competes on the Olds College Broncos Rodeo Team.
Ponoka Office: 403-783-3315 Bashaw Office (Tues): 780-372-3627 Wetaskiwin Office (Mon & Thurs): 780-352-6488
SERVICES OFFERED • Personal & Corporate Income Tax Planning • Tax Return Preparation • Accounting & Audit Services• Estate Planning • Business Advisory Service• Government Program Assistance
24 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Kahl Neufeld of Duchess Storm takes a shot on goal Friday, March 27 during the Tournament of Champions novice and atom hockey tournament last weekend. A team from as far as the Northwest Territories came to compete. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
One last tournament for Ponoka novice and atom VISITOR’S GUIDE hockey teams
2015
& BUSINESS DIRECTORY Y From the Ponoka Stampede to the beautiful Battle River valley, Ponoka offers many attractions to tourists and visitors. The Ponoka News will be publishing a 2015 Ponoka Visitor’s Guide in May. Presented in pony-tabloid format with a full colour glossy cover, the 2015 Ponoka Visitor’s Guide will provide essential information for visitors and tourists who come to our community.
COVER INCLUDES FULL COLOUR
Back Cover: $1135 Inside Front: $885 $885 With a distribution of 10,000 copies, the 2015 Inside Back: Ponoka Visitor’s Guide will be circulated to visitor Cover Deadline: information centres throughout Alberta, as well as April 24, 2015 at 12 NOON local hotels, motels, bed & breakfast facilities and retail shops.
Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to promote your products and services.
DISPLAY ADS Business Card: $105 1 ⁄4 Pg (31⁄4”x5”): $180 1 ⁄2 Pg (63⁄4”x5”): $325 $605 Full Pg (101⁄4”x5”): Advertising Deadline: April 24, 2015 at 12 NOON All ads include full colour.
PLEASE CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR SPACE: 403-783-3311 • FAX: 403-783-6300
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
Young hockey players had their last hurrah before the hockey season ended last weekend at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex. Called the Tournament of Champions, the event was held in three municipalities including Ponoka Friday, March 27 to 29. Co-founder Tom McKinlay started the event 19 years ago as an opportunity to give young hockey teams a chance to enjoy the sport one last time. Ponoka, Innisfail and Lacombe played hosts for the tournament, which brought novice and atom teams together. McKinlay said they started the Tournament of Champions to give novice teams an opportunity of their own. While older teams finished their provincials and regular league games, there was nothing available for the younger players. Demand for atom teams developed over the years. “We’ve had people that have been with the tournament for five years.” “That’s how dedicated people are,”
added McKinlay. He says they usually fill up by December and this year teams from Saskatchewan and Yellowknife, NWT came to join in on the action. In Ponoka there were 32 teams that competed. McKinlay says Ponoka is centrally located and the hotels and services are available for participants. He also feels the Ponoka arena is ideal because of the availability of two rinks. When McKinlay started, they had a goal of 64 teams competing in total. Demand grew so fast that they at one time they had more than 200 teams competing. While interest is strong, McKinlay said he is comfortable with 96 to 128 teams in the tournament. Why does he do it? “You can come watch these kids give everything they’ve got,” he explains. McKinlay loves the game of hockey; he coaches a bantam team in Lacombe and he said he looked forward to seeing his grandson play in the tournament this year. For him, and the organizers, it’s all about the love of hockey.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Sports
PONOKA NEWS 25
Ponoka skaters return with medals from competition BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
Skaters with the Ponoka Skating Club had a strong weekend in Red Deer Thursday, March 19 to 22 during a fun skate competition. A total of 11 skaters returned with medals from the Red Deer Skating Club’s Fun on Ice competition. "I had the privilege of coaching many of the skaters who represented Ponoka this past weekend at the Fun on Ice competition in Red Deer,” said coach Brandi McClaflin. She is proud of their performance and says they made some great accomplishments over the season. “Whether the girls were competing in single or team events they all did a tremendous job representing our club and town bringing home numerous medals,” she said. Medal winners: • Bailey Rush: free skate, gold and interpretative, gold. • Kate McNalley: elements, silver; free skate, gold and team event, gold. • Tori McNalley: free skate, gold; interpretive, gold; team event, gold and elements, gold.
Embrace Nature
please recycle your paper when you no longer need it anymore!
• Tegan Lefebvre: free skate, silver; interpretive, silver and team event, gold. • Maddy Underhill: free skate, gold; team event, gold and elements, silver. • Janaya Rawji: elements, gold and free skate, bronze. • Madison Fleck: elements, gold; free skate, gold and team event, gold.
• Rylan Hagemann: interpretive, silver; free skate, gold and team event, gold. • Skye Whitford: interpretive, silver and free skate, bronze. • Emily David: interpretive, silver; team event, gold and free skate, silver. • Mallory McNalley: free skate, gold; elements, gold and team event, gold.
Skaters with the Ponoka Skate Club show off their medals Wednesday, March 25 at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex. Here (back row) are Madison Underhill (second row l-r): Bailey Rush, Kate McNalley, Janaya Rawjii, Rylan Hagemann, Tegan Lefebvre, Madison Fleck and Tori McNalley. Missing from the photo are: Skye Whitford, Emily David and Mallory McNalley. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
26 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
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announcements
Obituaries
Obituaries
LAWTON Michael Raymond Wayne Lawton passed away March 23, 2015 after a battle with cancer. Michael was born February 7, 1962 in Edmonton AB. He leaves behind to mourn wife Angela Crane, daughter Courtney Crane (Kevin) Son and daughter Sammarah and Atreyu. Son Michael Crane (Briana). He also leaves behind parents Harold and Theresa Lawton, sister Jeanette and brothers Dale (Priscilla) daughter Paige, Darrell (Heidi) son Jeremy, along with numerous other relatives. Ceremony was held on Friday March 27 at 11 am at Raymond and Alice Crane residence. Burial service at Samson Central Cemetery to follow in Hobbema. In lieu of flowers, donations gratefully accepted to Unit 32 Palliative Care Red Deer Regional Hospital.
MULLIN, Judith “Judy” Jean On March 26, 2015 Judy Mullin passed away at the age of 68 years. She is survived by her loving family; children, Christine (Brent) Frandsen, Joanne (Dean) Graff, Matthew Mullin and Robert (Nichole) Mullin; grandchildren, Eric, Ashlyn, Karianne and Kyle Frandsen, Sheldon and Emilee Graff, Peyton and Jayden Mullin, and Rose Mullin; sisters, Betty Recknagle, Iona (Ron) Chaytors, Leona Grimm; sister-in-law, Judy Zimmel; brothers-in-law, Wesley (Gail) Mullin and Micheal Mullin as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and many friends. Judy was predeceased by her husband, Rod Mullin; parents, Melvin and Laverne Zimmel; brother, Charles Zimmel and brother-in-law, Don Recknagle. Memorial Service: Baker Funeral Chapel, 5302-50 Avenue, Wetaskiwin on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. In Judy’s memory, donations are gratefully accepted to the Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary or to the Vang Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund.
Obituaries
VOLD, Janet Our deepest sympathy to the Vold family of Ponoka from the Daines family in Innisfail with the passing of such a wonderful lady, Janet Vold. The rodeo world has lost one of the greatest rodeo secretaries ever. God Bless.
SPERBER Erwin Sperber passed away on March 23, 2015 with his family by his side. Erwin was born March 8, 1936 in Poland. He immigrated to Canada in 1954 and married his wife Irma on July 12, 1958. The spent the last 51 years living just north of Ponoka. He leaves to mourn his wife of 56 years, Irma; son Robert (Peggy) and their sons Daniel & Nathan; son Richard (Kelly), their son Luke and daughter Rebecca Simpson (Levi); son Ronald (Janet) and their daughters Samantha & Jessica; and son Mark (Chris) and their children Ryan, Austin, Sarah, and Evan. A Funeral Service was held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ponoka at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2015 with the Interment Service following at Forest Home Cemetery. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Alberta Lung Association or to S.T.A.R.S. To express condolences to Erwin’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements Entrusted To PONOKA FUNERAL HOME ~ A WOMBOLD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME ~
BAKER FUNERAL CHAPEL,
Wetaskiwin in care of arrangements. (780) 352-2501 or (888) 752-2501 Condolences: www.womboldfuneralhomes.com
Classified Memorials: helping to remember
EMAIL: classifieds@ponokanews.com
W
hether it happened Yesterday or Today, Whatever you want to say, To celebrate your special day...
~ Say it with a classified
ANNOUNCEMENT 309-3300 1-877-223-3311
Email: classifieds@reddeeradvocate.com
NELSON, MURIEL JEAN On March 27, 2015 Mrs. Muriel Nelson of Ponoka passed away at the Red Deer Regional Hospital at the age of 83 years. She is lovingly remembered by her children Betty (John) Bremner, Alan (Brenda) Nelson, and Donna (Jason) Sawyer; grandchildren Jenny-Rae (Aaron) Turnbull, Danny (Trish) Nelson, Shanda Sawyer, Reed Nelson, Shelby Sawyer, and Kevin Wiles; great-grandchildren Malachi, Ezra, and Chance; as well as numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Muriel was predeceased by her husband Alton Nelson and her son Ray Nelson. A Funeral Service was held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Ponoka at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2015. The Interment Service took place at Forest Home Cemetery. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation. To express condolences to Muriel’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements Entrusted To
PONOKA FUNERAL HOME
~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~
Jane Bowie On March 21, 2015 Mrs. Jane Bowie of Ponoka passed away at the age of 69 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Charlie; daughters Jeni and Diane; step-children Cody,Codyanne, Bonnie-Jean, Keri, and Kathy; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters Susan and Katie; brothers Jim, Matthew, Sam, Jeremy, and Peter; as well as many other relatives and friends. A Funeral Service was held at the Ponoka Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 28th with the Interment Service following at Forest Home Cemetery. In gratitude for the care given, memorial donations in lieu of flowers to the Red Deer Hospice Society are appreciated. To express condolences to Jane’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements Entrusted To PONOKA FUNERAL HOME ~ A WOMBOLD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME ~
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Meetings
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
52
Coming Events
BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS
PONOKA NEWS 27
59
AL-ANON WEEKLY MEETING FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF ALCOHOLICS. Tuesdays 8 p.m. Neighborhood Place 5110 - 49 Ave., Ponoka For more info 403-783-4557 AL-ANON WEEKLY MEETING FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF ALCOHOLICS. Tuesdays 8 p.m. Neighborhood Place 5110 - 49 Ave., Ponoka For more info 403-783-4557
ALATEEN
Weekly meetings Tuesdays @ 8 p.m. Neighborhood Place 5110 - 49 Ave. Ponoka For more info. 403-783-4557 or 403-783-8371
WANTED
Live-in caregiver for elderly lady in Ponoka Call 403-783-2397 or 403-318-4222
Farm Work
755
FEEDLOT in Central Alberta seeking F/T employee for feed truck operator and machinery maintenance. Send resume to fax: 403 638-3908 or e-mail to: dthengs@hotmail.com
Trades
850
AUDI EDMONTON North Opening this June. We are looking for Licensed Technicians interested in relocating to join a winning group. Please submit resume to: shebdon@ jpautogroup.com.
MESSINGER Meats in Mirror, AB
difference 403-783-3112 RARE & EXOTIC Spring Sale. April 11, 2015, Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds. Sale starts 10 a.m. Contact us for more info: 306-825-5571 or sam@lloydexh.com; www.lloydexh.com. CLASSIFIED Want Ads do more things for more people than any other form of advertising. Phone 1-877223-3311
Employment #700 - #920
CALL 1-877-223-3311 CLASSIFIEDS HOT-LINE WHATEVER YOU’RE SELLING... WE HAVE THE PAPER YOU NEED!
52 CLASSIFIEDS GOOD FRIDAY & EASTER Hours & Deadlines Office & Phones CLOSED Friday April 3, 2015
PONOKA NEWS Publication Date: WEDNESDAY APRIL 8, 2015 Deadline is: MON. APRIL 6 @ NOON BASHAW Publication Date: WEDNESDAY APRIL 8, 2015 Deadline is: WED. APRIL 1 @ NOON CALL CLASSIFIEDS 403-309-3300 classifieds@ponokanews.com
59 Ponoka Co-operative Oils Ltd.
4700 - Highway 2A, Ponoka, Alberta T4J 1K3
Kinsmen Recreation Centre Small Meeting Room N.W. Corner
7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 2, 2015 Financial Statements Ending December 31, 2014
INTERESTED IN the Community Newspaper business? Alberta’s weekly newspapers are looking for people like you. Post your resume online. FREE. Visit: awna.com/ for-job-seekers. FOR fast results: Classified Want Ads. Phone 1-877223-3311.
meat cutting, deboning, sausage making and kill floor work. F/T (44 HRS) permanent position, $18/hr. Please call 403-391-6061
870
900
Employment Training
Misc. Help
Restaurant/ Hotel
820
CAMERON Bay Holdings Inc. o/a McDonalds’s in Ponoka and Red Deer (Gasoline Alley East and West) is now hiring full time and part time Food Service Supervisors. Wages are between $13.75 to $16.00 per hour, depending upon experience and qualifications. Benefits (dental, disability, life and group insurance benefits) and opportunity for job advancement. Candidates must be able to work a variety of shifts and have 3 to 5 years previous experience. Must be able to supervisor up to 20 crew. Part-time applications will be accepted from Canadians and Permanent Residents. Apply in person 4419 Hwy 2A, Ponoka, 37479 Hwy 2, Red Deer, and 37428 Hwy 2, Red Deer or email resume to cbay22@telus.net or fax to 403-783-4251.
Rimbey Implements Ltd.
880
SUMMER EMPLOYMENT 2015 Recreation Director, Landscape Helper
Al York
To make the position full time you would be required to work as a landscape helper. May 15th to Sept. 1. Some experience doing with gardening equipment . Experience in Early Childhood Education-enjoy working with children and outside. Must have own transportation. We are located at the North East end of Gull Lake. Email resume to norval1@shaw.ca
Ponoka is looking for a
Service Advisor
General Manager Cell: (403) 783-0593
Meridian Beach Gull Lake is looking for a Recreation Director for 3 mornings a week for July and August.
Bus: (403) 843-3700
Rimbey, AB
Fax: (403) 843-3430
ANIMAL SERVICES
PLUMBING
The successful candidate will be selfmotivated, able to multi-task, and have superb customer service skills. Automotive experience is an asset but we will train the right individual. No night shifts. We offer paid GM Training, full benefits package, and a great work environment. Looking for someone to start immediately. Please send resumes to: hr@adamsgm.com
900
Looking for a new pet? Check out Classifieds to find the purrfect pet.
AG EQUIPMENT
MEDICAL TRAINEES needed now! Hospitals & doctor’s offices need certified medical office & administrative staff! No experience needed! We can get you trained! Local job placement assistance available when training is completed. Call for program details! 1-888-627-0297.
Classifieds Your place to SELL Your place to BUY
MUST BE EXPERIENCED
PEMBINA RIVER Natural Gas Co-op Ltd. Employment Opportunity Natural Gas Utility Operator. We are seeking the right individual to join our team as a full-time employee. Experience in the operation of a Natural Gas Distribution System is preferred. Computer skills, strong public relations and a willingness to learn are also important for this position. For those without experience we are willing to train the right individual. We offer a competitive salary, benefit package and pension plan. Only applicants selected for an interview will be PROGRESSIVE EMS contacted. Please send SERVICE in Southwest resumes to Pembina River Alberta require a full-time Natural Gas Co-op. EMT Paramedic Attention: General (Advanced Care Manager. P.O. Box 122, Paramedic) currently Jarvie, AB, T0G 1H0 or registered with Alberta email: College of Paramedics pemgas@mcsnet.ca. with no restrictions. The Fax 780-954-3844. opening is located in a Deadline for resumes is rural setting, and based in April 6, 2015. a vibrant, thriving town with full service and amenities. Requirements: Current non Business restricted ACP registration, Opportunities Valid Class 4 licence, Drivers abstract, ACLS, SAWMILLS from only PALS, ITLS certifications, $4,397. Make money & Criminal Record check save money with your own with vulnerable sector bandmill. Cut lumber any check, Completion of dimension. In stock ready Alberta Health Services to ship. Free info & dvd: Emergency Medical www.NorwoodSawServices Medical Control mills.com/ Protocols is an asset. This 400OT. 1-800-566-6899 is an excellent opportunity ext. 400OT. for an EMT Paramedic who values work and life HOW can you make your balance and who wishes phone ring and make some to be a leader within a terrific team of dedicated quick cash? Place your ad here . . . professionals. Please Phone 1-877-223-3311 contact Margaret Cox, Pincher Creek Emergency Services at 403-627-5333 or by fax at 403-627-3502. Employment Email: Training margpcambulance @gmail.com.
880
Misc. Help
Req’s a BUTCHER immed.
LOOKING FOR P/T FARM work preferably operating equipment. Retired 1 yr. looking for something to do. Farmed for many years. Very good with ALCOHOLICS equip., clean, careful & ANONYMOUS Monday night meetings responsible. Look forward at the Anglican Church to interview & also viewing your operations. Ponoka 8:30 p.m. Phone Live in Rocky, have 403-783-0719 for info. own motor home for accommodation, THURSDAY AA Meetings area no problem. at 8:30 p.m. in the Catholic Church basement. Thank you. 705-734-4777 52 Street & 52 Ave. Ponoka. 403-783-4347 Medical 403-783-3442
make a
Meetings
710
790
Mentors
Coming Events
Caregivers/ Aides
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
A & J AUTOMOTIVE A & J AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR
MÉTIS YOUTH SUMMER PLACEMENT PROGRAM
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
12345
If you’re a Métis youth between 15 – 30 years old, and going back to school this fall, Métis Training to Employment Services can give you the assistance you need to land that summer job where you can gain employable skills and the pay cheque you deserve. Call 1-888-48-MÉTIS (1-888-486-3847) online at: www.metisemployment.ca
Funded in part by the Government of Canada.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada. Funded in part by the Government of Canada.
CUSTOM SPRAYING
Craig Fenske 12345 NOW TAKING ONLINE APPLIACTIONS APPLICATIONS ONLINE Are you a Métis student in the last year of post-secondary studies, or an apprentice in technical training? Now you can apply for financial assistance from the comfort of your couch/car/cafe. Visit apply.rupertsland.org on your computer, tablet or mobile device! Of if you’d still like to talk to us you can! Call toll-free at 1-888-486-3847 or visit metisemployment.ca to find the office nearest you.
CUSTOM SPRAYING Licensed pesticide applicator Competitive rates
403-704-0660
28 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
PLUMBING SHANDALL PLUMBING LTD. JAMES AVERY “Reasonable rates on all your plumbing needs� Gas Fitting - Home Renovations - Drain Cleaning -24 HOUR SERVICE-
Employment Training
900
MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada ! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-athome career today!
5306 - 60 ST, PONOKA, AB T4J 1K7 PH: (403) 783-6372 • FAX (403) 783-6345
Sur-B Enterprises Ltd. • Snow Removal • Driveways & Parking Lots • Post-Hole Augering - 6, 9, 12, 15 • Corral Cleaning • Gradingor&Cell: Construction Call Jim Ashbough 403-783-2764 403-588-0599 Jack 403-783-5283 or Cell: 403-588-0597 Call JimSurbey Ashbough 783-2764 or Cell: 588-0599 Jack Surbey 783-5283 Cell: 588-0597
OVERHEAD DOORS
Business Services #1000 - #1430
Cabinet Makers
403-963-5000 Reaching 6000 households weekly
FINISHED in WOOD Custom Cabinets/ Finish Carpenter. Comm. & Residential Kitchen & Bath, Cabinets & Counter Tops. Office Furniture. Free Estimates. 25+ Years Experience/Insured finishedinwood.ca Gerry Lesperance 403-505-8547
For just
$30 per week this space could be yours!
403-783-3311 BOTTLE DEPOT
PONOKA BOTTLE DEPOT Open Monday - Saturday
1240
REFORESTATION NURSERY SEEDLINGS of hardy trees, shrubs, & berries for shelterbelts or landscaping. Full boxes as low as $0.99/tree. Free shipping. Replacement guarantee. 1-866-873-3846 or www.treetime.ca.
Legal Services
1260
CRIMINAL RECORD? Think: Canadian pardon. U.S. travel waiver. Divorce? Simple. Fast. Inexpensive. Debt recovery? Alberta collection to $25,000. Calgary 403-228-1300/ 1-800-347-2540.
Misc. Services
Misc. Services
1290
We Now Recycle Milk Cartons for Deposit
3, 5520 Hwy 2A (Across from Husky)
403-783-6875 SALES & SERVICE
1315
403-783-6272
www.clinkerskennels.ca The Most Famous Basket in the World
If you have just moved into a new home, or have a new baby, it’s time to call your Welcome Wagon hostess.
HIP OR KNEE Replacement? Problems with mobility? The Disability Tax Credit. $2,000 yearly tax credit. $20,000 lump sum refund. For assistance call 1-844-453-5372.
Heather Goodwin 403-704-3647 heathermccg@shaw.ca
1290
New Appliances Needed? New, dependable, affordable Inglis & Whirlpool household appliances.
403-783-5185 1-800-662-7135 Fax: 403-783-4635
1350
Need RV or Self Storage?
Welding
1410
We deliver & install your purchases.
403-783-4880 Misc. Services
1290
Let us amplify your message! 12345 Add this feature to your next career ad booking
Call for more details 1-800-282-6903 ext 235
Auctions
783-3636
1370
METAL ROOFING & SIDING. 30+ colours available at over 40 Distributors. 40 year warranty. 48 hour Express Service available at select supporting Distributors. Call 1-888-263-8254.
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
1530
Unreserved Grazing Lease Auction In Conjunction with Spring Machinery Consignment Sale Friday, April 17/15 Rimbey, Alberta Selling at 12:00 (Noon) 2 GRAZING LEASE QUARTERS LOCATED SIDE BY SIDE Fenced with rolling hills, bush & open spaces. Located north on Hwy 771 (Rimbey Gas Plant Road) 4 Miles to TWR 434, east 1 mile on the south side.
Auctions
1530
AUCTION Sales Wed. @ 6 pm. Antique sales 1st. Sun. of the month @ 1 pm. Apr.5 Moose Hall 2 miles south of Ponoka on 2A WE BUY FOR CASH. 403-304-4791 Check website for full listings www.bigstrapperauctions.net
COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION. 5th Annual Edmonton Motor Show Collector Car Auction. April 10 - 12. Edmonton Expo Centre. Over 80,000 spectators. Over 80% sold last year. Consign today. 1-888-296-0528 ext. 102; EGauctions.com.
Well Drilling
1400
Selling for: RAYMOND DAHMS NE 20-43-1 W5M 43 AUM Per Year EXPIRY DATE: JUNE 30, 2023 ELAINE JOHNSON SE 20-43-1 W5M 43 AUM Per Year EXPIRY DATE: MAY 31, 2018
Sale Conducted by:
Allen B. Olson Auction Service Ltd. Rimbey, Alberta 403-843-2747 Sale Site
Classifieds Your place to SELL Your place to BUY Well Drilling
1400
Well Drilling
1400
RURAL WATER TREATMENT (Province Wide)
Squeezthee MOST out of your advertising dollars
995
• B-PRESSURE • PIPELINE • OILFIELD • ASME Section VIII Division I VESSEL FABRICATION & PIPING • SHOP/PORTABLE • CNC PLASMA CUTTING • ALUMINUM • SHEARING & FORMING
Website: www.harbinwelding.com E-mail: bharbin@telus.net
First Call Towing
and Appliance Service
1290
1410
FAX: (403) 783-8178
Buy & Sell #1500 - #1990
Refrigeration
Misc. Services
Welding
MAIN: (403) 783-7591
8’ X 10’ mini storage units available for rent. Also RV storage. Secure compound. Call Keith at
Berni's
with a combined circulation of over 800,000 for only...
Tues - Fri: 8:30 am-5:30 pm Saturday: 9 am-3 pm
Rental Misc
Roofing
Place your ad in this newspaper and12345 province wide $ Motorcycles & ATV’s
1318
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.
10 am - 5 pm
Closed Sundays & Holidays
Pet Services
* Quality Boarding for your dogs & cats *Proof of vaccinations and advance bookings required
Unplanned pregnancy may be difďŹ cult to face. We care. For conďŹ dential help call 403-343-1611 (24 hrs.)
Misc. Services
1290
CLINKERS Bringing you Gifts & Greetings KENNELS
1054
Landscaping
www.doorsondemand.ca
1290
NEED TO ADVERTISE? Province wide classifieds. Reach GST (based on 25 words or less). Call this newspaper NOW for details or call 1-800-282-6903 ext. 228. over 1 million readers weekly. Only $269. +
Personal Services
BOBCAT SERVICES
BOBCAT SERVICE
Misc. Services
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
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
DENTISTRY
RIMBEYDENTALCARE DR. STEVE CALDER BS C DDS
Family Friendly Dentistry Box 1100 4905 50 St. Rimbey, AB T0C 2J0
Ph. (403) 843-2173 Fax: (403) 843-2607
DENTAL CARE BIRCHLAND DENTAL CLINIC PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY
4037835225 • 4037835235 5118 - 51 Ave., Ponoka, AB T4J 1R5
DR. HUGH PORTER • DR. RICK BARR • DR. JEFF BARR DR. GREG EDWARDS • DR. STELIAN LISMAN DR. DAVE CHORKWA
- General Dentistry - Orthodontics - Cosmetic Dentistry - Bonding - Veneers - Bleaching - White or Gold Fillings - Crown and Bridge - Implant Restorations “WE ENTHUSIASTICALLY WELCOME NEW PATIENTS”
EYE CARE Drs. Heimdahl, ZoBell & Kallal 403-783-5575 1-800-662-7168 WWW.4YOUREYESONLY.CA
-
•
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
NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME
OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday
PONOKA NEWS 29
Auctions
BRUCE’S BOBCAT
Public Notices
UNDEVELOPED LAND in Okotoks, Alberta. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Unreserved Auction, April 29 in Edmonton. 80+/- acres just North of Okotoks town limit. Currently Zoned A Agricultural District. Jerry Hodge: 780-706-6652; rbauction.com/realestate. UNRESERVED AUCTION. Terarosa Antiques, furniture, oil & gas, slot machine, chuckwagon, advertising, collectibles and more. 10 a.m., Saturday, April 4; www.scribnernet.com or 780-842-5666. Location: Marsden, Saskatchewan. WHEATLAND AUCTIONS Spring Consignment Auction. April 18, 10 a.m. in Cheadle, Alberta. Farm equipment, vehicles, heavy equipment, RVs, etc. Consign now! Call 403-669-1109; www.wheatlandauctions.com
EquipmentMisc.
Ponoka County
PUBLIC NOTICE Amendment to Land Use By-Law 7-08-LU The Council of Ponoka County has been asked by Rollie and Joanne Comeau to amend Land Use By-Law 7-08-LU as follows: Reclassify part of the NE 2-43-25-W4 (approximately 10 acres) from Agricultural District to Country Residential District to allow future subdivision of the rezoned area into 5 two-acre parcels. Before considering the by-law, Council will hold a Public Hearing at which any person claiming to be affected may ask questions or make comments. This hearing is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 in the Council Chambers of the County Administration Building. A copy of the proposed by-law may be inspected at the County Administration Building, Ponoka, Alberta during regular office hours.
1660
LOGS
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!
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 LIMOUSIN BULLS Polled Red and black two year olds and yearlings. Red Angus Yearlings. Semen tested. Combest Limousin Farm. (403)742-5211
Grain, Feed Hay
2190
SQUARE hay bales, horse hay quality, 90% meadow brome, 10% alfalfa, no rain, plus second-cut alfalfa. 403-741-4353
403-740-6081
Herd Health
Phone 403-391-1684 ʹͶ
Dr. Bruce Wine
TREE MULCHING
PUBLIC NOTICE Amendment to Land Use By-Law 7-08-LU The Council of Ponoka County has been asked by James and Ellen Wall to amend Land Use By-Law 7-08-LU as follows: Reclassify the existing 26-acre subdivision in the SE 7-42-27-W4 from Agricultural District to Country Residential Hobby Farm District to allow for subdivision of the rezoned area into two parcels. Before considering the by-law, Council will hold a Public Hearing at which any person claiming to be affected may ask questions or make comments. This hearing is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 in the Council Chambers of the County Administration Building. A copy of the proposed by-law may be inspected at the County Administration Building, Ponoka, Alberta during regular office hours.
• FENCE LINES • CUT LINES • POWER LINES • PIPELINES • BRUSH & BUSH • STUMPS MULCHING TO SUIT ALL NEEDS
Doug Casey
Can do trees up to 15” wide
1.403.318.0498 1.403.358.0452
VETERINARY SERVICES
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. Jasmine Hardy
Reaching 6000 households weekly
2140
WE BUY HORSES: broke, un-broke, or unwanted. Jerry Dodds 403-783-0303
• Siding • RooÀng • Fascia • SofÀt • Windows • Sheds
Hillbilly Tree Mulching Ltd.
REPUTATION Shorthorn yearling bulls, halter broken, quiet, reasonably priced. Call Jennifer 403-704-6121
Horses
ROY’S ROOFING & SIDING
CETA CerƟĮed Dairy and Beef Embryo Transfer
Charlie B. Cutforth Chief Administrative Officer Ponoka County 4205 - Highway #2A PONOKA, Alberta T4J 1V9 Phone: 783-3333 Fax: 783-6965 e-mail: PonokaCounty @PonokaCounty.com
Ponoka County
2100
ROOFING
On-Farm Mobile Veterinary Services
ANYT ANYTHING & EVER EVERYTHING
Livestock
403.783.3501 wcmltd@telus.net
Ultrasound-aided ReproducƟve Programs
Large & Small Jobs
403-783-0663
3912 - 66 St, Ponoka www.wcmltd.ca
Bovine Veterinary Services
Semi loads of pine, spruce, tamarack, poplar. Price depends on location. Lil Mule Logging 403-318-4346
Agricultural #2000 - #2290
Commercial - Residential Installations - Repair
VETERINARY SERVICES
1620
A-STEEL SHIPPING Dry Storage Containers. Used 20’ & 40’ Seacans high cube & insulated containers 40’ HC. Winter Specials in stock now. Self unloading delivery. Phone toll free 1-866-528-7108; www.rtccontainer.com.
Firewood
HEATING & EAVESTROUGHING
6010
MEIER SPRING Classic Car & Truck Auction. Saturday & Sunday, May 2 & 3, 11 a.m. 6016 - 72A Ave., Edmonton. Consign today, call 780-440-1860.
8AM - 12:30PM • 1PM - 5PM
BOBCAT SERVICES
1530
For just
Charlie B. Cutforth Chief Administrative Officer Ponoka County 4205 - Highway #2A PONOKA, Alberta T4J 1V9 Phone: 783-3333 Fax: 783-6965 e-mail: PonokaCounty @PonokaCounty.com
$30 per week this space could be yours!
403-783-3311
30 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
VETERINARY SERVICES
Ponoka Veterinary Clinic 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
5502 - Hwy 2A Ponoka, AB
T4J 1M1
THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS FOR
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. SELLING ORGANIC/ conventional Sweet Clover, Red Clover, Alfalfa, Smooth and Meadow Brome, Crestedwheat, Timothy, Sainfoin. Milk Vetch. Free delivery on larger orders! Pasture and hay blends. Birch Rose Acres Ltd., Star City, SK. Phone 306-863-2900; ivanaudrey@sasktel.net.
$30
PER WEEK.
CALL 4037833311 PLUMBING
PONOKA PLUMBING & HEATING • JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER REQUIRED We now carry a complete line of Ritchie Stockwater parts 5110 -50 Street Box 4414 Ponoka, Alberta T4J 1R7
Hours of Business: Monday - Friday 7:30 8:00 am - 5 pm
JESSE ZINTER Office - 403-783-5489
WATER WELL DRILLING SERVICES
Darcy’s Drilling Services • 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
For Rent #3000 - #3200
Acreages/Farms ..............3010 Houses/Duplexes ............3020 Condos/Townhouses........3030 Manufactured Homes ......3040 Four Plexes/Six Plexes ....3050 Suites ..............................3060 Cottages/Seasonal ..........3070 Roommates Wanted ........3080 Rooms for Rent................3090 Motels/Hotels ..................3100 Offices ..............................3110 Stores/Commercial ..........3120 Industrial ..........................3130 Warehouse Space............3140 Garage Space..................3150 Storage Space ................3160 Land ................................3170 Pasture ............................3180 Mobile Lot ........................3190 Misc. for Rent ..................3200
Wanted to Rent #3250 - #3390
Acreages/Farms ..............3255 Houses/Duplexes ............3260 Suites ..............................3270 Rooms..............................3280 Manufactured Homes ......3290 Housesitting Wanted ........3300 Garage Space..................3310 Storage Space ................3320 Stores/Commercial ..........3330 Office Space ....................3340 Industrial ..........................3350 Warehouse Space............3360 Resorts & Cottages..........3370 Pasture/Land....................3380 Mobile Lot ........................3390
Houses/ Duplexes
3020
Email: darcysdrillingservices@hotmail.com
AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY
WATER WELL SERVICE
2 bdrm, 1 ½ bath in 4-plex N/S, N/P • $900 + D.D. Plus utilities 403-704-0310
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!
AVAILABLE APRIL 15 4 bdrm house in Ponoka $1100/mnth plus D.D. Plus utilities Call 403-783-1801 4 BDRM. house, Ponoka on quiet cul-de-sac, fully fenced yard, det. single garage, fresh paint, new blinds, 5 newer appliance, ceiling fans in every room, fully dev. bsmt., 3 1/2 baths, absolutely NO Pets or smokers. $1500. rent/sd., tenant pays all utilities. Min. 12 months lease. Avail. immediately. 403-619-5758
4 Plexes/ 6 Plexes
3050
3 BEDROOM IN 4-PLEX, IN PONOKA. 4 appliances. Close to swimming pool & seniors drop-in Centre, very quiet, mature tenants only 403-783-5493
4 Plexes/ 6 Plexes
3050
RIMBEY: 2 bdrm., open concept, incld’s most utilities, off-street parking, storage & onsite laundry, no pets. 403-843-4894
Suites
3060
AVAILABLE APRIL 1 Bachelor suite $600/month Utilities included 403-790-6011 Large 2 BDRM bsmt. suite in PONOKA incld’s util’s, washer/dryer, no pets, non partier, N/S. Working tenant only. 403-704-1645 PONOKA 1 bdrm. clean quiet adult building, no pets $735/mo. plus power avail., heat/water incld. Feb. 1, 403-348-6594 PONOKA newly reno’d 2 bdrm. 1 1/2 bath, clean quiet building, no pets, balcony $695/mo. plus utils, avail. Apr. 1, 403-348-6594
* RIVERSIDE APTS. * Newly renovated 1 & 2 bedroom units in Ponoka: 3724-45 Street. 403-357-0287
Suites
3270
PROFESSIONAL person looking for suite in Ponoka or Wetaskiwin, $500/mo. Connie @ 403-586-4036
Real Estate #4000 - #4190
Realtors & Services..........4010 Houses for Sale................4020 Houses Wanted ................4030 Condos/Townhouses ........4040 Acreages ..........................4050 Acreages Wanted ............4060 Farms/Land ......................4070 Farms/Land Wanted ........4080 Manufactured/ Mobile Homes ..................4090 Income Property ..............4100 Commercial Property ......4110 Industrial Property ............4120 Cottages/Resort Property ..4130 Businesses for Sale..........4140 Buildings for Sale ............4150 Lots for Sale ....................4160 Out of Town Property ......4170 Investment Opportunities ..4180 Mortgages Bought/Sold....4190
Houses For Sale
4020
EXECUTIVE BUNGALOW - 3842+/- sq. ft. on 33.98 title acres & 5.50 Acre Lot w/32, 440+/- sq. ft. Commercial Industrial Buildings. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Unreserved Auction, May 7, Getkate Property near Lethbridge, Alberta. Jerry Hodge: 780-706-6652; rbauction.com/realestate.
HIDDEN GEM
Enjoy the seclusion of this quality, 5 bdrm., 3 bath, Exe. home, furn., 4 + att. Garage, PRIVATE Boat DOCK! Offered under Appraised Value at 749K ! Be HERE for MAY LONG! Dori Westin, Coldwell Banker Ontrack Realty 403-357-9010
NOTICE OF APPLICATION Confined Feeding Operations Ferrybank Farming Co. has filed application RA15003 with the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) to obtain approval to expand a confined feeding operation on SW 10-44-27 W4M in Ponoka County. The application is to increase their chicken broiler operation to 73,200 and to construct two new broiler barns.
Filing a Statement of Concern Any person who is directly affected by these applications may submit a statement of concern to the NRCB. The statement of concern must be received by the NRCB on or before May 1, 2015. Submissions should be made to the NRCB address provided below. A copy of the statement of concern will be sent to the applicant for review and comment. Statements submitted regarding the application are public records. Your statement of concern should include your name, the legal land description of your residence or landholdings, mailing address, phone number, fax number (if applicable) and a detailed summary about how you would be directly affected by this application. Failure to submit a statement of concern may affect your rights to apply for an NRCB review.
Viewing the Application A complete copy of the application and supporting documents submitted to the NRCB under Agricultural Operation Practices Act may be viewed during regular business hours at the Red Deer office of the NRCB or on the NRCB website www.nrcb.ca. If you require further information, please contact the approval officer listed below
Francisco Echegaray, Approval Officer #303, 4920 - 51 Street Red Deer, AB T4N 6K8 Francisco.echegaray@nrcb.ca T 403-340-5027 F 403- 340-5599
The closing date for submissions: May 1, 2015 Dated at Red Deer, AB, on March 26, 2015 www.nrcb.ca
PONOKA NEWS 31
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Acreages
4050 Transportation #5000-5300
HIGH and DRY
4 Acres, 1 Mile E of Caroline, Trees on N Property Line, Power to Property, $129,000. Dori Westin, Coldwell Banker ONTRACK Realty 403-357-9010
4090
Manufactured Homes
CHOOSE FROM 8 Brand New Triple M 20x76 kitchen special spec manufactured homes starting at $138,500 and save over $5000! For more information call United Homes Canada 1-800-461-7632 or visit our site at www.unitedhomescanada.com FINAL CLEARANCE SALE. Check out the discounts on all of our 2014 homes left on our lot. We have two 20 wide homes and one 16’ wide left. For information call Marg at Craigs Home Sales in Lethbridge. 1-855-380-2266. We deliver up to 300 km free. IMMEDIATE Occupancy available! New 3 bedroom, 1520 square foot modular for sale in Ponoka. Just $867/mth mortgage! Toll Free 855.463.0084, online at www.jandelhomes.com or email us at sales@ jandelhomes.com
Automotive Services ........5010 Antique & Classic Autos ....5020 Cars ..................................5030 SUV’s................................5040 Trucks ..............................5050 Heavy Trucks....................5060 Vans/Buses ......................5070 Motorcycles ......................5080 Campers ..........................5090 Motorhomes......................5100 5th Wheels........................5110 Holiday Trailers ................5120 Tent Trailers ......................5130 Utility Trailers ....................5140 ATV’s ................................5150 Boats & Marine ................5160 Snowmobiles ....................5170 Tires, Parts & Accessories ......................5180 Auto Wreckers ..................5190 Vehicles Wanted ..............5200 Car/Truck Rental ..............5210 Recreational Vehicle Rental ..............................5220 Trailer Rental ....................5230 Misc. Automotive ..............5240 RV’s ..................................5300
Cars
Canadians increasingly opting for peace of mind when it comes to their mortgage: A new survey finds Canadians not banking on further rate cuts and are electing to lock in the benefits of a fixed-rate mortgage
5030
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As the spring home-buying season approaches, a new CIBC poll, conducted by Nielsen, finds that 57 per cent of Canadians are opting to lock in their monthly mortgage payments at today’s historically low interest rates. That’s up sharply from 48 per cent in 2014 and just 39 per cent in 2011. Highlights of the poll include: 57 per cent of Canadians would choose a fixed-rate mortgage if they were to acquire, refinance or renew a mortgage today 30 per cent would pick a variable-rate mortgage 11 per cent were undecided between fixed and variable, down from 19 per cent in 2014 and 25 per cent in 2011 44 per cent expect higher mortgage rates next year, down from 47 per cent last year and 61 per cent in 2011 42 per cent expect rates to stay the same in the next 12 months 9 per cent believe rates will be lower in the next 12 months “The poll results confirm what many of our clients are telling us, that they don’t expect rates to go any lower and, in today’s housing market, they want the comfort and security of knowing exactly what their
mortgage payments will be for the next four or five years,” says Barry Gollom, Vice President at CIBC. “With the high cost of housing, there is definitely a strong case to be made for the predictability and financial peace-of-mind that a fixed-rate mortgage can provide.” Choosing the right mortgage As a growing number of Canadians see fixed-rate mortgages as the best choice for them, Canadians are more decisive about the type of mortgage they would choose today. Only 11 per cent are undecided in 2015, compared to 25 per cent in 2011. Meanwhile, the number of Canadians selecting variable-rate mortgages has held steady around 30 per cent over the last five years. Whether buying, refinancing or renewing a mortgage, Canadians need to think beyond rates when making a decision on a mortgage. “While rates tend to factor heavily into your decision whether to go fixed or variable, it’s extremely important to make the decision based on your own financial situation and how well you’re able to juggle making your monthly payment, paying household expenses and saving for your
retirement or your children’s education,” says Mr. Gollom. “There are multiple factors that you should consider with your financial advisor. You want to be able to sleep at night and not worry that you won’t be able to make your monthly payments.” Today’s low-rate environment is an opportunity Today’s low-rate environment is an opportunity for first-time homebuyers or those looking to refinance, says Mr. Gollom. “Homeowners have a rare chance to lock in at historically low rates,” he says. “Many people may also be able to use this as an opportunity to make extra payments over that time so that they can pay off their mortgage sooner.” Each week, Nielsen Consumer Insights interviews just over 1000 Canadians through teleVox, the company’s national telephone omnibus survey. These data were gathered in a sample of 1,015 Canadians between March 5-8, 2015. A sample of this size has a margin of error of +/-3.1%, 19 times out of 20. Some sample sizes for regional and age groups under Key Findings are smaller than typically reported and provided only as reference data.
32 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
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