CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY Vol. 67, No. 44 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015 | 403-783-3311 | WWW.PONOKANEWS.COM
Stampeders win two, lose one in busy hockey weekend Story on page 29
Finally winning the long battle against poliomyelitis Story on page 5
Flu shot time Folks got their flu shots on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the Kinsmen Community Centre during a community flu shot clinic. Here RN Sherry Kramer administers the nasal application to Caitlin West while her mother Alex sits with her. The Ponoka Health Unit at 5900 Highway 2A will take appointments on Monday Nov. 9 as well as a drop-in clinic on Tuesday, Nov. 24. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
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PONOKA NEWS 3
Homicide investigation brings arrests in Ponoka and Maskwacis
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE A man charged with second-degree murder in Calgary was located and arrested after a carjacking and home invasion near Ponoka. Investigations into the death of Calgary resident Christa Cachene on Oct. 11 led to Calgary Police charging Isaiah Riel Rider with second-degree murder who was located in Maskwacis. The events leading up to his
arraignment involve a car jacking on Highway 2 south of Ponoka at 3:40 a.m. on Friday morning. Police say there were five occupants in a stolen SUV that was in the median when some of those passengers forcibly removed three individuals from a Honda Civic. A 19-year-old woman was located and arrested nearby by officers. Approximately two hours later, Ponoka residents had their home broken into and were threatened with a pipe and forced to give up their Jeep Cherokee and an undisclosed amount of money to the suspects. Along with the 19-year-old woman, police were able to arrest an 18-year-old man and 17-year-old girl near the invaded Ponoka home. It is believed the victims were seniors. Ponoka RCMP notified nearby detachments to be on the lookout for the Jeep and remaining two suspects. A
short time later, Maskwacis RCMP reported witnessing the Jeep travelling at high speed on the reserve. A spike belt was deployed and the Jeep came to rest just as it entered the Ermineskin reserve, say police. A 17-year-old girl was arrested and a male suspect fled on foot. At that point, RCMP detachments, police dog services, RCMP air service conducted a wide scale search with the assistance of Maskwacis residents. Upon receipt of a tip, the man, later identified as Rider, was located and arrested without incident. Both stolen vehicles were recovered as well as a firearm. It is unclear if the firearm has any relation to the Calgary homicide investigation, what type of firearm it is or which vehicle it was in. Police say the three victims of the alleged carjacking were taken to the Ponoka Hospital and
Man pleads guilty before start of trial BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE Rather than face trial, a 28-year-old Rocky Mountain House man pled guilty to charges of mischief, breach of conditions and failing to remain in a residence during curfew at the provincial court Friday, Oct. 23. Travis Sunchild was set to go to trial with defense counsel Craig Patterson defending his case; however, at the last minute he opted to plead guilty to the charges. Patterson and crown prosecutor Steve Degen provided a joint submission to the judge with a recommended punishment for the charges. Degen explained to Judge Jim Mitchell that a complaint was made by a woman who said Sunchild and his brother tried to break into her home June 12 this summer. The woman made the call the day after the incident telling police that her three children were at home at the time, explained Degen. Sunchild and his brother, who is the woman’s ex-boyfriend, almost kicked the door off of its hinges before her 18-year-old son yelled at the men to leave. Degen said the purpose for attending the home appears to be that Sunchild’s brother was jealous of the woman’s new boyfriend and the two were going to beat up the man, however, they could not find him. “Who knows what they would have done if they would have found him,” offered Degen. Police did speak with Sunchild some time later
and he has been remanded in custody since July 1. Degen recommended 160 days of time served with time and a half credit for Sunchild, which released him from custody. Patterson explained to Mitchell that Sunchild has a Grade 11 education and has five children. The decision to support his brother in finding the boyfriend was unconscionable, offered Patterson, who added that Sunchild will be looking for work right away. “He is set to move to Calgary where I believe his nephew is set up to find him a job.” He added that he feels the punishment is appropriate
for the events that occurred. Mitchell was clear in his judgment and challenged Sunchild to change his life around. “You’ve been down this road for 10 years,” stated Mitchell. He said that while Sunchild wanted to support his brother, those actions most likely instilled great fear in the woman at her home and added the guilty plea was a step in the right direction. “If you don’t change your attitude Travis, you’re bound for the penitentiary,” stated Mitchell. The judge agreed with the charges and also ordered Sunchild to pay a victim fine surcharge of $200.
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Care Centre where they were treated and released. Rider is remanded in custody and faces 18 charges. Two youths have received multiple charges while Lesa Okeynan of Calgary was charged with eight offences. Allan Rain also faces 11 charges. All five are expected in court Friday, Oct. 30. Rider was being held in Maskwacis and is expected to be transferred to the Calgary Police Service and investigators say further criminal charges are pending. Dangerous driver nabbed: Members of the Ponoka Integrated Traffic Unit were conducting radar patrols Monday, Oct. 19 at 10:30 p.m. on Highway 2 when one officer tagged one driver at speeds in excess of 220 km/h. The officer attempted to catch up with the motorist and was almost hit by a second vehicle that appeared to be racing the first. The officer worked to catch up with the vehicle, a 2003 Nissan Maxima, and then clocked the driver at 186 km/h before he sped up. Emergency lights were activated and the motorist, a 28-year-old Edmonton driver, is reported to have braked and then turned into the east ditch about 2 kms south of the Bear Hills rest stop. Officers charged the motorist with dangerous driving, obstructing a peace officer, possessing false documents - the man had someone else’s driver’s licence and had insurance paperwork that was altered - and having no insurance.
Abandoned vehicle burned: Police responded to a call of an abandoned vehicle on Range Road 255 on Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. The caller said the vehicle appeared to be burned and was still smoking at the time the call was made. By the time RCMP arrived, the car was completely burnt. The registered owner of the vehicle was notified. Home broken into: Police are investigating an incident where a home was broken into Oct. 20 in the afternoon. Suspects entered the home by prying open the door to gain entry and had ransacked the home, stole some property and went through the homeowner’s refrigerator, leaving a mess of thawed soup on the floor. The matter is under investigation. Heavy equipment stolen: Approximately $80,000 worth of equipment was stolen from a property along Highway 2A. A Bobcat, mat grapple and pulsar cutter were taken from the yard and have since been recovered by the Sylvan Lake RCMP. The matter is under investigation. Surprised motorist with warrants: A motorist stopped at an intersection with nothing to indicate a need to stop appeared surprised when she saw a police officer nearby Oct. 21. The officer subsequently stopped the vehicle and made a query of the driver. It turned out she was wanted on outstanding warrants as was the
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passenger. She was arrested on those warrants and the passenger was arrested for a breach of recognizance.
Police worked together to locate Isaiah Riel Rider who has been charged with second-degree murder of Christa Cachene on Oct. 11 in Calgary. Rider was found in Maskwacis after a carjacking and other events through Ponoka and then Maskwacis. Photo courtesy of RCMP
Christa Cachene was murdered on Oct. 11 in Calgary. Facebook photo from Cachene candlelight vigil
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4 PONOKA NEWS
Religion
Your Guide To Local Houses of Worship
Get what you really want
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
ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH Fr. Shimit Abraham CFIC Mass Times: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 9:00 a.m. Sunday
JEREL PETERS Area Director Central Alberta Youth Unlimited
It doesn’t take long in life to discover that it’s often not very easy to get what we really want. As I listened last week to people share their thoughts on the results of the federal election, I heard tales of both the satisfied and the dissatisfied. Some are convinced that the new party holding a majority government will be capable of righting their perceived wrongs and others fear that the change will bring devastating effects on the country morally or economically. More than likely, Prime Minister Trudeau will prosper in some areas and struggle in others. It seems inevitable that governments will come up short at accomplishing all one desires of them. Recently, I got together with some friends to explore “the Happy Series” (www.happyseries.org) from a church in Atlanta. The basic premise is that no “thing” can make us happy, and that happy people are at peace with God, others and themselves. While you might not agree with that concept, I would challenge you
to consider it. The struggle for happiness in life reminds me of Galatians 5, which explains the conflict that is going on inside of each one of us right now. “The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” (Galatians 5:17) Have you ever felt this conflict going on in your life? Basically, they are fighting with each other so you actually don’t get what you really want. You have probably realized, many times over, that most often the things you
Whether we like it or not or whether he’s ready or not, our next Federal Government of the Dominion of Canada will be led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a flamboyant 43-year-old young man, who has somehow managed to supercharge his Liberal party into a strong 180 seat majority government. In just a few weeks, another Trudeau will assume the title of “Prime Minister”, hopefully poised and ready to carry on the colorful and often controversial politi-
stachurch@shaw.ca
ST. MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH Rev. Donna Willer Rev. Marty Tuer, Honourary Assistant
PONOKA RISING SUN CLUBHOUSE
403-783-4329
Sunday Service: Holy Eucharist 10 a.m. www.stmarysanglicanponoka.com
TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 5501 - 54 Ave. Ponoka 403-783-4141 Sunday Service: 10:30am Sunday School: 10:30am Pastor Tim Graff • trinityponoka.ca
ZION CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Pastor Fred Knip 9 miles east on Hwy 53 403-782-9877 Jr. Church during service for children Sunday Service 10:30 am
think will make you happy come up short. I feel like I am reminded of this daily. Maybe you have thought something like this, “If only I could get …” or “If I just had …” Fill in the blanks with whatever it is that you crave, but if it’s anything like me, you will find that once you get what you thought would be a continuous source of satisfaction, you realize that it has a shelf life to it. There is no other way to explain the way someone who was once head over heels in love could reach a point where they never want to see that person again. It’s the reason why we can think that the new car, job, cell phone or house is the ticket to our long-awaited happiness, but soon after we
get, it we discover that we asked something of it that it could never accomplish. However, instead of getting wise to the reality that no “thing” can make us happy … we simply reboot and try again. What if the real secret to happiness in life has nothing to do with our constant cravings and longings? Maybe there is no thing that can make us happy. I know in my life, when I increase my response to my Spiritual nature and decrease the response to my sinful nature. my continuous happy cravings decrease and my actual happiness increases. As I experience peace with God, I also get peace with others, and thankfully … even peace with myself.
New Government is a touch of orange and blue in a sea of red
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cal career and robust tradition of his father Pierre Elliot Trudeau, who carried the Liberal Party banner as the Prime Minister of Canada from April 1968 to June 1979 and from March 1980 to June 1984. I have to admit that I have never been much of a Liberal supporter, but maybe this time around, during our longest ever federal election campaign, this very popular Liberal Party leader quietly took all the criticism in stride, then went out, hit the bricks from coast to coast, and simply outworked and outwitted Harper, Mulcair and all the rest who were trying to grab the best share of the fancy seats on Parliament Hill. As always, after all the election results were in around 10 p.m., the media had offered their opinions and added lots of ‘fluff’ along the way, and the party leaders had presented their evening wrap-up speeches in order of finish, it has now gone right back to the proud Canadian citizens for their opinions on what our fate might be for the next four years. Whether we were
MIKE RAINONE HAMMERTIME shocked, ecstatic or devastated the next morning over those final results, everyone 18 years of age and over and from all walks of life across our nation who went out and cast a ballot and expressed their right of choice should be very proud that they have contributed to one of the best voter turnouts in a federal election for decades, including 71 per cent of eligible voters in Alberta, and 68.5 per cent across the nation. continued on page 28
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
PONOKA NEWS 5
Reflections of Ponoka
Finally winning the long battle against poliomyelitis BY MIKE RAINONE FOR THE NEWS Most of us who were growing up in the 1950s will vividly remember lining up in the class room with our buddies to bravely receive our annual Immunization shots against such dreaded diseases as diphtheria, small pox, whooping cough, rubella, measles, chicken pox and poliomyelitis. Beginning in 1910, and especially between 1927 and 1953, Canada was among those nations hardest hit by a major epidemic of paralytic polio, which resulted in tremendous suffering and death, widespread treatment in hospitals across the nation and the introduction of the ‘Iron Lung’, as well as the cancellation of countless social and community activities. From what I remember, the shots never hurt that much, sometimes we even got a treat for rolling up our sleeves, and if we complained, our parents always reminded us how important the immunization program was in making sure we stayed healthy and hopefully prevented us from catching any of those terrible diseases. This devastating and highly infectious disease, which could quickly spread from person to person, affected the nervous system and was known to cause temporary or permanent paralysis, mostly in young children or adults. In those first early years, the disease steadily grew across the nation, with devastating numbers rising from 313 cases in Alberta (609 in Canada) in 1927 to 1472 in Alberta (8878 in Canada) in 1953. Canada would also become one of the first nations in the world to successfully totally eliminate this horrific disease, which came after the introduction of the Salk inactivated Polio Vaccine (PV) in 1955 and the Sabin Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) in 1962, with the last case of polio in Alberta identified in 1979 to a non-immunized child. The OPV vaccine was updated in 1994, and to this day with prevention and community awareness still very vital, every child each year is offered the polio vaccine as part of the routine four-dose immunization program directed by the Alberta Health Services. For the approximately 50,000 babies born in our province every year, this works out to 200,000 plus doses administed annually.
Ponoka Rotary Club assists world-wide Polio elimination Since 2013 and into 2018, the 1.2 million members of Rotary International have passionately pledged their support to join partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in order to achieve the final vital stages of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Their exciting goal is to ‘Make History Today by Ending Polio Now’, and their over-
whelming pledge is for the Rotary International member clubs to work together to help with the raising of an ongoing part of the up to US $35 million a year that has been committed to the World Health Organization and UNICEF in direct support for ongoing polio immunization throughout the world. Due to the great efforts by so
many in the medical and public sectors everywhere, the polio cases are now down 99 per cent worldwide from 350,000 cases in 1988, which is an all time low, with the only countries still left polio-endemic being Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan, which will be among the most difficult challenge before the world can hope
A young Bernie Steinmann bravely gets ‘needled’ by Miss M. Fawcett of the Wetoka Health Unit in Ponoka during the 1950s when the vital poliomyelitis immunization shots were provided to the students in the higher grades of the Ponoka and district schools. Between 1927 and 1953, Canada was among those nations hardest hit by major epidemics of the dreaded paralytic polio. Photo from Ponoka Herald to finally be declared polio-free. Ponoka Rotary clubs have been active in the community for many years, and the current group, which was incorporated on January 10, 2010, have been together for about six years and members include Peter Lok, Melodie Woods, Linda Steinmann, Paul Kim, Juanita Knight and Gord and Delphine Svenningson. The local club, who celebrated their participation in the Rotary International Free the
World of Polio Campaign on Friday, Oct, 23 meet every Friday at 7 a.m. at the Ponoka Anglican Church, and new members are always welcome. Other community programs and fundraisers that the Ponoka Rotary Club are pleased to be involved in have included a $50,000.00 donation to the construction of the new Ponoka Elementary School playground, sponsoring the Riverside Rotary Park Playground with the purchase of new equip-
ment and the addition of a neighbourhood winter skating rink, sending local high school students to weekend Rotary leadership camps, as well as providing annual scholarships to our graduates. Those interested in taking part in the Ponoka Rotary Club or receiving more information on their ongoing projects and goals are welcome to phone 403783-4472 or contact email: PonokaRotary@gmail.com., and they thank everyone for their kind support.
Remember When... The Iron Lung was invented in 1928 and used extensively throughout North America on into the 1950s as a treatment for many of the thousands of patients who were suffering from dreaded Paralytic Polio. Many of the effected individuals of all ages who were having trouble breathing because of the disease were required to spend countless hours and even years in the iron lung, which would assist their respiratory stress while they were receiving treatment for the paralysis.
6 PONOKA NEWS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
Opinion
New beginnings at three levels of government
MUSTAFA ERIC Editor
With the federal election out of the way and a new government coming in, now may be a good time to turn the focus to provincial and municipal politics. Starting from the immediate neighbourhood, Ponoka Town Council has taken a decisive step in dismissing the CAO after apparently concluding that she didn’t live up to
the expectations. The year she spent at her desk will have to be written off as a time of lost opportunities as her practices did nothing but complicate town’s relationships with many stakeholders, foremost among them, the county. Now that the major hurdle of bureaucratic stalling has been cleared, there is still enough time for the council to do a lot of good for the community if councillors can get their act together, as residents will be looking forward to seeing a more functional town leadership. But to get there, given the importance of administrative staff in managing town’s affairs, we should all be first wishing lots of luck and wisdom to town council in recruiting the right candidate for the job.
As for the wider provincial platform, we have recently seen a few far reaching steps from the government of Rachel Notley: A new ministry has been created to focus on economic growth and development; two review boards have started working on oil and gas royalties and climate change, two key priorities for the province; and just last week a u-turn to a province-wide healthcare organization from regional health services was announced. And all of this came fairly shortly before the announcement of widely expected (and belated) provincial budget. As the budget figures come too late to be commented on in this editorial, we may speculate on the organizational setup that is emerging under
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, Michele Rosenthal
Judy Dick Manager
the NDP government. One can probably look at the latest announcements in two ways: 1) The government has wasted lots of time since their election in May and they are only now announcing their organizational restructuring, a clear indication of how sloppy this government will continue to work in the remaining time of their tenure; 2) The government was wise to take its time in deciding and announcing their steps in reorganizing the structure and workings of the departments; this is a good sign that they will not be rushed to making decisions and announcements before measuring the potential impact and repercussions. Whichever way one may look at it, the fact is that decision-making is taking
Mustafa Eric Editor
Jeff Heyden-Kaye Reporter
its time with the Notley government, and within a particular context, that might not have been a bad thing in itself. Within just days of Notley government taking office, the 78-day federal election campaign was launched. Could the provincial NDP leadership have preferred to wait until the clarification of the outcome of the federal election in order to announce the recent decisions and to finalize their budget? What kind of considerations may have played a part in delaying a decision to create a whole new department within the cabinet for more than two months? As citizens, we are not privy to that kind of information. But a comparison of this government’s cautious
Jordie Dwyer Reporter
approach to decision making to the blitzkrieg of announcements that followed the assumption of the post of premier by Jim Prentice may be telling something that both the electorate and the opposition should be listening carefully. This is not to say that as the main opposition Wildrose should extend a blank cheque of support to Notley and her cabinet, but perhaps to grant them a grace period, so to speak, instead of firing salvoes after every government announcement. Whether federal, provincial or municipal, we need cool heads to prevail in our governments. With new beginnings at all three levels (considering a new CAO will have to be employed for the town), there is every reason to be hopeful for the future.
Karen Douglass Sales
Susan Whitecotton Administration
manager@ponokanews.com editorial@ponokanews.com reporter@ponokanews.com rovingreporter@ponokanews.com sales@ponokanews.com admin@ponokanews.com All editorial content, advertising content and concepts are protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is forbidden.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
PONOKA NEWS 7
Letters
Canada needs a better election system Dear Editor, Political parties and their support change over time. Electors switch allegiances and the change often moves to the opposite end of the political spectrum to what it has been. It’s as if the momentum in one direction , like an electrical circuit breaker in the political system, has been cut. Perhaps the incumbent party crossed some line, a combination of its political rhetoric and the public response to it. Opinion polls showed an unexpected shift over the last month. We can opine however we want, and no doubt pundits will share their expertise but reading the public mood is not always easy. You’d think politicians’ street smarts is generally above the average, yet, for many, party bosses likely ensured that their candidates stuck close to the party line, irrespective of how nuanced individual candidates felt about particular issues. Many candidates were swept away with the public perception of their party, irrespective of the individual skills and
the nuanced views candidates brought to the election campaign. The Liberals’ timeline for an alternate, more representative government has not been shared to date. It potentially can prevent this loss of talent from our political process. When instituted, it might ensure that smart, committed candidates who are problem solvers across party lines, will have a better chance of sitting in parliament. The first past the post system, our current system, does not reflect the percentage of the national vote a party receives. For instance the Liberals who obtained 39.9 per cent of the popular vote received 54 per cent of the seats, the Conservatives 31 per cent of the popular vote and 29 per cent of the seats, and the NDP at 20 per cent of the popular vote but 13 per cent of parliamentary seats. A new electoral system would need to balance local and regional issues while at the same time be more representative of the popular vote. Smart and creative people can work out a formula that can address this need for
Calkins needs to be kinder Dear Editor, I’m happy for Blaine Calkins and his family upon winning a “landslide” victory in the recent election in Red Deer-Lacombe. Seventy per cent of the voters in the constituency will be happy as well. But I remind Mr Calkins that the Conservative Party of Canada under Stephen Harper’s leadership did NOT win a landslide victory across the country. Obviously, many Canadians would not share Mr. Calkins’ admiration for his “great” leader. Harper was defeated on many issues including his divisive politics; contempt for Parliament, the courts and the press; the stoking of xenophobic attitudes; the muzzling of scientists; reckless spending of public funds on partisan advertising… the list could go on. Being partisan is fine— this is a democracy. I love a good political argument, too. But Mr. Calkins might consider a little humility and a little kindness, post-election, in his remarks about Tom Mulcair. Mulcair is a committed
Canadian of deep integrity. He deserved much better, even from a political opponent. I’m sure that Mr. Calkins
will do his best, as he promises, for his constituents in a new parliament and a whole new Canada. Duane Massing
PET OF THE WEEK
a rebalancing. This is not rocket science. It just takes a commitment and the political will to further the need
for a more representative and truer form of democracy. George Jason
Editor’s inappropriate comments Dear Editor, On two letters to the editor, you made comments about the letter. I feel it is inappropriate for the editor to make comments on the letters to the editor for the following reasons: First of all, the comments interfere with freedom of speech. Secondly, it is up to the readers to decide how they will respond to the letter. Thirdly, the editor’s comments reflect the fashionable thinking of the time which is tolerance of everything and everybody and also empathy for everybody. This
may be an honorable way of thinking but not everyone agrees with that. The people who do not opt into the fashionable ideas of our time and country need to be heard also. These two letters (Sharon Harris and Julian Hudson) give a new interpretation and information that is worth considering. Sincerely yours, Nettie Riley Editor’s response: The reader may not be familiar but responding to letters to the editor is quite an established practice in contemporary media, not the least by such pres-
tigious publications like The Economist. I am at a loss to understand how commenting on a comment interferes with freedom of expression, when the letters in question have been published without any editing or omission. Nor can I understand why an “honorable way of thinking” becomes a problem. The only result I can deduce from the above remarks is that those who don’t adhere to so called “fashionable ideas” don’t like their line of thinking being questioned and I have a hard time fitting this attitude with freedom of thought, the basis for freedom of expression.
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8 PONOKA NEWS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
Consultants ready to move forward with culture and recreation plan BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE After receiving input from residents, consultants are ready to move forward with a proposed culture and recreation plan for Ponoka. Gary Debney spoke with town councillors Tuesday, Oct. 13 during a committee of the whole meeting to update them on the plan after hearing from residents at a recent public meeting. This new plan sees recreation remain at the same site as the Ponoka Culture
and Recreation Complex. Arts and culture would be somewhere else. The plan sets the stage for the next 10 years and if followed, will see a new leisure pool, library, arts centre and festival plaza as well as an events arena and re-purposed recreation complex for other sports such as indoor soccer or indoor skate park. For a new events arena and re-purposed recreation complex the cost is estimated at $12 million. The full cost of the
plan over the course of that time is expected to reach $30 million. Debney’s proposal is to move the two ball diamonds at the recreation centre to a new location and then expanding on to the land. He wants to work with the ball groups in Ponoka to determine another site that would be feasible. “The two new ones have to be ready before decommissioning the old ones,” added Debney in an interview. For the immediate future,
Town council fires CAO BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE Chief Administrative Officer of Town of Ponoka Rachel Kunz has been dismissed one year after she was hired for the position. Town council released Kunz of her contract in a 5-2 vote Tuesday, Oct. 20 during a special meeting in which the CAO’s position was discussed in an in-camera session. The meeting appears to have been heated because at one point as Coun. Tim Falkiner, who voted against going to in-camera, stormed out of the discussion and returned only to cast his vote, which saw him and Coun. Loanna Gulka opposing the decision to fire the CAO. Coun. Marc Yaworski made the motion to terminate Kunz’s contract for justifiable cause. It is believed that the decision was made after council found out a borrowing bylaw was needed but had not been drafted prior to the start of the North Bridge replacement and road reallignment project. Coun. Sandra Lyon was not physically present in the meeting but was able to vote through phone. For Mayor Rick Bonnett, the decision was not easy. “Anytime you do this, it’s not a fun decision,” he said. Normally Betty Quinlan, director of corporate services for the Town of Ponoka would have taken over the role of acting CAO; however, Quinlan tendered her immediate resignation the same day Kunz was released. She was not available for comment. As there was no one to handle the affairs of the town, council appointed Dave McPhee, director of operations as acting CAO for the time being. Bonnett expects some disruption in services during the transition but added there was going to be a disruption anyway while town staff
move to their new temporary offices at the old Ponoka Elementary School pink building. “We do have confidence in our staff that they’ll pull together,” said Bonnett. This was the second regular meeting that Kunz had missed and it is unclear why she did not attend the special meeting. She was not available for comment. A press release was sent out Oct. 21, and in it the mayor says council is taking steps to get an interim CAO soon to ensure town staff can function in keeping with the normal business of the town office. “Our town employees know their jobs well and will carry on with their daily work to serve the town. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding at this time,” said Bonnett in the press release. Council expects to work with a contracted interim CAO who is available and that decision was set to be made at the Oct. 27 regular meeting. Bonnett said the town has contacted the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association to find someone available. What’s next for the bylaw Councillors had trouble finding answers to their questions at the special meeting, which had two agenda items to be discussed: the fire services agreement with Ponoka County and the borrowing bylaw. As there was
no CAO or acting CAO to provide an update, council had to discuss what they knew. For the borrowing bylaw, Bonnett said that one is definitely needed before a project begins. He said Municipal Affairs confirmed the requirement. “We’ll need (Municipal Affairs’) approval at this point in time.” Bonnett said he is working closely with the ministry and spoke with planners much of last week to keep them apprised of council’s, and the town’s actions. Because construction started prior to a borrowing bylaw being approved — something that falls on administration to bring forward — the ministry will be considering discussions from upcoming public hearings. Council will need to follow the appropriate steps to give residents a chance to speak up. The proposed bylaw was included in the Oct. 27 town council agenda. As for the fire services agreement, Bonnett said Ponoka County indicated that Ponoka Fire Chief Jamie Wilkinson does indeed have the opportunity to apply for the position that the county advertised. Whether he applied or not, his position is secure at the town, said Bonnett. “We emphasized the fact that it’s going to be the chiefs to set this up,” added Yaworski of what the agreement will look like.
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Debney has requested another $12,000 to compile a more in depth pre-design of what the recreation and cultural buildings could look like and a building study of the recreation building to determine its needs. In the near future, the second step in the process, Debney said another $75,000 is needed for a preliminary design. The purpose for this is to get to the next step of developing a leisure pool, something residents have indicated a desire for. There are two time lines to develop and construct a leisure pool and community gym, estimated at $12 million: by 2019 or 2017. The need is based on the life expectancy of the current pool, which is expected to last three to five more years. “If they (residents) don’t spend it now, they’ll lose their pool. Then they’ll have no pool and it’s (costs) going up 10 to 15 per cent a year,” explained Debney when asked about the importance of following the plan’s timeline. “It just gets more expensive every year,” he added. An engineering review was conducted on the aquaplex building and concluded that upgrading it is not advised.
Some of the challenges of the recreation building show that the brine pipes, the equipment used to cool the ice in the arena and curling rink, are aging. This year the pipes leaked, which created a delay in ice being made and affected minor hockey teams, the Stampeders and other skate groups. Another area the plan is looking at is the town’s path system and arts and culture. The proposal puts plans for a new town hall, festival plaza and library and arts centre estimated at $6 million. This would sit on the property where the town hall and library sits, but with new buildings. Debney said the impor-
tance of putting this plan together will also give council a report ready for federal grants should they become available. While it is unclear where the new government will be spending its money, new grants for construction could be part of the plan. The windows of opportunity when those grants become available is slim and Debney says it is better to be prepared. “Council is prepared to take action and they’ve been very strong on that since the beginning,” said Debney. After seeing vigorous protests by members of the drop-in centre at a recent public meeting, the building will remain where it is.
This concept by McElhanney Consulting shows the potential for a new town hall, arts and library centre and festival plaza. Diagram courtesy of McElhanney Consulting
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
PONOKA NEWS 9
PONOKA FIRE HOSTS SCHOOL TOURS A priority for Ponoka’s Fire Department is to educate children about fire safety. School children from Lacombe CHCS toured the Fire Hall on October 20 and learned how to put out a fire using a infared fire learning system. Chief Wilkinson also showed children the new monitor that shows the location of a fire when an emergency call comes in. This information is also sent to Volunteer Fire Fighters’ mobile phones. It reduces the time to respond to an emergency by providing accurate information. New fire trucks have arrived! You may see the new trucks driving around in town. The old trucks have been decommissioned and will no longer be used to respond to emergencies. They may be repurposed to serve the town in other low-demand functions.
Ponoka Fire Department Weekly Report PONOKA FIRE WEEKLY REPORT: OCT. 14 – OCT. 21
For the last week, the fire department responsed to 7 fire calls
• 3 Motor Vehicle Accidents • 1 Grass Fire
• 1 Vehicle Fire • 2 EMS (one was called off)
Smoke Alarm Reminder! The Fire Department has purchased 100 smoke alarms. If yours is over 10 years old, please bring it to the Fire Station and we will replace it for you. REMEMBER when you change your clocks, change the batteries in your smoke alarm.
HOMETOWN NEWS COUNCIL UPDATES
The next meeting of Council will be on Tuesday, November 10, at 7:00 pm at the Kinsmen Community Centre. Agenda packages are posted on the website in advance of every Council meeting Budget Deliberations are scheduled for November 12-13. These will be open to the public. Stay tuned for more information. The deadline to fill in the budget survey is October 23. You are welcome to attend all Town Council & Committee of the Whole meetings to listen to discussions and decisions.
GET INVOLVED - WE REALLY, REALLY, REALLY WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU... You have probably noticed that the Town wants to hear from you – more and more! We are using every tool we have to reach out to residents, business and industry regarding the Town’s Recreation Master Plan, the 2016 Budget and the Land Use Bylaw Update. These are important projects, and your opinion matters a great deal to Town Council and to staff. • Recreation Master Plan Survey link is also on our home page • Land Use Bylaw “Dot Survey” – Come to the lobby of the Visitor Information Centre / Planning Office and PLACE YOUR DOT to let us know how you’d like to see Ponoka grow in the future. Call our Planning department any time to chat about the LUB. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to fill in a survey or attend a public session. If you haven’t been able to attend, we invite you to contact us by phone or email if you have a question or comment to share. We are learning as we go, because we want to increase public involvement in Ponoka. We appreciate your suggestions and ideas about what works best for you. In the meantime – keep reading Weekly News, and also check our Website, Facebook page and Twitter account for ongoing updates about these and other projects. We will be starting an E-Newsletter for people who would like to receive notices by email once a week. Sign up on the home page of our town website – www.ponoka.ca – Slowly people are signing up. It will be a very convenient way to keep track of Town happenings.
TOWN NOTICES Waste Management and Recycling News - The Town has contracted with Green for Life Environmental to begin a town-wide pick up of garbage and recycling. This will improve Ponoka’s waste reduction efforts and promote that every household recycles and doesn’t dispose of all waste. The Town is working with the Rising Sun Clubhouse which already provides a recycling service to many residents. Watch for details about the new program and thanks for keeping Ponoka green! Join the TOP Team – Town of Ponoka Employment – Current opportunities are posted on the website. The Town of Ponoka is currently seeking volunteer firefighters. Daylight Savings Time – Remember to move your clocks back an hour on November 1 at 2:00 am.
HOMETOWN EVENTS Breaking news CP HOLIDAY TRAIN IS COMING HERE AGAIN! More details to come! Aquaplex - Register now for November Swim Lessons. All PD Day Swims 1:00pm-3:00pm. Public Skating - Shinney Hockey &Public Skating times are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday’s from11:30am until 1:00pm. Weekend public skating is from 2:00pm to 3:30pm Ponoka Lion’s Club is once again sponsoring the Public Skating Program at the arena, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2:00 - 3:30 pm, and Monday - Thursdays 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. PD day skating after 1:00 pm due to ice maintenance. Watch the schedule on the Town of Ponoka website for confirmed times. Ice Rental: Small ice surface is available for rent, for more information contact Tamara @ 403- 783-0131 Winter hours at the Waste Transfer Station will be starting on Tuesday, November 3. The new winter hours are 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Fall Clean-up – The Annual Town of Ponoka Fall Clean will continue until completed. Please place compostable materials in a pile beside your normal household garbage pick-up location.
10 PONOKA NEWS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
Ponoka Chamber celebrates businesses with Oscar Night BY JORDIE DWYER PONOKA NEWS Some walked away with an award, while others were simply glad to be nominated. That was just how things went on Friday night, Oct. 23, at the 2015 Ponoka Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Gala held at the Kinsmen Community Centre. This year’s theme was “A Night at the Oscars”, which wasn’t at all like the Hollywood event with short speeches, great timing and a master of ceremonies that wasn’t completely long winded. A sold-out crowd not only got to witness the presentation of the eight business awards, but enjoyed an excellent roast beef dinner, beverages along with a dance at the annual event that also acts as fundraiser for the chamber. On the awards front, the Small Business of the Year went to Rip ‘N Ronnies Fitness while Strand Media took home the Medium Business of the Year and the Large Business of the Year saw Legacy Ford drive away with the honour. “It’s a bit overwhelming,” said Sheldon Ronnie, after him and his wife Jenny won. “We’ve had some big year of changes, so it’s nice to be recognized for that work.” Brent Evans, one of the partners in Strand Media, was also somewhat surprised at being called to the stage.
(L-R) Ponoka County councillor Mark Matejka presents Rick Cline from Cervus Equipment with the Agricultural Business of the Year alongside Chamber president Jim Hamilton at the Ponoka Chamber of Commerce Business Awards gala on Friday, Oct. 23. Photo by Jordie Dwyer
Presenter Greg Braat of Battle River Insurance (left) stands alongside Medium Business of the Year winner Brent Evans of Strand Media (centre) with Chamber president Jim Hamilton at the Ponoka Chamber of Commerce Business awards gala on Friday, Oct. 23. Photo by Jordie Dwyer
“There are a lot of other very good businesses out there,” he stated, “so I was kind of caught off-guard when they called our name.” Cervus Equipment, another business that has seen significant change this past year having moved into a new facility that is nearly three times the size of their former building, won the Agricultural Business of the Year award. Rick Cline said he really appreciated the fact that other businesses had voted for them and that this victory definitely had to go to the great group of people that work for him. Town & Country Supplies won the award as Industrial Business of the Year while the Non-Profit Business of the Year was presented to the Ponoka Youth Centre. Businesses weren’t the only ones that took home some accolades as the chamber named Jamil Rawji from Ponoka Professional Pharmacy as their Business Person of the Year and Colleen White of Hammy’s Spirits as the Service Person of the Year. “I was a bit shocked, but honoured,” said White, who really didn’t know quite what to say after winning. “I always treat everyone the same, smile at everybody, tell them to have a nice day, but anyone who knows me will say that I’m like that all of the time, so I was kind of shocked to win.”
She gratefully remembered that it was Jim Hamilton’s son, late Tom Hamilton, who had first interviewed her for a position at Hamilton’s IGA before being transferred to Hammy’s Spirits. The fact that it was the public that voted for White to win had her a bit flabbergasted as well. “If you like your job and like the customers, it really shows through and I guess that’s what happened.” Chamber president Jim Hamilton was very happy with how the event turned out. “It was wonderful to see it sold out and the entire committee did a great job in getting things ready,” he said. “This event shows just the support we get from the community and reminds people about all that we have here in Ponoka. We, as a Chamber, also have some important work to get done, but this event demonstrates that there is no better place to be than Ponoka.” The others that were also nominated for various awards included Bob Ronnie Catering, Servus Credit Union, Darcy’s Drilling Service, Twisted Label, Alberta Flares Energy Services, Gemini Corp., McCFeeds, Ponoka Fertilizer, Kinsmen Club, Royal Canadian Legion, Greg Braat of Battle River Insurance, Bruce Clarke of Strand Media, Nathan Fleming from Town & Country Supplies and Jeff Heyden-Kaye of the Ponoka News.
(L-R) Legacy Ford staff Kelly Perras, Julie Robson, Trevor Feragen, Pat Boardman, Darcy Cunnington and Al Raugust accept the Large Business of the Year award from Chamber president Jim Hamilton (back) and presenter Roy Scabar, ATB manager, at the Ponoka Chamber of Commerce Business Awards gala on Friday, Oct. 23. Photo by Jordie Dwyer
(L-R) Ponoka Youth Centre representatives Grant Jorgenson, Jesse Vaudry, Doris Reich, Sue Whitecotton, Paige Brose, Tony Rausch alongside Chamber president Jim Hamilton and presenter Mayor Rick Bonnett as well as youth centre executive director Beth Reitz receive the Non-Profit Business of the Year award at the Ponoka Chamber of Commerce Business Awards gala on Friday, Oct. 23. Photo by Jordie Dwyer
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
(L-R) Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Ron Orr presents Nathan Fleming of Town & Country Supplies with the Industrial Business of the Year alongside Chamber president Jim Hamilton at the Ponoka Chamber of Commerce Business Awards gala on Friday, Oct. 23. Photo by Jordie Dwyer
PONOKA NEWS 11
(L-R) Last year’s Business Person of the Year Andrew Middleton presents the 2015 award to recipient Jamil Rawji of Ponoka Professional Pharmacy alongside Chamber president Jim Hamilton at the Ponoka Chamber of Commerce Business Awards gala on Friday, Oct. 23. Photo by Jordie Dwyer
Allie McKinnon from Sunny 94 FM (left) presented the Small Business of the Year award to Sheldon and Jenny Ronnie of Rip ‘N Ronnies Fitness along with Chamber president Jim Hamilton at the annual Ponoka Chamber of Commerce Business awards gala on Friday, Oct. 23. Photo by Jordie Dwyer
(L-R) Trevor Feragen presents Colleen White with the Service Person of the Year award alongside Chamber president Jim Hamilton at the Ponoka Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Photo by Jordie Dwyer gala on Friday, Oct. 23.
12 PONOKA NEWS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
Mayor Bonnett updates the Chamber on the town BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS Mayor Rick Bonnett took some time to speak to, and hear from, members of the Ponoka and District Chamber of Chamber Tuesday, Oct. 20. Rather than speak
during the entire session, Bonnett took questions from attendees. For Theresa Turner the concern was over plans for a new recreation facility and how it would affect the downtown area. She suggested if the building
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were to be moved too far away from the downtown core, it would hurt businesses. “Keeping in mind the downtown core is essential,” said Turner. Bonnett agreed and said council’s goal is to ensure downtown is considered. He added that as an area for retail shops it may not be ideal but offered that it might be better suited to house business offices or something similar to that. Council has also created a utilities and environment committee as well as a downtown revitalization committee to tackle those issues, he added. One question Bonnett received from Linda Steinmann related to construction near businesses. She referred to the heavy construction near Hamilton’s IGA that has blocked access to Highway 53 from 50 Street. “It seems
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the businesses you are affecting are the last of your concern,” said Steinmann. In the IGA situation, it is believed there was little to no communication with owner Jim Hamilton and crews parked their equipment on his property without permission. Hamilton later added that the town is working closely with him on the project now and councillors are apprising him of any changes. Bonnett replied that is one of the issues council wants to know about. He said one of the reasons a communications officer position was created was to ensure proper and timely communication of issues such as the road construction delay. He hopes to eventually see a streamlined checklist that ensures the proper steps are made to include businesses.
Mayor Rick Bonnett
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
PONOKA NEWS 13
Youth agencies searching for wrap-around support BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS A new collaboration among groups that deal with youths may be opening other avenues to help them. Nineteen youth support groups, including school social workers, RCMP and probation workers identified trends in their activities and gaps in the supports youths are receiving during the first meeting of the new Ponoka Youth Coalition, held Wednesday, Oct. 21 and hosted by Beth Reitz, executive director for the Ponoka Youth Centre. Four major points of service insufficiency emerged from the discussion: • Low income support; • Anxiety and mental health; • Youth crime; • Under-resourced services. Accompanying the low income problem is a lack of proper nutrition affecting the kids. Schools are now find-
ing out that breakfast is becoming an important part of the day for them to be able to have a positive learning day. Reitz said she was not surprised with most of the issues that were presented with the exception of how quickly families have been affected by the downturn in the economy. Social and economic issues on the family front are creating extra stresses on students not normally seen. Schools are having to find unique ways to get kids involved in sports as they cannot afford the extra fees to pay for those activities, which is straining budgets, and yet some administrators are finding that keeping them in those sports keeps them safe. Reitz said that programming at the youth centre is at its maximum, especially on the Fridays when students are out of school in the Wolf Creek School Division.
Rather than leave it at that, Reitz is looking at ways of reevaluating the services offered at the youth centre to ensure
kids have opportunities. Adding to the concern of financial burdens, there are increasing issues of anxiety and
mental health concerns in children. One other trend that stakeholders are finding is a disconnect with students and
their increased use of social media on personal devices. continued on page 14
14 PONOKA NEWS continued from page 13
Despite this challenge, teachers are also finding that they are self-correcting and calling out their fellow students on social media. Youth crime was an-
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015 other issue touched on. Those in charge are having to deal with serious crimes such as heavy drug use, violence, incest and murder. These acts “are not the simple fights between two kids any-
more,” according to the participants at the meeting. The severity of the crimes has reportedly increased over the years. And on the fourth issue identified as one of the key problems is
that staff dealing with youth issues are overworked. Resources are tapped out and at some point these employees are finding they have to turn kids away. Reitz’s hope is to give stakeholders a chance
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to meet and network and find ways to help the kids and provide some continuation of services. “I wanted all the youth serving agencies to know what was available to them.” One recommendation
that came out of the meeting was to invite municipal and provincial leaders to the coalition. Reitz added that if groups would like to get involved, she could be contacted at the youth centre.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
PONOKA NEWS 15
Books, books, more books: Children, parents and other members of the public dive in the piles of books available at the annual Ponoka Public Library book sale fundraiser held Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24. All sorts of books - from childrens to non-fiction to fantasy - were available in exchange for a monetary donation of your choice. The sale is one of the top fundraisers for the library, which brought in approximately $1,600 this year. Photo by Jordie Dwyer
Tea time at the library BY JACLYN BERRY
annual book sale. We hope everyone was able to find a little treasure that was just
the right fit for them. And a huge thank you to all of our volunteers who helped
Deb Stevens real estate central alberta 6000 - 48 Ave., Ponoka
With the cold weather fast approaching, we will all be in need of some hot beverages to keep the chill at bay soon enough. Ponoka Jubilee Library will be helping you learn about the benefits of different kinds of tea on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. From raising mental alertness, to helping prevent cancer or reducing the risk of stroke, teas have been proven to be greatly beneficial, and they taste good, too. Come learn the perks of being a tea drinker, and then enjoy a tea tasting with snacks, all provided by the library. There is no cost for this program, but you must sign up in advance, so please contact the library at 403-783-3843, or stop by in person at 5110 48 Avenue. We’d like to thank everyone who came out over this past weekend for our
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set up the items for the book sale, as well as those who manned the book sale
book sale at all. continued on page 16
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16 PONOKA NEWS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
Tea time continued from page 15 A reminder to everyone that our silent art auction is still ongoing until 4 p.m. on Oct. 31. We will be taking bids until then, so if there is one item that you really want, make sure to come by that afternoon so that your bid is the last and highest on the bid sheet. And while you’re here, don’t forget to pick up your 2016 Charlie Calendar. These calendars feature 12 full-colour pictures of the most famous kitty in Ponoka hiding in leaves, sleeping in the sun, checking out programs, and even stealing a ride in a wagon. Proceeds from the sale of calendars will be split between the Charlie Fund and the Free Library Membership Fund. Quantities are limited, so come get yours before they’re gone. Tomorrow is ‘Makerspace at the Library’ from 3:30 5 p.m. ‘Makerspace at the Library’ is your opportunity to explore your creativity using technology. At the library, we have items like Intuous tablets that put what you draw directly on a computer screen, Little Bits kits that can be used to create synthesizers and Mars rovers, a Kano Kit that allows you to work on your own computer coding, and much more. Regular Makerspace meetings run the last Thursday of each month, and are limited to people ages 12 and up, due to the fragility of some of the items. We hope to see lots of people. COMING SOON: From Janet Evanovich comes ‘Tricky Twenty-Two’, the next book in the immensely popular mystery novels about bounty hunter Stephanie Plum. Request your copy today.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
PONOKA NEWS 17
St. Augustine students honoured at annual awards BY JORDIE DWYER Students, parents and others packed the gymnasium at St. Augustine School over the weekend for the presentation of the 2014-15 awards to the junior and senior high school students. In total, awards, including academic, athletic, bursaries and scholarships, were handed out in 47 categories. Kyla Waknuk, who graduated last June, was one of the students to come away with multiple awards. She was named the recipient of the Governor General’s Medal, the St. Thomas Aquinas Division award, the senior high Knights of Columbus award, the Premier’s Citizenship award, the Gr. 12 Maria Lentz Social Studies award. the Bob Ronnie Catering Physics award, the Jimmy Rawji Science award, the IODE award and the Rowland Parker & Associates Math 30 award. Waknuk was also the co-recipient of the Pope John Paul II Academic Excellence award with Rhyliegh Patterson and part of the group of students that were recognized with the St. Thomas Aquinas Academic Excellence awards, the Alberta Rutherford Scholarship, the senior high Citizenship award and the STAR Catholic Bursary award. One graduate from last year, who was recognized with a pair of awards, also accomplished something outstanding. Blake Shimp, who received the St. John Bosco Registered Apprentice award and the Will’s Welding award for showing exceptional promise in welding, completed and received every welding credit available through Alberta Education. A number of other senior and junior high students were recognized in various other areas which included: Senior high Sommer Home Building Centre award - Lauren Wine; St. Anne Career and
Technology Studies award and Royal Canadian Legion award - Zachary Littlewood; Archbishop Richard Smith award - Taylor Mathieu; Arthur Szynkowski Physical Education award - Bastiaan Ten Haaf; Ponoka Fire Brigade award and Cosmetology award - Brittney Lange; Rotary Scholarship, the St. Catherine’s award and Calumet Synergy award Rhyliegh Patterson; Superintendent’s Cup Jenna Johnson; St. Claude award - Alicia Busch; St. Lucia award - Ashley Mandanas-Fairclough. St. Bede award - Grade 10: Clarisse Nibungco; Grade 11: Megan Jones; Grade 12: Richard Sweet; Father Mackenzie award - Raven Omeosoo; St. Theresa of Avila award Jenna Johnson; St. Francis Xavier Cabrini award Jahziel Matira; Chamber of Commerce award Cassidy Makus; St. Cecelia Fine Arts award - Jeanelee Alfron, Alicia Busch, Nicholas Haggkvist, Jenna Johnson, Taylor Paquette; Father Bednar Religious Education award - Ashley M a n d a n a s - Fa i r c l o u g h , Jahziel Matira; Archbishop Collins Stewardship award - Ashley MandanasFairclough, Nicholas Haggkvist; St. Ambrose award - Raven Reese. St. Thomas Aquinas Academic Excellence award, senior high Grade 10: Kezziah Ayuno, Caitlyn Bolze, Kirsten Paquette, Ashlee Pollard, Courtney Sinnott, Justin Kirk, Dravin Louis, Kieran McGinnis, Austin Slater, Bryn Williams, Lauren Wine, Cara Van Straten, Cally Sinclair, Angela Nepomuceno, Jazzlee Matira; Grade 11: Jamelle Acosta, James Hemingson, Megan Jones, Breydon Kokas, Brenna McCaughey, Win Anne Nepomuceno, Vannessa Penales, Kristin Prediger, Tristan Wine; Grade 12: Cassidy Makus, Ashley MandanasFairclough, Kyla Waknuk. Alberta Rutherford Scholarship - Grade 10: Kezziah Ayuno, Airon Balatbat, Caitlyn Bolze, Braeden Christiansen, Emily Gartner, Iris
Hesselink, Justin Kirk, Parker Lloyd, Mariechris Lockridge, Dravin Louis, Jazzlee Matira, Kieran McGinnis, Lance Miedema, Angela Nepomuceno, Kirsten Paquette, Ashlee Pollard, Cally Sinclair, Courtney Sinnott, Austin Slater, Chad Sta Maria, Jesse Stretch, Cara Van Straten, Robert Wareham, Bryn Williams, Lauren Wine; Grade 11: Samantha Aarten, Jamelle Acosta, Isaiah Bott, Ryndale Camat, Camille Caspit, Jessica Feldberg, Ryan Gartner, Layne Groot, James Hemingson, Jarret Henderson, Daniel Huchkowski, Megan Jones, Alyssa Klinger, Breydon Kokas, Taylor Mathieu, Brenna McCaughey, Win Anne Nepomuceno, Vanessa Penales, Kristen Prediger, Darielle Rairdan, Tristan Wine, Mason Wittal; Grade 12 - Jenna Johnson, Brittany Lange, Cassidy Makus, Ashley M a n d a n a s - Fa i r c l o u g h , Jazhiel Matira, Rhyliegh Patterson, Blake Shimp, Dana Stephenson, Richard Sweet, Kyla Waknuk. Junior high St. Thomas Aquinas Academic Excellence award - Grade 7: Alysha Balatbat, Christian Bautista, Shelbee BennickConn, Jensan Bondy, Luke Bonnett, Matthew Dela Cruz, Kaylee Dodds, Kyra Evans, Madison Fleck, Dylan Giles, Chance Hoffman, Amanda Huchkowski, Natasha Kym, Juliana Lee, Marschant Nel, Jennifer Rea, Shanelle Remanda, Sydney Sinclair, Yael Witvoet, Samantha Woytowvich; Grade 8: Kenisha Ayuno, Emma Bendera, Priscilla Bonsu, Carter Brouilette, Jared Bussiere, Ericka Geneblazo, Aidan Gratton, Noah Hackett, Jamie Kim, Gene Lockridge, Jayden Nokohoo-Badry, Kyle Roque, Cheyeanne Rowan, Mina Shin, Keith Van Straten, Isabella Wittal; Grade 9: Michael Abadilla, Kalyn Bondy, Alissa Cline, Chace Fleck, Josh Johnson, Kiara Johnson, Lyrra Matira, Tea Maxwell, Zachary Prediger, Shannon Ross, Bailey Rush, Daniel Ten Haaf, Emma Wittal,
Colleen Wyering. Most improved award Grade 7: Shelbee BenninkConn, Ashton Johnson, Kadence Lloyd, Jerald Busalpa; Grade 8: Ella Agorilla, Danicia Martin, Hailey Petterson, Teagan Morrison; Grade 9: Neil Buhat, Brooklyn Sinclair, Andrew Barnes, Kailey Russell. IODE award and Maria Lentz Social Studies award - Shannon Ross; Father Mackenzie award - Emma Wittal; Heart award Michael Abadilla; Rollie Lafreniere Memorial award - Daniel Ten Haaf; Knights of Columbus award Khrystofor Kustiak; Athletic award - Grade 7: Dylan Giles, Alysha Balatbat; Grade 8: Aidan Gratton, Mina Shin; Grade 9: Jessica Mathieu, Chase Fleck, Khrystofor Kustiak.
Jimmy Rawji tells a story about some of his memories of Kyla Waknuk, back, while presenting her with the science award named after him, as well as some of the other students being honoured at the St. Augustine School awards on Saturday, Photo by Jordie Dwyer Oct. 24.
18 PONOKA NEWS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
Regional ABP Very little harvest left to do in region meeting to discuss check-off payments BY JORDIE DWYER
BY JORDIE DWYER There are some big issues ahead for beef producers in the province and those will be among the items slated for discussion at the Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) annual fall regional meetings. Area producers will have their say when Ponoka hosts one tomorrow night (Thursday, Oct. 29) at the Royal Canadian Legion. Everyone is invited to attend with a free supper set for 6 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 7 p.m. The Ponoka meeting will mark about the halfway point of the ABP’s producer consultations, with about 11 of the 23 planned meetings already held. “The idea behind it is to get a sense from from producers, the grassroots, on what direction they would like to move on issues that are of concern to them and the industry,” said Greg Bowie, the chair of the ABP and a Ponoka area producer. There are two big - and very contentious - issues that producers will be looking at and both of them involve how much money producers contribute to support the research and promotion of the industry, both in Canada and around the world. Bowie explained that the top national issue is the suggested increase to the national beef strategy check-off to $2.50 per head marketed. “Within the national beef strategy, the national check-off hasn’t changed from the $1 per head since it was implemented and with the changes coming to the legacy fund as well as the lessening of the Grow Forward 2 and 3 programs, it’s going to become more and more dif-
ficult to continue funding all the things we are doing now,” Bowie explained. “We need to do some pre-planning now, especially in the research area, as we are currently at risk of losing some key positions due to the fact we are unable to attract the young researchers without some long-term secure funding in place. So, we are making a strong attempt to do that. We need to boost that funding and, with the changes in both the federal and provincial governments, it makes for even more uncertainty about what they will provide.” Having said that, Bowie and the rest of the industry know they are expected to be providing more of that funding as grants and other avenues of cash continue to dwindle. “That’s why the discussion began back in 2014 about raising the national check-off,” he added. “With the research and number crunching coming to a conclusion this past summer - the number that would provide the necessary and adequate future funding would be $2.50 per head marketed.” Bowie stated that producers that attend the meetings will be shown three different options on how reach that $2.50 target and these meetings - which typically attract 1,000 of the 20,000 ABP members - will allow for plenty of discussion and questions. The other big funding topic facing the ABP is how best to continue moving forward, especially given the tougher economy lately and maintaining the success of their most recent marketing campaign. “It’s very evident that our current funding model, both nationally and provincially, is not sustainable. I already
talked about the national issue, but provincially we are having great success through the Famous Taste campaign, which began three years ago,” said Bowie. “Back in the 1990s and early 2000s, Alberta Beef campaigns were really well known and were a huge success in promoting our products. But funding restrictions, among other things, forced us to push back those efforts until we revived things in this latest campaign.” He feels this recent success is due to the cooperation with the Alberta Livestock and Meat Association as well as the population jump of not only new Canadians, but new Albertans, most whom likely wouldn’t know or remember any of the previous beef marketing campaigns. “The Famous Taste marketing campaign has been a great success, but it is also very expensive. To move forward and continue this success, we began talking about some changes that need to be made to the provincial service charge,” stated Bowie, who added a ninemonth consultation process came up with what looks like a simple solution. “While we are still looking at these meetings for more defined opinion on this from producers, it is felt that removing the refund option on the provincial services charge would be the best.” According to Bowie, the refund option that was introduced in 2010, has seen more than $13 million taken out of the system. “My belief and that of ABP executive is that marketing and research benefits every producer, so if everyone benefits, then everyone should contribute,” he said.
Some better weather during the first half of October really helped farmers get nearly all of the crops off in the Ponoka area. That was the big reason behind harvest being more than 98 per cent complete in the area, according to crop information specialist Harry Brook with Alberta Agriculture. “It’s pretty much all wrapped up. There may be a few small corners left, but it’s basically all in the bin now,” Brook said in an interview last week. That figure is slightly higher than the provincial average of 96 per cent that was released in Alberta Agriculture’s latest Crop Report that came out on Friday, Oct. 23. Meanwhile, Brook explained that yields in the region were variable, depending on whether the localized showers hit fields at the right time and if that moisture was held in the soil during the dry periods earlier this summer. “Some areas in the region have seen better than average, while other producers saw below average or rather poor yield. It really depended upon if the rain came at the right time or if the soil hung onto what it already had,” he said. “As well, some farmers who seeded early saw some nice stands in their crops and those crops that were seeded fairly shallow didn’t fare too well and ended up being caught up in the dust.” Brook added that 2015 saw canola and wheat yields all over the map, compared to 2013 that saw producers take in one of the best years they had ever seen in the area. “It was difficult to get a handle on how things went this year. Those that left their canola out did see that later staging maturity compared to some others that took it off earlier,” Brook stated, adding that anything that was still green will
likely be left out and might be able to get off the field and into the bin come spring. On the other side of that, Brook said not many producers took too much of a risk this year following the generalized rain the area received in mid-July. “Those farmers simply saw that moisture fill up what was out in the field and then took what was there when it matured,” he said. “The rain the area got later in the growing season - late August into September and early October - will do well to recharge that soil moisture and go along way to setting up a much better spring.” That late moisture will also make things better for livestock operators, according to Brook, in restoring the pastures and grazing areas that have been devastated over the past few dry, lean years. “The pastures have started to rebound and grow as a result (of these latest rains). That’s given some hope, along with the prospect of a possible milder winter, to cattle producers and seen the price of feed drop to more traditional levels,” Brook explained, also stating the weather could extend pasture use until close to Christmas. “A day less of using the tractor or having to feed cattle will take the pressure off producers and we’ve certainly seen that in the softening of feed and hay prices this fall. Earlier this year, prices skyrocketed on the ‘worse-case scenario’ being predicted, but that frenzy has weakened somewhat.” Though, Brook did issue a word of caution that any overuse or abuse of the pastures that haven’t quite come back could result in losing out on its use for a while. “Farmers need to let their pastures recharge, they can’t steal from it this year and expect to have to come back and use it next year,” he added.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
PONOKA NEWS 19
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Red Deer Minor Hockey • Red Deer Pond Hockey • Family Services of Central Alberta • Cystic Fibrosis • STARS • Red Deer Soccer Association • Red Deer Food Bank • Youth and Volunteer Center • Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter • Red Deer Regional Hospital • Red Deer College • Kiwanis Music Festival • Treehouse Youth Theater • Camp Alexo • Red Deer Royals • Grow Boys • Alberta Brain Injury Network • Bright Start Program • Hospice Society • Abbey Center • Penhold Multiplex • Sylvan Lake Urgent Care • Red Cross • Fairview Elementary • West Park Middle School and annual scholarships to all our high schools. I’m sure there are several more I have missed but the point is that until I, myself, became a member, I had no idea of the impact this club truly makes to help our community. Without the support of our amazing home builder, trades, prize sponsors and you none of this would be possible!
In our ever-changing economy with less funds available through municipal or government funds, we are constantly seeing more and more groups and organizations seeking assistance and we do our best to help. Simply said, if we weren’t able to assist them then a lot of programs and activities would cease to exist.
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Red Deer's Longest Running Dream Home Lottery is back! From our first Dream Home built back in 1981 at the corner of 39 Street and Metcalf Avenue to present day, this single fundraiser has been responsible for changing thousands of lives and all because of the amazing support we continue to receive from our community.
As we are licensed under AGLC, we have very strict rules and guidelines that we must follow regarding disbursement of funds raised through this, and any other fundraiser we do. Long story short, we have to account for every single dime raised and ensure that it gets back into the community.
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We are so fortunate to live in such a giving and caring community! By all of us working together, whether we are involved in the build or just purchasing a ticket for a chance to win this fabulous Dream Home, we are all Community Heroes! Although only one ticket will win the Dream Home, thousands of families and children will win by having their lives enhanced with the programs we are able to support.
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Len Sisco, 2015 Kinsmen Dream Home Chair
Thank you to our sponsors
Early Bird Cut-off is at Midnight Sunday, November 29, 2015 at 5:00pm Draw will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:00am
50/50 DRAW
Please allow me, on behalf of the Red Deer Kinsmen, to extend my heartfelt gratitude to you for your ongoing support! Every dollar raised makes a huge difference and we are eternally grateful!
It is easy to see the large capital projects we have been involved with like the Library Link, Edgar Soccer Fields, numerous arenas and parks and more playgrounds than I can name. What I didn’t realize at the time though, was all of the other groups and organizations we are able to assist because of your generosity. Just some of the groups we have been able to assist are:
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Winner’s Choice …
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Retail Value: $1,995 + GST each
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Viewing Hours: Saturday & Sunday: 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. October 3 to December 31, 2015 Location: Now Open 77 Lalor Drive, Red Deer Loyalty Draw: Cut Off: Sunday, November 1, 2015 at 5pm Draw: Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at 11am Early Bird Draw: Cut Off: Sunday, November 29, 2015 at 5pm Draw: Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11am Dream Home Lottery and 50/50 Draw: Cut Off: Thursday, December 31, 2015 at 5pm Draw: Thursday, December 31, 2015 at 8pm All Draws will be held at 77 Lalor Drive, Red Deer, Alberta How to Order Tickets: • Visit the Dream Home: 77 Lalor Drive, Red Deer • Visit reddeerkinsmen.com • Call 403-356.3900 or Toll Free at 1.866.559.6759
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Co-op Gift Card
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Total amount of payment $
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Please make cheques payable to Kinsmen Club of Red Deer, Box 966, Red Deer, AB T4N 5H3
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Loyalty Cut-off is Sunday, November 1, 2015 at 5:00pm Draw will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at 11:00am
Mastercard
Two Tickets for all home games January - March 2016
Supplied by The City of Red Deer-Collicutt Center
Visa
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Money Order
Red Deer Rebels Tickets
Annual Family Recreation Pass
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GST INCLUDED
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RETAIL VALUE OF KINSMEN DREAM HOME
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RTH O W S E Z I PR 00 + GST 5 $971,56
City/Town
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MM/YY
PONOKA NEWS 21
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
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20 PONOKA NEWS
ree:
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22 PONOKA NEWS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
PONOKA NEWS 23
Ponoka Chamber prepares for Almost Midnight Madness BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS Planners with the Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce are preparing for the biggest shopping night of the year in Ponoka. Almost Midnight Madness is set for Friday, Nov. 20 and and hopes are that it will bring in hundreds of consumers to Ponoka stores looking for the best deals out there. In preparation of the big night, Les Jaster, executive manager with the chamber, says there are special promotions with the Passport to Christmas program. “The day of Almost Midnight Madness … is double stamp day,” said Jaster. Those familiar with the passport know there are squares valued at $10 each and every time a person spends that much at a
participating store, they receive a stamp. For midnight madness consumers will receive double the stamps for every $10 they spend. There is a $1,500 gift prize to spend at merchants participating in the passport program. There are also prizes valued at $25, a $200 IGA gift card and a $100 gift card from Ponoka Live. To be eligible, consumers need to drop off their completed passports in specially marked boxes that Jaster collects. He will pick a random winner out of all the collected passports on Dec. 18. The passport program has proved to bring in quite a large amount of money for a community of this size. Last year 14,000 passports were printed and Jaster says 60 per cent of them were filled. “This is big stuff in Ponoka, it usually goes really well.”
“Last year we tracked $1.8 million in sales,” he added. Another incentive with the program is what Jaster calls “cut and paste” where shoppers can bring incomplete books to a participating merchant. If a person has enough squares in several passports to complete one, the merchant will cut and paste them together and get rid of the unused portion of the passport. The reason behind the incentive, said Jaster, is it gives planners an opportunity to garner more information on the dollars spent in town. Preparations are underway for the big night, which will once again feature a visit from Santa Claus, with gifts for kids, in a fire truck. There will also be a Christmas tree lighting but the location is yet to be determined.
Irene Rausch gets a helping hand from Flowers For You employee MacKenzy Hatela during last year’s Almost Midnight Madness sale event in Ponoka. File photo
24 PONOKA NEWS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
Mary Poppins a challenging, yet rewarding production BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS Rehearsals for Klaglahachie Fine Arts Society’s (KFAS) Mary Poppins is moving along nicely with actors and producers working dedicated hours to make it happen. D i re c t o r Kev i n Ferguson said the play, based on a series of books by Pamela Lyndon Travers, is quite different from the 1964 Walt Disney movie. “The movie is more like a romp whereas the play really has this family, George and Winifred Banks, who are really drifting apart.” “Mary Poppins comes along, and actually in a
Ponoka Capitol Theatre
lot of ways she’s a marriage councillor — she actually saves this family — is what this play is about,” added Ferguson. He says the play has quite a bit more depth to the characters, which will leave playgoers with more emotional attachment to the personalities portrayed. Not only is there substance to the characters, the music is quite dynamic, which has made things challenging on the production side. “The music’s written for mostly ‘black keys,’ which is really more jazz oriented,” said Ferguson. Add to that the element of choreographed dances during musical numbers, actors and
crews are having to put in more time to ensure a seamless production. “Here’s the beauty though, I don’t think another cast could have pulled this off,” said Ferguson, “This cast is loaded with talent.” Dance numbers, staging and set design are starting to take shape and Ferguson looks forward to them all coming together for opening night Friday, Nov. 27. The complexity of the songs sometimes has Ferguson and musical director Althea Lewis wishing for the days of Sound of Music. Lewis said there were challenging harmonies in the Sound of Music yet in Mary Poppins, “Every sec-
ond of third song is like that,” said Lewis. To get actors ready for the songs, Lewis started them with the basic notes and harmonies and built up the songs from there. She is impressed with everyone’s ability to rise to the challenge. “Everybody’s invested in it. They’ve really been working hard.” Ferguson said there are some surprises that he would not elaborate on, when asked to explain how Mary Poppins enters the stage, all he would say is: “Come and see.” The play will be in production for three weekends from Nov. 27 to Dec. 12. For tickets call KFAS at 403-783-4087.
Klaglahachie Fine Arts Society iety Proudly Presents
4904 - 50th St. Ph. 403-783-3639
PLAYING
Oct. 30 - Nov. 5
SCREEN #1
Goosebumps 3D 103 min 2:00 PM Sat & Sun 7:00 PM Daily Rated PG
SCREEN #2
Crimson Peak 119 min 2:00 PM Sat & Sun 8:00 PM Daily Rated 14A
AGES 12-64 $9.00 AGES 2-11 & SENIORS $7.00 TUESDAYS & MATINEES $6.00 3D $3 EXTRA
Join us at the newly-renovated Ponoka United Church for our best show yet! Runs Fridays through Sundays, November 27-December 12. Tickets may be purchased by calling 403-783-4087 or visiting kfatheatre.com..
Ponoka Drop-In Activities 5015 – 46 Avenue
Drop-ins welcome at all events. Oct. 30 Potluck & General Meeting @ 5:30pm. Bring a dish to share, table service and enjoy good company Nov. 27 - Christmas dinner & annual meeting 5:30 pm. Bring table service. Tickets are $20, available at meeting on Oct. 30 or from executive. Regular Jam session every Saturday at 1pm Wednesday morning - PIANO LESSONS FOR SENIORS (Sara Driedger 403-790-1980) PONOKA ART CLUB CLASSES Nov. 7 - Watercolor “Winter Stream” - Sonja Zacharias Contact Lyla Langford 403-783-1887 or Bernice Edwards 403-783-6858 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 Tuesday Canasta - 1:00pm Tuesday & Thursday Exercise class 9:30am Tuesday Pickleball 6:30pm Centennial Centre - contact Janice Mackie 403-396-3160 Tuesday Shuffleboard - 7pm Wednesday Sewing Guild 9:30am to 4pm Wednesday Cribbage 1:00pm Wednesday Yoga - 6:30pm 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 Memberships available for 2016 - $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!
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
PONOKA NEWS 25
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26 PONOKA NEWS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER. 28, 2015
El Nino affecting weather
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Grains continue to trade a bit sideways to higher as buyers went out into the market to find some supply with “let’s bring some stuff in” because pulling back a bit. The oilseed complex is being supported by solid US soybean
sales and oil prices heading higher this morning. With some firming basis across the border in the U.S., end-users may rather wait for supplies to come to them this winter, versus going out and chasing it. The only real exciting attention being seen is in the pulse markets as laird (large green) lentils recently hit 50 cents/lbs, with small reds eclipsing the 43 cents/lbs mark. While we finished up harvest in North America, our fellow farmers on the other side of the equator are just getting going. Drier conditions have slowed seeding but because soybean prices are pretty solid right now thanks to a devalued Brazilian Real, over 80 million acres are forecasted to be planted, putting 2015/16 production over 100 million tonnes. From a trading standpoint,
and as the USDA sees it, “stronger competition may lead to farm less dynamic demand” of US supply. What does this all mean for canola? Well, near the end of October, canola was currently sitting at an 11 per cent premium above soybean prices (or $~37.50 USD/MT or $48.50 CAD/ MT). Canola and soybeans will continue to trek together and if you see soybeans move lower, canola, at least on the futures board, will likely do the same. Where you may see the biggest change though is on the basis side of things. U.S. government weather forecasters are calling the beginning of El Nino effects on North American weather with the northern half expected to see drier/milder winter conditions, while the south is getting wet. continued on page 27
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
PONOKA NEWS 27
El Nino
VJV MARKET REPORT MARKET REPORT OCTOBER 21, 2015
On Wednesday, October 21, 2015 - 3182 head of cattle went through our rings TOTAL - 3182
SLAUGHTER CATTLE
another Trudeau government, there are some programs (i.e. Growing Forward 2) that are set to expire, but a big concern is where transportation standards and infrastructure are at and if the conversation will continue despite there not being any issues today. Net-net, while attention is necessary for the change to a Liberal majority, unnecessarily negative commentary would be unjust as they shouldn’t make the Canadian agriculture industry any worse or better off (relatively) than it is today. To growth, Brennan Turner President and CEO =N:E=||n_676v3 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).
continued from page 26 The rains will be helpful for U.S. winter wheat areas, which continue to be dry, albeit not as bad as the past couple of years. Canada, (clearly part of that northern half of North America) is possibly going to see one of its warmest winters on record, according to AccuWeather. Comparably, in some parts of Russia, a lack of rain for many weeks is leading to ground so hard that it’s breaking farm equipment. With less winter wheat acres than originally planned going into the ground in both Ukraine and Russia, a mild winter and good spring rains will be needed to save the crop. That being said, one could look to a poor fall and a harsh winter in 2010 that pushed Russia’s wheat production down to just 41.5 million tonnes (they took off more than 60 million tonnes this year). Accordingly, wheat prices rallied in mid-late 2011 almost 50 per cent but keep in mind, there is still a large global supply available, compared to those years. More obvious, the biggest news affecting Canadian growers recently was the Liberal party winning a majority government. While there doesn’t look like to be too many changes that affect the ag industry under
D1 - D2 cows D3 - D4 cows Good Holstein cows Medium Holstein cows Heiferettes Bologna Bulls
100.00-118.00 90.00-100.00 90.00-104.00 65.00-87.00 130.00-150.00 125.00-144.00
Feeder bulls 130.00-145.00 Good Bred Cows Older Bred Cows 1250.00-1750.00 Good Bred Heifers: Cow/calf pairs (younger) Cow/Calf pairs (older) -
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:
200.00-210.00 220.00-235.00 235.00-250.00 255.00-269.00 265.00-278.00 280.00-310.00 320.00-340.00 330.00-360.00
Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers
180.00-210.00 210.00-232.00 220.00-240.00 232.00-245.00 240.00-252.00 250.00-275.00 270.00-300.00 300.00-340.00
Dairy Steers Baby Calves Dairy Type: Baby Calves Beef Type: Hay: Sq Bales Straw: Sq. Bales Greenfeed: Sq. Bales
150.00-180.00 100.00-300.00 375.008.00-11.00 -
Rd Bales Rd Bales Rd Bales
130.00-150.00 -
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CALNASH AG EVENTS CENTRE NOVEMBER CALENDAR
UNRESERVED AUCTION SALE FOR THUNDER LAKE RANCHES (ESTATE OF ED PAULL)
SUNDAY 1
8 Alberta Team Sorting Association @8am
15
2
MONDAY 3
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 4 5
Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am – 4pm
Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am – 7pm
Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am – 4pm
Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am – 4pm
9
10
11
12
Arena Closed – Barrel Practice/ ground maintenance Open Ride
29
SATURDAY 7
A.T.S.A. Setup & Move In
Alberta Team Sorting Association @8am
13
Remembrance Day Barrel Practice/ Open Ride Arena/Concession 9am – 4pm Closed
Open Ride>Small arena 9am – 4pm
14
Silver Valley 4H – 7-9pm
9am – 7pm
16
17
18
19
20
21
Open Ride>Small arena 9am – 4pm
Open Ride>Small arena 9am – 4pm
Open Ride>Small arena 9am – 4pm
Festival of Trees Gala @5:30pm
Festival of Trees Seniors Tea 3:00pm Jewels & Diamonds Simmental Sale – Barn 1pm
Festival of Trees Breakfast with Santa 8:30am
28
Large arena closed Large arena closed for F.O.T setup for F.O.T setup
22
FRIDAY 6
Large arena closed for F.O.T setup
Large arena closed for F.O.T setup
23
24
25
26
27
Open Ride>Small arena 9am – 4pm
Open Ride 9am – 7pm
Open Ride 9am – 4pm
Open Ride 9am – 4pm
Open Ride 9am – 4pm
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www.ponokaageventcentre.com 403-755-8490 | 3611 Hwy 2A, Ponoka OPEN FOR BREAKFAST & LUNCH WEEKDAYS & SHOWDAYS
$//(1 % 2/621 $8&7,21 6(59,&( /7' /LFHQVH 1R ZZZ DOOHQROVRQDXFWLRQ FRP ( PDLO DEROVRQ#WHOXVSODQHW QHW
28 PONOKA NEWS
continued from page 4 Just like the NDP invasion that we saw sweep across our province in the recent provincial election, in the
! grats
Con
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
New Government wake of the October 19 Liberal surge into power, we need to have a little patience, stay in touch with
our MPs, and let them get on with the very tough and challenging task of leading our nation into a
The
Cutting Edge Hair Design
and Salon
(L to R) Shayla, Brittney, Marilyn, Jo, Courtney, Cara THANK YOU TO OUR CLIENTS AND PONOKA. WE WON.
The Cutting Edge Hair Design and Salon is a L’ANZA HEALING HAIRCARE salon. This year, L’ANZA promoted a Top 20 Salon Incentive for North America. We are so excited. The Cutting Edge placed 1st in Canada and 6th in North America in the Top 20 Salon Incentive. Thanks to our wonderful STYLISTS who all worked hard for our success.
And a special Thank You to our CLIENTS that have supported us over the years. This certainly was a team effort, we couldn’t have received this award without the help of everyone.
bright and successful future that will complement our world class reputation. Anyways, congratulations to each and every party candidate from province to province for boldly expressing the energy and the willingness to represent your Nation in a most vital leadership role. It is the little things that tug at the heart strings. Like so many others, our family loves to get out and walk amongst nature, and at this time of the year, it doesn’t really matter if we have to put on the cold weather coat with the hoody, take along a pair of gloves, pull on the long-johns, or pop into the coffee shop along the way for a ‘warm-me-up’ hot chocolate or whatever. The warmest feeling of the occasion comes when most everyone we meet extends a smile, a greeting, or stops to chat, takes an extra moment to hold the door for someone else, or as motorist let everyone gets safely across the crosswalks, and takes special
attention in the school or playground zones. I am always totally overwhelmed by those wonderful individuals and groups who walk, run, ride, swim, or whatever for all sorts of special community causes, as well as those who so willingly look to their hearts and reach into their pockets to assist those in need of a boost. *The other day we were strolling through the park and met with two older ladies who were walking their dogs. One puppy was toddling along slowly on a leash while the other was sitting up in a small baby carriage, and when we asked why, the lady explained that her older pup had suffered a back injury and was unable to walk, cried when everyone else went out, and so they purchased a mini-buggy from the local pet store and she hasn’t missed an outing since. A smile and a tear came to our eyes as we watched them stroll slowly along the trail and stopped to visit with
everyone, young and old to introduce their canine buddies. *Last week in St. George, Ontario the whole town responded in support of a young boy who loved Christmas. Unfortunately the lad was suffering in the last stages of a brain tumour, and just in case he may not make it until December 25, they all came together to turn the friendly community into Christmas in October, including decorations, presents, parties, lights, a parade, and of course a visit from Santa Claus. Adolescence is that frustrating period when our children begin to question the answers. Even though the snow has yet to fly and the warm winds of fall are still blowing, it is that time of the year when we should be getting our free flu shot. Please check the posters and paper for clinic dates, then do what’s best for the health and well being of you and your family, and have a great week, all of you.
5101 49 Ave. • 403-783-2404
All proceeds go back to the local community
this Christmas Season with other local companies and groups
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
PONOKA NEWS 29
Sports Stampeders win two, lose one in busy hockey weekend
The puck gets airborne as Stampeders’ rookie Jordan Wombold scores against Stettler Lightning at The Stettler Rec Centre on Saturday, Oct. 3. Stamps won 7-3. Photo by Mustafa Eric
BY MUSTAFA ERIC If the three games of the past weekend are any indication, the new head coach Tyler Fiveland may be on his way to achieving his stated goal of making the Ponoka Stampeders a playoff team in his first season. Ponoka boys played one road and two home games over the weekend, and with strengthened team coordination, sharpened focus and skills and clearly heightened motivation, did surprisingly well, even improving their goal difference by scoring prolifically in the first two games. Stamps first travelled to Stettler on Friday, Oct. 23 and defeated Lightning 7-3 on their home turf. Ponoka side opened scoring in the first period, putting three on the scoreboard and never looked back. They scored another three in the second
and one in the third while Lightning tried to catch up with two scores in the second and one in the third. The interesting factor about the scoring was that seven Stampeders scored one goal each, a hint of the improved offensive execution over the last few weeks. Scorers were Jesse Fischer, Mik Doell, Kyle Skogen, Teegan Colonna, Cody Lemon, Brendon Scott and Jordan Wombold. The next day, hosting Medicine Hat Cubs, Stampeders showed even a higher level of dedication to winning, never missing any opportunity to try to wrestle the puck away and succeeding in most tackles. Event though the Ponoka boys trailed at the end of the first, they staged a spectacular comeback in the second and exploded in the third scoring two and five goals respectively defeating the Cubs 8-3.Tyson Crampain
and Cody Lemon each put two on the scoreboard with the rest of the tally being completed by Kwyn Hieber, Mik Doell, Nate Higgins and Justin McKenzie. On Sunday, Oct. 25, when they hosted Three Hills, Stampeders held out well until the middle of the second when the score was still tied 1-1, but collapsed due to poor penalty killing in the last half of the second when Thrashers scored three back-to-back goals, all in power play. Although Ponoka side attempted a comeback in the third, scoring two goals, both of which were reciprocated, the effort proved too little too late: 6-3. Scorers for Stampeders were Hiebert, Crampain and Fischer. Despite the improved stats over the weekend, Stampeders still sit second from the bottom of the Northern Division of
the Heritage Junior Hockey League although they have played three more games from the bottom position Lightning of Stettler.
The playoff odds for Stampeders will depend on whether they can maintain their improvement in scoring skills.
Wanted: senior boys Broncs basketball coach BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE Seven of the eight coaching positions at Ponoka Secondary Campus (PSC) have been filled with the exception of the senior boys basketball team. The team is in jeopardy of folding despite strong interest from athletes, says athletic director Paula Chapman. For many years, Blaine Haines had filled the position along with his regular teaching duties and Chapman said it has been a challenge finding a person interested to take over. Thirty-two players have signed up for tryouts for the senior and JV teams, slated for tryouts next week. “It’s significant enough that we could easily run the two teams,” said Chapman. However, coaches need to make a decision by Thursday, Oct. 29 whether to keep the team or cut it out of programming.
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Ponoka boys play their next home game on Saturday, Nov. 14 after two consecutive road games in Airdrie and Coaldale.
While there is quite a bit of time needed to coach, PSC has invested money to give them training and a school staff member will act as a liaison between the coaches and students to ensure athletes stay on track with their education. It’s a program that has worked well with the JV girls volleyball team, says Chapman. There are other benefits to coaching besides the training: “To be able to have that connection with youth. To be able to be a role model and mentor.” Chapman said the extra curricular activities at the school create a positive culture and environment and she hopes the position can be filled. The season starts the first week of December and runs until the beginning of March. Chapman says if anyone is interested, she can be reached at 403-783-4411 or emailed at paula.chapman@wolfcreek.ab.ca.
Ponoka Office: 403-783-3315 Bashaw Office (Tues): 780-372-3627 Wetaskiwin Office (Mon & Thurs): 780-352-6488
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30 PONOKA NEWS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
WINN WINNERS NERS 5 & Under Goat Tail Tying
Tegan Poitras Lexi Standquist
Landon Warren Taiga Thorsteinson
Rhett Poitras Tryp Pugh Harper Cripps Addison Rock Mercedez McKean Jaida Erickson Hainsley Holden Brinley Rock Leah Nickel Austin McDougall Dailynn Cripps Cassidy Dalzell Daxton McKean Daxton Erickson Dally Yellowbird
12 & Under Breakaway
17 & Under Heeler Cole Warren Cayden Spady Trey Strandquist
7 & Under Barrels Kade Strandquist Janae McDougall Keely Pugh Caleb Fawcett 7 & Under Poles Kade Strandquist Janae McDougall Brynn Feemark Leah Nickel 10 & Under Goat Tail Tying Landon Warren Chance Freemark Taylor Cholach Kelly Cholach
Kyla Kelly Tade Tonneson Cole Warren Taiga Thorsteinson 12 & Under Goats Kyla Kelly Landon Warren Taiga Thorsteinson Tory Towers 12 & Under Poles Tory Towers Kyla Kelly Landon Warren Tegan Poitras 12 & Under Barrels Kyla Kelly Tegan Poitras Taylor Cholach Taiga Thorsteinson 17 & Under Breakaway Cole Warren Kyla Kelly Tade Tonneson Hayden Warren 17 & Under Header Tade Tonneson
12 & Under High Point - Kyla Kelly 17 & Under High Point - Cole Warren
Jamie-Lee Spady
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Kyla Kelly Lawrie Saunders Open Calf Roping Robert Saunders Cam Nickel
17 & Under Barrels Kyla Kelly Tory Towers Jamie-Lee Spady Taylor Cholach
Open Team Roping Header Kelly Strandquist Rod Warren
17 & Under Poles Kyla Kelly Jamie Lee Spady Tory Towers Tori Brower
Open Team Roping Heeler Matt Fawcett Coyne Tonneson
17 & Under Goat Tying Kyla Kelly Tori Brower Hayden Warren Taiga Thorsteinson
Family Team Roping Header Tade Tonneson Hayden Warren
17 & Under Calf Roping Cole Warren Hayden Warren
Family Team Roping Heeler Coyne Tonneson
Open Barrels Jamie-Lee Spady Bev Cholach
Rod Warren
Open Poles Rayell Foxwell
Tade & Coyne Tonneson
Gwen Pugh Memorial Award Winners
Ladies High Point - Jamie-Lee Spady Men’s High Point - Matt Fawcett
REARDON FAMILY DELBURNE AG SOCIETY COMBAT SPRAYING LTD. VORTEX PRODUCTIONS DWAYNE & LILIAN NORMAN POITRAS ARENA LAURIE & KEVIN BRESSE DEE BUTTERFIELD CLINICS JARRETT MCKEAN FAMILY WADE & TERRIE BARKSHIRE ROCKY ROSS FAMILY RIVER CREST ANGUS KELLY FAMILY AK TRAILER SALES THORSTEINSON FAMILY EMILY & JENNY MASSING DAVE & CRANNA ROBERTS
BY JORDIE DWYER
Ladies Breakaway
2015 5P PRRA RRA S SPONSORS PONSOR RS • THE JONES BOYS WESTERN WEAR-PONOKA • VISE ENERGY • MCDOUGALL ARENA • PONOKA AG SOCIETY • DONNA & KEITH GRIFFITH • MILES & MARY-LOU MASSING • LAWRENCE PUGH • DON & EVELYN STRANQUIST • GALLOWAY FAMILY • CHOLACH FAMILY • DIAMOND N WESTERN WEAR • DAZELLE FAMILY • TOWERS FAMILY • BLINDMAN HIGH SCHOOL RODEO • JAKE WEDMAN • SAUNDERS FAMILY
New curling season promises more fun, excitement
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
FREEMARK PHOTOGRAPHY ROCK 4 EVER TACK SCORE PROJECTS LTD. PONOKA VET CLINIC NICKLE FARM KENT & BEV BUTTERFIELD COUNTRY CONNCESSION GULICK FAMILY TONNESON FAMILY SANTO’S CONSTRUCTION LYLE NORN MEMORIAL PUGH FAMILY PEIRSON FAMILY THUNDERS WELDING LTD PONOKA NEWS
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PITCHED IN THIS YEAR. FROM OPENING A GATE, ANNOUNCING, TIMING AN EVENT, OR SPONSORSHIP EVERY LITTLE BIT GOES A LONG WAY. THANKS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE PRRA HAS BEEN A HUGE SUCCESS AGAIN IN 2015!
With the ice in and ready, local curlers are already sweeping away at the Ponoka Curling Club. Action began this week and club president Bruce Clarke is pleased with the numbers so far. As of late last week, the Super League had filled its 12 team league while the club was still searching to find teams for its other three leagues. “We have 11 men’s teams, seven ladies’ and eight mixed, so we are still looking for another men’s team, three for the ladies’ and four mixed club,” Clarke said. “It’s great to have a full Super League this year. That’s something that we haven’t had in a few years. I’m also fairly ecstatic about how many junior players have registered. That can be somewhat attributed to how good the television coverage has become over the years in promoting curling along with the sport becoming more creative in the events they showcase.” While the mix of teams in the various leagues is a bit different, Clarke stated the club is probably right around similar number of players as last year. “Curling has become similar to golf - if you can get the youth involved, then they are more apt to come back to it later in their life,” Clarke added. “Typically, we lose them in their early 20s when they head off for post secondary education, then their lives, careers and having a family get in the way sometimes. The trend then is they usually come back when they reach their 40s.” The club is hoping to capitalize on that trend through a new initiative this season. Clarke explained a new ‘social’ league will start up in the new year. “It will take the place of the Super League on Wednesday nights, since that league only runs until Christmas,” he said. “It will be open to anyone and our hope is that it will encourage those that are interested in curling, along with the non-curler, to come out and try the sport in a fun, friendly atmosphere with an abbreviated game structure.” Another change for the club this season comes in the number bonspiels they will be holding. Traditionally, they host four, but will now place a larger focus on making the annual Town and Country bonspiel a much bigger event. “We are going to open it up to both men’s and ladies’ teams and are looking to attract 32 men’s and 12 ladies’ as the club tries to concentrate on making it a better, larger event rather than having more bonspiels that are smaller,” said Clarke. This means there will be no ladies’ bonspiel this year. Town and Country is set for Jan. 18 to 20 with mixed bonspiel slated for Feb. 12 to 14 and junior event scheduled for Feb. 5 and 6. Clarke added that curling locally has become more popular the last few years, especially given the exposure with Lacombe hosting the men’s and ladies’ provincials in the past three years along with holding the juniors’ provincial championship this coming spring. However, he also stated there is a need for Curling Canada and the Alberta Curling Association to step a bit more, something both organizations seem to be recognizing now. For more information about getting a team in or to find out how to put your name forward as a spare, contact either Cody Moench at 403-588-8199, Ron MacMillan (403-783-6314) or Bill Crawfood (403-783-4033).
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
PONOKA NEWS 31
Broncs girls remain unbeaten in volleyball league play BY JORDIE DWYER Nerves, overly cautious play and some mental errors put the Ponoka Secondary senior girls volleyball squad on their heels somewhat recently. The Broncs were in Edmonton for a tournament on Friday and Saturday (Oct. 23 and 24) where they fell back to being simply an average club, according to head coach Ron Labrie, which was a significant difference to their showing in hosting Wetaskiwin at home Tuesday, Oct. 20. “The girls played very average in Scona (High in Edmonton) and could not overcome some mental errors and the execution of quality serve reception,” Labrie said. However against Wetaskiwin, while the girls didn’t start well losing the first set, they stormed back to win the next three sets to take the match and remain unbeaten in league play.
“(Tuesday) was only our second home game of the season and, ultimately, we played a bit cautious to overcome the nerves. Generally, I think we play better on the road - less distractions,” Labrie added. The team is filled with veteran leadership - with six Grade 12s and four Grade 11s on the roster with just two Grade 10s - plus the majority of the players have other volleyball experience to bring to the court. “We have a strong core of girls that have played in club competition as well as at the high school level,” he said. “At the core, the girls love to play and are dedicated to constant improvement.” With both league play and tournament season beginning to wind down as the provincial playoffs loom next month, Labrie is working on getting his team ready and working
to improve some areas of their game before the 3A girls zone tournament gets underway Saturday, Nov. 21. “We will be a strong contender if we can minimize our mental mistakes. We have some strong assets both defensively and offensively, but need to have confidence in the execution of our game plan,” Labrie explained. “There will likely be three other teams that will challenge for the zone title. Sylvan Lake is undefeated as well and they have experience and strong offensive power, Innisfail has a young team that is constantly improving and Wetaskiwin has scrappy defense that can win matches.” The Broncs continued their quest to stay unbeaten when they travelled to Rocky Mountain House yesterday (Tuesday, Oct. 27). The result was unavailable at press time.
Young St. Augustine boys’ volleyball team lose two matches BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE Competition proved too fierce for the St. Augustine Kings senior boys volleyball team Monday, Oct. 19 as they lost both matches of the night. The boys played against Spruce View losing both sets to a more experienced team, said coach Justin Florean. He feels while his players do have the ability to make some key plays, their lack of experience hinders them from consistent follow through. Florean says he has two Grade 11 players and the rest are in Grade 10 and they have little experience playing with each other. While that may be hurting them now, he feels they will be stronger next year. “They’ll get a definite boost to put experience on the floor.” Their next match against Pigeon Lake proved just as tough and they lost 2-0. Each game brings a new development for the team and provides them with some important learning. “It’s pretty much just working from the ground up,” explained Florean. As their options are relatively slim, the league includes the 2A and 1A
teams bringing the league to a total of six teams. While the school is limited by the number of students who attend, Florean
is pleased with the number of players he has. “The people that are here want to be here and want to play.”
Nathan Padilla of the St. Augustine Kings senior volleyball team makes a soft tap to score a point during a match Monday, Oct. 19 against Spruce View. The Kings lost 2-0. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
This tip shot by Lauren Bussiere (#6) from Ponoka worked to perfection in the first set at home to Wetaskiwin on Tuesdsay, Oct. 20. The Broncs fell in that first set, but battled back to win the next three to maintain their undefeated league play streak. Photo by Jordie Dwyer
32 PONOKA NEWS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
Senior Broncs lose stormy game Bantams also lose, but play the best game of the year BY MUSTAFA ERIC PONOKA NEWS If there were a tiny possibility that senior Broncs could make it to provincials as they hosted Rocky Mountain House Rebels on Thursday, Oct.22 for the last game of the regular season, it was quickly squandered thanks to a lack of focus on the part of Ponoka boys, helped by a thunderstorm. The result was 34-7 for the visitors. When the game started under bright sunshine with a light breeze, Broncs defence was doing great, keeping the ball in the Rebels territory, and repeatedly returning the ball to their offensive line after claiming possession either as a result of turnover on downs or recovery of fumbled balls. But when the Rebels broke through the Broncs’ defence for the first time in the seventh minute of the first quarter, it proved to be an early turning point in the game and
Broncs could never regain their posture. As the bright sunshine quickly gave way to black clouds and a thunderstorm in the middle of the second quarter, the visitors scored another touchdown and the score stood at 14-7 at halftime recess. The clouds dispersed and the rain stopped just as the third quarter was beginning and when Braeden Korchinski scored a 70-yard rushing touchdown to reduce the gap to a single score, it seemed just a for moment as if Broncs could still remain in the game. But the Rebels didn’t take long to pour cold water on those hopes: In the first possession after the Broncs’ touchdown, the visitors found the hosts’ end zone with almost no opposition, restoring their twoscore lead. After that point Broncs’ both offensive and defensive lines fell into what looked like complete dis-
array and Rebels scored twice more, only failing to convert after their final touchdown. One factor that played against the Broncs was the considerable number of penalties that were ruled by the referees: from objectionable conduct to offsides, unnecessary roughness to too many men on the field, penalties that cost Broncs lots of yardage, particularly in the second half. Both offensive coordinator Jamie Blinkhorn and defensive coordinator Cody Baird said Broncs’ key weakness in the game was their lack of focus. Both coaches said the thunderstorm right in the midpoint of the game also made many players further lose their concentration. Baird said defence simply didn’t have the edge to be able to stop Rebels’ offence with determination. Broncs now have a minimum of one playoff
game to play, most likely on home territory against Drayton Valley, the only team they have defeated this season. Details had yet to be announced at press time. Bantam Broncs turn home with a defeat but heads held high As for Bantam Broncs, they played their single playoff game in Cochrane on Saturday, Oct. 24 and lost 38-24 despite having played their best game of the whole year. According to the account of the game given by head coach Todd Lewis, the Broncs even held the lead at halftime with the scoreboard showing 18-8, but after a third touchdown by Jared Bussiere for the Ponoka side, Cochrane boys made adjustments to their game neutralizing the advantages of Broncs’ offensive and defensive lines and scored back to back touchdowns to win the game. “The Broncs’ play in
Braeden Korchinski (on the ground) grabs the Rebels ball carrier ultimately to bring him down as Clayton Raugust looks on during the solid defensive play by Broncs in the first quarter of the game, which Ponoka boys lost 34-7. Photo by Mustafa Eric
Cochrane truly was the culmination of a season’s worth of work, effort, and heart,” Lewis said. “This was, by far, the best game of our season. The kids never gave up, were sportsmen for the
entire game, and played with complete heart and grit. While I regret that we couldn’t have came home with a win on the scoreboard, I am proud to say that we came home successful.”
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Currently celebrating their 6th anniversary in Wetaskiwin, Hue ’n Eye Interiors is opening their doors in Ponoka. Owner Terry Demoline, decorator and part-owner of the new Gypsy Fringe Boutique, looks forward to serving local residents and businesses. Terry brings 35 years of design expertise. She received her residential interior design certification through the U of A, and is a member of the Certified Interior Design Association of Alberta. “I am continually upgrading my knowledge of products and trends.” states Terry. “Together we can choose and coordinate your finishes.” She
emphasizes, “Function is key… no matter how good something looks, if it doesn’t function well, it isn’t good design”. Terry, occasionally referred to as “The Queen of Colour”, is a paint and colour specialist. Fifteen years with Benjamin Moore has developed her discerning eye. “Nothing satisfies me more than transforming a room with a great paint colour. Her “love affair” with paint continues, as the boutique offers the complete line of “American Paint Company Chalk Paint”. Custom made blinds and drapery are a key offering at Hue ’n
Eye Interiors. “We carry the best Canadian made brands, and a great selection of style and colours. Our pricing is very competitive.” Currently Terry is available “by appointment only”. Please call ahead. Hue ’n Eye Interiors may be new to Ponoka, but Terry Demoline is not. She attended high school here, and feels privileged to return with her business. She looks forward to meeting old and new friends. Stop in at “The Gypsy Fringe Boutique” to set up an appointment, browse the funky design items, sign up for a chalk painting class, or just say “hi”.
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Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015
PONOKA NEWS 33
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ROUGEAU, Ronald Rene On October 16th, 2015 Ronald Rougeau passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. He treasured his family, his friends, his community and things he could drive fast. His compassionate heart enveloped people and animals who were hurting, lost, unloved or in need. While he claimed that he could take his toys with him when he died it turns out all he had space for was the love of those who adored him. He always had faith and said that he and the Lord had an “understanding” - let the negotiations begin… Please join his family and friends for a memorial to be held on Wednesday, November 4th at 2 pm at the Lacombe Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 4049 63 Ave, Lacombe. Refreshments and tall tales to follow.
CHRISTOFFERSEN Oliver “Chris”
Anniversaries
Hoedl, Eleanor Jean (nee Stretch) March 29, 1933 ~ Oct. 19, 2015
With love and regret we wish to share the sudden passing at home of Eleanor Jean at the age of 82 years. She will be sadly missed and never forgotten by husband George; her children Sharon (Gordon) Durda, Linda (Byron) Wadsworth and Valerie (Bevan) Cambridge; two special grandchildren Andrea Wadsworth and Colin (Cassi) Wadsworth; great grandchildren Cooper and Elliott. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Glenwood Funeral Home (South of Wye Road on Range Road 232) Sherwood Park, AB. If friends so wish, memorial donations in Eleanors name may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta.
NELL AND JACK SCOTT would like you to join them in celebrating THEIR 60TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY at the Ponoka Seniors Drop In Centre between 1-5 pm. on Saturday, November 7th, 2015. No gifts please.
In Memoriam
Oliver “Chris” Goldsmith Christoffersen was born on January 12, 1925 at Lake McGregor, Alberta. He passed away on October 21, 2015 in Ponoka, Alberta at the age of 90 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his son John (Terry) Christoffersen of Airdrie, grandson Laramie Christoffersen, grandson Lane (Irina) Christoffersen and their children Anastasia and Dimitry Christoffersen, grandson Cassidy (Chanell) Christoffersen, and granddaughter Tia Christoffersen; his daughter Linda Gunsch of Ponoka, granddaughter Billie-Jo Gunsch and her son Johnathan and granddaughter Bobbi-Sue Gunsch and her son Braden; his daughter Gayle Befus of Ponoka, grandson Jay (Jil) Befus and their children Ethan, Rylan and Alexander, grandson Joel Befus and granddaughter Sarah (Morgan) Vanderlee and their children Aden and Hudson; his daughter Holly (Jim) Webber of Warburg, granddaughter Jaclyn Kshyk and her son Seth and grandson Jesse (Nikki) Webber; and his sisters Hazel Gosling and Josie Moore. He was predeceased by his wife Joan; parents John and Grace; and siblings Lloyd, Winnie, Andy, Lucille and Howard. A Funeral Service was held on October 24 at 1:00 p.m. at the St. Augustine Catholic Church, Ponoka with Father Shimit Abraham officiating. Donations in Chris’ name are gratefully accepted to St. Augustine Catholic Church Building Fund or the Alberta Lung Association. To express condolences to Chris’ family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com
On October 23, 2015 Leanne Brenda Hvamb of Ponoka passed away at the age of 61 years. Leanne will be lovingly remembered by her husband Ken; daughters Kelly (Steve) Budd and Vickie Hvamb (Glen); grandchildren Todd (Brandi), Brooklyn, Jayce, Jaimie, and William; greatgranddaughter Quinn; her mother Rhoda Reece and step-father Bob Hunter; and her brothers Garry (Laurie) and Brian Reece. She was predeceased by her brother Darren Reece; father Jim Reece; mother and father in-law Katie & Asbjorn Hvamb; and her sister-in-law Cecilia Hvamb. A Funeral Service for Leanne was held at the Ponoka Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2015. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Central Alberta Cancer Centre (Red Deer). To express condolences to Leanne’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements Entrusted To PONOKA FUNERAL HOME ~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~
Arrangements Entrusted To PONOKA FUNERAL HOME ~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~
HVAMB, Leanne
PATRICIA RADKE October 31, 2008 If roses grow in Heaven Lord Please pick a bunch for us, Place them in her arms And tell her they’re from us. Tell her we love and miss her, And when she turns to smile, Place a kiss upon her cheek And hold her for awhile. Because remembering her is easy, We do it every day, But there’s an ache within our hearts That will never go away. Love Harold, Allan, Lori, Jackie and families.
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Usona AG Society’s AGM Thursday, Nov 19 at 8pm Usona Hall
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OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY Ph: 587-786-3142 780-352-4301 dmarkevich@wrmconcrete.com
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From 430076 Rge Rd 260 Light grey with some orange Tattoo left ear LPE126 She is very timid Reward offered Call Miriam 403-783-3812 or 403-963-3159 Meetings
59 PONOKA STAMPEDE ASSOCIATION
Bentley Christmas Craft & Gift Sale Saturday, November 7th Saturday, December 5th 10 AM to 3 PM Bentley Community Hall Lots of local vendors with a wide variety of items for your shopping pleasure!
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Tuesday, Nov. 3 @ 7:00 PM at the Ponoka Stampede Rodeo Office board room. 5616 - 39 Ave Ponoka
Dr.Jacobson Murray•Jacobson • Dr. Murray Dr. Clayton West Dr. Clayton West • Dr. Nicole Macdonald • Dr. Katie Graves Dr. Ashley Shannon
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8:00 pm Friday, Oct 30 Legion Auditorium Lost Prizes for costumes & carved Jack-O-Lanterns • “Spot” Dances • Snacks • Bar IS MISSING! Tickets $15 per person Disappeared Friday, Oct 22 Call 403-783-4076 for tickets CLASSIFIEDS - REMEMBRANCE DAY Hours & Deadlines
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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
54
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Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015
PONOKA NEWS 35
HEATING & EAVESTROUGHING
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Phone 403-391-1684 ʹͶ
Dr. Bruce Wine
TREE MULCHING
Meetings
Employment #700 - #920 Caregivers/Aides................710 Clerical ..............................720 Computer Personnel ..........730 Dental ................................740 Estheticians........................750 Hair Stylists ........................760 Janitorial ............................770 Legal ..................................780 Medical ..............................790 Oilfield ................................800 Professionals......................810 Restaurant/Hotel ................820 Sales & Distributors ..........830 Teachers/Tutors..................840 Trades ................................850 Truckers/Drivers ................860 Business Opportunities......870 Miscellaneous ....................880 Volunteers Wanted ............890 Positions Wanted ..............895 Employment Training ........900 Career Planning ................920
Caregivers/ Aides
Doug Casey
710
IN HOME caregiver for elderly parents, optional accommodation avail. at no charge on a live in basis, this is not a condition of employment, driving req’d, F/T on farm near Rimbey, $15.75/hr. Equal opportunity employer. Encourage all applicants. email: sbhumphry@gmail.com
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
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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. Kelly Loree • Dr. Leighton Coma • Dr. Trevor Hook • Dr. Jasmine Hardy • Dr. Candace Wenzel
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HUGE DEMAND for Medical Transcriptionists! CanScribe is Canada’s top medical transcription training school. Learn from home and work from home. Call today! 1-800-466-1535; www. canscribe.com info@ canscribe.com. MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-athome positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-athome career today! 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.
STA M P E D E
is now
HIRING
850
Trades
P/T
JOURNEYMAN MECHANIC, PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS: Troyer Ventures Ltd. is a privately owned energy services company servicing Western Canada. All job opportunities include competitive wages, comprehensive benefits package and room for advancement. We are accepting applications for Journeyman Mechanics and Professional Drivers (Class 1, 3). Successful candidates will be selfmotivated and eager to learn. For more information and to apply, please visit our website at: Troyer.ca REQ’D IMMEDIATELY EXPERIENCED Sheet Metal and Furnace Installers Top wages, hourly wages. Openings in new home, replacement and service dept. Great working conditions. Please call or e-mail. brent@ comfortecheating.com 403-309-8301
Business Opportunities
870
GET FREE VENDING machines. Can earn $100,000. + per year. All cash-locations provided. Protected territories. Interest free financing. Full details. Call now 1-866-668-6629. Website: www.tcvend.com.
Trades
900
COME AND LEARN. Unlock your Superpowers! Jan. 29 & 30, 2016, Edmonton. AWNA’s Annual Symposium. Educational Sessions in Journalism, Sales Ad & News Design. Internationally acclaimed speakers. Pre-Register. For more info: www. awna.com/symposium. 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.
F/T
cashiers Please drop off resumes in person or fax 403-783-8273
Buy & Sell #1500 - #1990
Auctions
1530
MEIER GUN AUCTION. Saturday, October 31, 11 a.m., 6016 - 72A Ave., Edmonton. Over 150 guns - handguns, rifles, shotguns, hunting and sporting equipment. To consign 780-440-1860.
Business Opportunities ACADEMIC Express ADULT EDUCATION AND TRAINING
NOV. START
Requires Full Time Competitive Wages & Benefits. Fax resumes & ref’s to: 403-343-1248 or email to: admin@shunda.ca
Employment Training
and
SHUNDA CONSTRUCTION Carpenters
880
Misc. Help
THURSDAY AA Meetings FULL-TIME SERVICE at 8:30 p.m. in the CONSULTANT. Full-time Catholic Church basement. Parts Consultant required 52 Street & 52 Ave. immediately by busy Ponoka. Import Dealership in 403-783-4347 sunny Okanagan. Benefits, 403-783-3442 aggressive salary package. Resumes to Service Manager; bodyshop@ hilltopsubaru.com. http://hilltopsubaru .com/employmentopportunities.htm.
Hillbilly Tree Mulching Ltd. • FENCE LINES • CUT LINES • POWER LINES • PIPELINES • BRUSH & BUSH • STUMPS
59
(2) UNRESERVED PUBLIC AUCTIONS. Tuesday, November 3, 2015. CPA - Canadian Public Auction Ltd., 9320 52 St. SE, Calgary, Alberta. Wednesday, November 4, 2015. Lauren Constructors. Shop Dispersal, 9241 - 44 St. SE, Calgary, Alberta. Call 403-269-6600 or visit: canadianpublicauction .com.
Auctions
1530
BIG STRAPPER AUCTIONS UPCOMING SALES Wednesdays @ 6 pm. Estate Auction Sun. Oct. 25, 12 noon 5910-60 Ave. Ponoka, AB Oct. 28 & Nov. 25 & Dec. 2, 9 & 16
at The Moose Hall, 2 ANTIQUE COLLECTIBLE miles south of Ponoka on AUCTION. Sunday, Nov. Hwy. 2A 15, 10:30 a.m., Breton ~~~~~ Community Hall. 3’ X 5’ TO BOOK YOUR SALE Coke sign, automobilia, CALL 403-782-5693 auto books, crystal, crocks. Check website for full listings 780-696-2428 (speak www.bigstrapperauctions.net loud); www. AndresensAuctions.com. CLOSEOUT AUCTION for Paragon Machine & Tooling Ltd. Tuesday, UNRESERVED AUCTION November 3, 11 a.m. SALE for Thunder Lake 8207 Davies Road, Ranches (Estate of Ed Edmonton. Milling Paull). Saturday, October machines, tooling, shop 31, 2015. Sale Starts: 11 equipment, vehicles. For a.m. 175 - Black & Red more details contact Meier bred cows. 9 - 4 year old Auctions 780-440-1860; Black & Red Angus bulls. www.meierauction.com. Selling at 12 Noon. Selling a very large selection of UNRESERVED AUCTION cattle handling equipment NOV. 4 - GLM Industries plus tractors, trailers, (Nisku, Alberta). Heavy trucks, grain bins, conequipment, construction struction equipment & equipment, metalworking, much much more. Call tools, shop tank Mfg, Allen for more info: inventory, skid offices. 1-855-783-0556; www. Phone 780-566-1831; allenolsonauction.com. www.Century Services.com.
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36 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015
Misc. Services
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Need RV or Self Storage? 8’ X 10’ mini storage units available for rent. Also RV storage. Secure compound. Call Keith at
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• Snow Removal • Driveways & Parking Lots • Post-Hole Augering - 6, 9, 12, 15 • Corral Cleaning • Grading & Construction Call Jim Ashbough 403-783-2764 or Cell:783-2764 587-729-0092 Call Jim Ashbough or Cell: 588-0599 Jack Surbey 783-5283 Cell: 588-0597
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015 Auctions
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INDUSTRIAL/ AGRICULTURAL LAND in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Unreserved Auction, October 29 in Edmonton. 4 parcels 240.9+/- Acres, $12,439 Surface Lease & Power Line Revenue. Jerry Hodge: 780-706-6652; rbauction.com/realestate.
EquipmentMisc.
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A-CHEAP, lowest prices, steel shipping containers. Used 20’ & 40’ Seacans insulated & 40’ freezers, Special $2200 Wanted: Professional wood carver needed. 1-866-528-7108; www.rtccontainer.com.
Agricultural #2000 - #2290 Farm Equipment ..............2010 Haying Equipment ............2020 Tractors ............................2030 Combines & Headers ......2040 Fertilizer Equipment..........2050 Misc. Farm Machinery ......2060 Equipment Wanted ..........2070 Farm Custom Work ..........2080 Farm Auctions ..................2090 Livestock ..........................2100 Livestock - Exotic..............2110 Sheep ..............................2120 Poultry ..............................2130 Horses ..............................2140 Horse Boarding ................2150 Riding Supplies ................2160 Horse/Stock Trailers ........2170 Pasture Wanted ................2180 Grain, Feed, Hay ..............2190 Seed Grain ......................2200 Seeding & Tillage ............2210
PONOKA NEWS 37 Suites
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
3060
Farms/ Land
4070
2 BDRM bsmt. suite in Adjoining half section (2 PONOKA incld’s util’s, quarters) located in Ponowasher/dryer, no pets, non ka County approx 15 KM partier, N/S. Long term SW from Rimbey. Mixture working tenants and sen- of pasture, hay, cultivated iors welcome. Avail land, trees. Annual surface immed. 403-704-1645 lease revenue $9,500. $650,000. If interested call, 321-783-2609. PONOKA, 2 bdrm. suite in Riverside. Fridge, stove, Manufactured shared laundry. $675.. rent/dd. gas & water incl’d. Homes Absolutely N/S, no pets, Avail. Nov. 780-242-0924 GRANDVIEW MODULAR HOMES Now Offering 24 * RIVERSIDE APTS. * X 68 Homes. Starting from Newly renovated $157,900 including 1 & 2 bedroom units in delivery (Conditions apply). Ponoka: 3724-45 Street. Call one of our two 403-357-0287 locations for details: 403-945-1272 (Airdrie) or 403-347-0417 (Red Deer). Storage
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Businesses For Sale
Netanyahu and the truth
4140
KITCHEN FOOD SERVICES operation available Apr. - Oct. 2016. Tender Deadline - Nov. 9, 2015. Contact Don McPherson for Tender Details 403-975-5406. Box 1509, Vulcan, AB, T0L 2B0 or email: vulconian@hotmail.com.
GWYNNE DYER Think Globally
PASTURE & HAY LAND. 400 - 8000 acres of year round water supply. Full operational with management available. Central Saskatchewan. Crossfenced & complete infrastructure. Natural springs excellent water. Shortly ready to locate cattle. Other small & large grain & pasture quarters. $150k - $2.6m. Call Doug Rue 306-716-2671.
“I can’t stand him. He’s a liar,” then-French president Nicolas Sarkozy Financial #4400 - #4430 told US President Barack AVAILABLE Investments ......................4410 Obama four years ago, in a Money Wanted ................4420 IMMEDIATELY Money to Loan ................4430 conversation about Israeli 2 bdrm house with single Prime Minister Binyamin car garage $850/mnth Netanyahu. Obama replied: Money plus D.D. N/S, N/P “You’re fed up with him? To Loan 5004 56 Ave, Ponoka I have to deal with him CALL 403-588-0597 GET BACK on track! every day.” It was a priBad credit? Bills? 3 BDRM. DUPLEX vate conversation, but we Unemployed? Need Suites IN PONOKA, money? We lend! know about it because it 4 appls., rent $900 + utils. If you own your own Avail. Nov. 1 403-783-3860 was accidentally broadcast home - you qualify. HARVEST MANOR Pioneer Acceptance Corp. to journalists. PONOKA NEWER 3 bdrm. 1 bdrm, 2 bdrm Member BBB. townhouse, $1,295/mo. Politicians may deliberHorses 1-877-987-1420; Phone 403-704-1221 & bachelor studio ately mislead people, omit www.pioneerwest.com. PONOKA, close to available WE BUY HORSES: broke, vital facts, spin the truth NEED A LOAN? Own schools. 3 bdrm. + den, 1 un-broke, or unwanted. property? Have bad credit? a dozen different ways to Working individual Jerry Dodds 403-783-0303 bath house, 4 appls., single We can help! Call toll free garage, n/s, no pets, 403-704-3327 1-866-405-1228; www.Àr- serve their purposes of the fenced yard. $1100 + utils, standsecondmortgages.ca. moment, but they usualmo/d.d. Avail.Nov. 1. 403-783-4993 ly avoid outright lies. It’s NEED A PERSONAL or Grain, Feed WANTED TO RENT business startup Capital? just too embarrassing to be Hay Get 100% Ànancing on Retired 62 yr old 4 Plexes/ caught in a lie. And other business, investment or gentleman requires a 6 Plexes consolidation. Rates from politicians generally acHEATED CANOLA buying one or two bdrm suite 2.5% regardless of your Green, Heated or Springcept that some of their colRIMBEY: Various 2 bdrm. in Ponoka. Non-drinker, credit or bankruptcy. Call thrashed Canola. Buying: suites in 4 plex buildings. leagues shade the truth to now at 1-866-642-1116 oats, barley, wheat & peas minimum stairs for feed. Buying damaged For info call 403-843-4894 fit their own agenda as one 403-704-3602 or offgrade grain. “On of the regrettable realities Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain, of their trade. They all swim Suites 1-877-250-5252. in the sea. What drove Sarkozy and Obama to talk about Available Nov. 1 ROUND BALES - Hay, green feed, straw and bulk Transportation Netanyahu like that was 2 – 1 bdrm suites oats. Delivery available. the sheer brazen effrontery #5000-5300 No Sunday calls please. utilities incl. of his lies – and he was at it Phone 403-704-3509 or Real Estate 403-704-4333. again last week. In public, #4000 - #4190 this time. Cars Speaking to the the 37th CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP! World Zionist Congress in Misc. for 1998 Nissan Maxima Sale Jerusalem, Netanyahu de22,013 kms clared that Hitler decided All power equipment to exterminate the Jews on Ideal work car the advice of a Palestinian, Only $800 Haj Amin al-Husseini, 403-783-3683 or 403-704-3252 the grand mufti (senior Islamic cleric) of Jerusalem. Husseini met Hitler in 12345 Berlin in November 1941, Customizable and secure. From storage to workspace. he said (although there Steel containers from 8' - 53'. 20' & 40' skids with optional 4' landings is no record of the meetavailable. Mount with twist locks. ing), and that was why the Holocaust happened. “Hitler didn’t want to exterminate the Jews at the time, he wanted to expel
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the Jews. And Haj Amin al-Husseini went to Hitler and said: ‘If you expel them, they’ll all come here [to Palestine].’” According to Netanyahu, Hitler then asked: “What should I do with them?” and the mufti replied: “Burn them.” So, you see, it was the Palestinians, driven by a vicious and unreasoning hatred of the Jews, who really thought up the Holocaust, and Adolf Hitler was merely a tool in their hands. Historians instantly denounced this travesty of the historical record, and the greatest outrage was expressed by Jews who felt that Netanyahu had given a great gift to the Holocaust deniers. Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel was so appalled that she effectively called Netanyahu a liar to his face. Standing beside him in Berlin, she said: “We don’t see any reason to change our view of history, particularly on this issue. We abide by our responsibility, in Germany, for the Holocaust.” Yet Netanyahu continued to insist that it was Husseini who first suggested genocide to Hitler. Experienced journalists know that the most useful question to ask yourself when confronted with an implausible story is not: “Is this bastard lying to me?” It is: “WHY is this bastard lying to me?” So why did Netanyahu say that? In particular, why now? Because he needs to show that his policy of creating and expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank, the one-sixth of former Palestine that still has a Palestinian majority, is not responsible for the recent rash of violent attacks on Israeli Jews by young Palestinians. It is getting quite serious, though it is not yet a “third intifada”. Ten Jews have been murdered in the streets by Palestinians in the past month. About fifty Palestinians have been killed, including most of the killers and would-be killers. The fear and suspicion have grown so intense that in two cases of mistaken identity Jews have killed or wounded other Jews. There appears to be no central direction behind the attacks. Most observers believe that the phenomenon
is mainly driven by the despair of young Palestinians who see their land slipping away and don’t believe that Netanyahu will ever let the Palestinians have their own state in the occupied territories. That would put the blame for the outbreak squarely on Netanyahu’s policies, which he cannot accept. So he is trying to prove that Palestinians just naturally hate Jews: “My intention was…to show that the forefathers of the Palestinian nation – without a country and without the so-called ‘occupation,’ without land and without settlements – even then aspired to systematic incitement to exterminate the Jews.” That is Netanyahu’s explanation for the current attacks: incitement by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, whom he blames for the rumours about Israel’s intention to expand Jewish access to the Haram al-Sharif, the area around Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa mosque. It is Islam’s third most sacred site, but it is also sacred to Jews as Temple Mount, and these rumours certainly played a role in stimulating the attacks. There is no evidence that Abbas was behind the rumours, however, and it’s unlikely that he would have encouraged them: what these attacks are actually showing is his own people’s loss of faith in his ability to get a Palestinian state. Nor is Saturday’s agreement in Amman between US Secretary of State John Kerry, Mahmoud Abbas and Jordan’s King Hussein to guarantee the current rules for access to the holy site likely to quell the violence. The rumours were a trigger for the violence, but the gun is always loaded. The Palestinian revolts in 1929 and 1936, which were indeed incited by Grand Mufti Husseini, were already about the Jewish colonisation of Palestine. It was always about the land, and it still is today. Netanyahu knows that very well. It is the real motive behind his own policies. He just can’t afford to admit it. Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.
38 PONOKA NEWS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
Don’t blame oil prices for Alberta deficit Alberta’s fiscal woes are the result of uncontrolled spending over the past decade BY STEVE LAFLEUR AND CHARLES LAMMAM TROY MEDIA COLUMNISTS Alberta’s budget, to be unveiled on Oct. 27, will contain the province’s seventh deficit in the last eight years, most recently projected at $5.9 billion. A popular narrative blames declining oil prices for the government’s deteriorating financial situation. However, as a recent Fraser Institute study found, Alberta’s fiscal woes are primarily driven by successive governments not controlling the rapid growth in spending over the past decade. For further evidence of the tenuous link between Alberta’s budget balance and the price of oil, consider the following analysis. There are three distinct periods worth noting. From 1990/91 to 1993/94, Alberta recorded four consecutive large deficits. After implementing a series of fiscal reforms, the provincial government was able to run surpluses in 14 consecutive years starting in 1994/95 up to 2007/08. Since then, the province has been in deficit with the exception of a small operating surplus in 2014/15.
If the narrative about oil prices driving deficits was true, we would expect the province to run deficits in years with relatively low oil prices and surpluses in years with relatively high oil prices. But that relationship simply does not hold. Alberta has run surpluses when oil was close to US$20 per barrel (all prices in 2015 U.S. dollars) and has run deficits when oil reached nearly US$110 per barrel. To further illustrate the lack of a relationship between oil prices and Alberta’s fiscal balance, consider the averages over the three periods delineated above. From 1990/91 to 1993/94, Alberta ran deficits averaging -3 per cent of GDP while the price of oil averaged approximately US$37 per barrel. In the next major period from 1994/95 to 2007/08, Alberta recorded surpluses averaging +2.2 per cent of GDP with oil at an average of roughly US$43 per barrel. In the final period from 2008/09 to 2015/16, the province averaged a deficit of -0.5 per cent of GDP, despite oil prices averaging a whopping US$88 per barrel. All this suggests that oil prices alone are not a good predictor of Alberta’s fiscal balance. The province has been able to balance its books in times when oil prices (after adjusting for inflation) were lower than what they
are today. While oil prices are currently below their historic highs, the core problem is that successive governments spent as though high resource prices (and thus revenues) would last forever. Between 2004/05 and 2014/15, the provincial government increased program spending by 98.3 per cent - nearly double the growth rate necessary to keep pace with increasing overall prices (inflation) and a growing population, which collectively grew by 52.1 per cent over the period. Program spending also outpaced the rate of provincial economic growth (88.6 per cent). Had governments restrained spending growth since 2004/05 to the rate of inflation plus population growth, Alberta could expect a $4.4 billion surplus this year rather than a $5.9 billion deficit. That’s a $10.3 billion difference. Put simply, Alberta’s deficit is mainly due to past spending choices, not declining oil prices. The key lesson for governments is to spend prudently in good times in order to be prepared for the bad times. Steve Lafleur is a senior policy analyst and Charles Lammam is the director of fiscal studies at the Fraser Institute
An intriguing and gripping concoction
TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER The Bookworm Minding your own business. That’s what you were doing…well, mostly. You weren’t bothering anybody, it’s true, but you were contemplating mischief, just to keep things interesting but not enough to get yourself in trouble. And yet, that’s what happened – to you, and to Ada in the new adult novel “After Alice ” by Gregory Maguire. Fifteen-year-old Lydia Clowd, not-quite-grown-up, not-quite-child, hated when her widowed father told
Gregory Maguire
her to mind her younger sister, Alice. Alice was such a strange child. Once, Lydia found her beneath the bed their mother died in, lying still as marble, staring at the underside of the mattress. She was an odd little girl, so it was no surprise to Lydia when Miss Armstrong, the Vicar’s family governess, came looking for Alice near the river. Actually, Miss Armstrong was looking for Ada , her charge, who’d never been beyond the Vicarage walls alone but had somehow gotten away from Miss Armstrong and was now missing. Ada and Alice were friends, so it stood to reason that if Miss Armstrong could find Alice , Ada would be nearby. But both girls were gone. Lydia knew that Alice hadn’t snuck home; she’d know because, well, she just would. Her father’s kitchen help hadn’t seen Alice , either. Mr. Clowd was entertaining Mr. Charles Darwin
and an American visitor, so he couldn’t help in the search. And Miss Armstrong was simply beside herself with worry. And then the little dark boy, a former slave who was traveling with the American, went missing, too. Surely, the children were together. They’d be found soon. Escaping from the Vicarage was a delicious thrill for Ada Boyce. Never had she gone so far alone, not with the problems she had with her spine and her legs. Miss Armstrong was always around – except this time, when a hiding Ada accidentally slipped into a hole and fell and fell and fell to another world where caterpillars talked, cats grinned, and playing cards battled. It was a world where Queens threatened beheadings, and where Ada was certain she’d find Alice . But Ada was not alone… I have to admit, I was intrigued by “After Alice” – before I got so thoroughly lost that I had absolutely no clue what was going on. It’s obvious that this is a re-imagining of the famous Lewis Carroll tale, but author Gregory Maguire also mashes in other fairy tales and nursery rhymes, which was befuddling but I persevered. There had to be a pay-off to sticking around. Boy, was there. Maguire tweaks Carroll’s story here and there, creates a whole other subplot, and throws in a heartbreaking turning point that Carroll would never have seen coming but that changes the tone of this book completely. Indeed, once I relaxed into the nonsense (and isn’t that what Alice Through the
Looking Glass mostly is?), I enjoyed it a lot. I think you will, too, par-
ticularly if you’re a Maguire fan or if you love Alice, too. My advice is to start “After
Alice ,” stick with it, and the blended plot…? You won’t mind.
“After Alice : A Novel” by Gregory Maguire c.2015, William Morrow $26.99 / $33.50 Canada 273 pages
ON NOW AT YOUR ALBERTA GMC DEALERS. ALBERTAGMC.COM 1-800-GM-DRIVE. GMC is a brand of General Motors of Canada. Offers apply to the finance of a 2015 Sierra 2500HD/3500HD 1SA Double Cab 4X2, Sierra 1500 Double Cab 2WD 1SA, Terrain SLE-1 AWD, Acadia SLE-1 AWD. License, insurance, registration, administration fees, dealer fees, PPSA and taxes not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offers which may not be combined with other offers, and are subject to change without notice. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in Alberta GMC Dealer Marketing Association area only. Dealer trade may be required. * Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada for vehicles delivered between October 1 and November 2, 2015. 0% purchase financing offered on approved credit by TD Auto Finance Services, Scotiabank® or RBC Royal Bank for 84 months on select new or demonstrator 2015 GMC vehicles excluding Yukon, Yukon XL, Sierra 2500 HD Diesel, Savana, Canyon 2SA and Canyon 4x4. Participating lenders are subject to change. Rates from other lenders will vary. Down payment, trade and/or security deposit may be required. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Example: $45,000 at 0% APR, the monthly payment is $535.71 for 84 months. Cost of borrowing is $0, total obligation is $45,000. Offer is unconditionally interest-free. Freight, air tax ($100, if applicable) included. License, insurance, registration, PPSA/movable property registry fees, applicable taxes and dealer fees not included. Dealers may sell for less. Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. GMCL may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. ††$11,000 is a combined total credit consisting of a $10,000 Cash Credit (tax exclusive) available on 2015 GMC Sierra HD Gas models (excluding HD Gas Double Cab 1SA 4X2), $1,000 Owner Cash (tax inclusive), which is available for cash purchases only and cannot be combined with special lease and finance rates. By selecting lease or finance offers, consumers are foregoing this $10,000 credit, which will result in higher effective interest rates. Discounts vary by model. † $10,380 is a combined total credit consisting of a $3,000 manufacturer-to-dealer delivery credit (tax exclusive) $5,195 Cash Credit (tax exclusive) available on 2015 GMC Sierra Double Cab 1SA 4WD models, $1,000 Owner Cash (tax inclusive), $750 manufacturer-to-dealer Elevation Package Discount Credit (tax exclusive) for 2015 Sierra 1SA Elevation Edition with 5.3L Engine and a $435 manufacturer-to-dealer cash credit (tax exclusive) on any 2015 GMC Sierra Elevation Double Cab AWD with a 5.3L engine, which is available for cash purchases only and cannot be combined with special lease and finance rates. By selecting lease or finance offers, consumers are foregoing this $5,630 credit, which will result in higher effective interest rates. Discounts vary by model. ** Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). ‡‡ $5,000 is a combined credit consisting of a $1,000 Owner Cash (tax inclusive), $3,000 manufacturer to dealer delivery credit (tax exclusive) for 2015 Sierra 1500 Double Cab and a $1,000 manufacturer to dealer finance cash (tax exclusive) for a 2015 Sierra 1500 which is available for finance offers only and cannot be combined with special lease rates and cash purchase. ‡ $4,950/$4,750 is a combined total credit consisting of $750/$750 Owner Cash (tax inclusive) and a $4,200/$4,000 manufacturer to dealer cash credit (tax exclusive) for a 2015 Terrain SLE-1 FWD/Acadia SLE-1 FWD, which is available for cash purchases only and cannot be combined with special lease and finance rates. By selecting lease or finance offers, consumers are foregoing this $4,200/$4,000 credit which will result in higher effective interest rates. Discounts vary by model and cash credit excludes Terrain SLE-1 AWD/Acadia SLE-1 AWD. ^ $1,750 is a combined credit consisting of $750 Owner Cash (tax inclusive) and $1,000 manufacturer to dealer finance cash (tax exclusive) for a 2015 Terrain which is available for finance offers only and cannot be combined with special lease rates and cash purchase. ¥ Offer applies to eligible current owners or lessees of any model year 1999 or newer car that has been registered and insured in Canada in the customer’s name for the previous consecutive six (6) months. Credit valid towards the retail purchase or lease of one eligible 2015 model year GMC SUV, crossover and pickups models delivered in Canada between October 1 and November 2, 2015. Credit is a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive) and credit value depends on model purchased: $750 credit available on eligible GMC vehicles (except Canyon 2SA, Sierra 1500 and HD); $1,000 credit available on all GMC Sierras. Offer is transferable to a family member living within the same household (proof of address required). As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and contact General Motors of Canada Limited (GMCL) to verify eligibility. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Certain limitations or conditions apply. Void where prohibited. See your GMCL dealer for details. GMCL reserves the right to amend or terminate offers for any reason in whole or in part at any time without prior notice.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
0
PONOKA NEWS 39
CANADA WIDE CLEARANCE NOW EXTENDED
% PURCHASE FINANCING FOR UP TO
ACADIA SLE-1 AWD MODEL SHOWN
WHILE INVENTORY LASTS.
84 MONTHS* ON SELECT 2015 MODELS
UP TO
OR
TERRAIN SLE-1 AWD MODEL SHOWN
2015 GMC ACADIA SLE-1 AWD
NHTSA 5-STAR OVERALL VEHICLE SCORE FOR SAFETY **
$
2015 GMC SIERRA 2500HD/3500HD 1SA DOUBLE CAB 4X2
SIERRA 2500HD SLE DOUBLE CAB STANDARD BOX 4X4 MODEL SHOWN
2015 GMC SIERRA 1500 DOUBLE CAB 2WD 1SA
NHTSA 5-STAR OVERALL VEHICLE SCORE FOR SAFETY **
15140MS0 15104MN0 15104MB0
SIERRA 1500 DOUBLE CAB 1SA MODEL SHOWN
2015 GMC TERRAIN SLE-1 AWD
GMC TERRAIN WAS NAMED A 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK BY IIHS
11,000 PURCHASE FINANCING
%
UP TO
IN TOTAL CASH CREDIT ON OTHER MODELS ††
INCLUDES $1,000 OWNER CASH¥
0 84 $ 11,000 PURCHASE FINANCING
%
PURCHASE FINANCING
%
FOR UP TO
INCLUDES $1,000 OWNER CASH¥ AND $750 PACKAGE DISCOUNT
0 84 $ 10,380 FOR UP TO
PURCHASE FINANCING
%
+ $1,750 IN FINANCE CREDITˆ OR
INCLUDES $750 OWNER CASH¥
0 84 $ 4,950 FOR UP TO
IN TOTAL CASH CREDIT‡ ON OTHER MODELS
0 84 $ 4,750
FOR UP TO
+ $750 IN OWNER CASH¥ OR
TOTAL CASH CREDIT ON SELECT MODELS†† [INCLUDES $1,000 OWNER CASH¥]
MONTHS* ON SELECT 2015 MODELS.
OR
MONTHS* ON SELECT 2015 MODELS.
+ $5,000 IN FINANCE CREDIT‡‡ OR UP TO
IN TOTAL VALUE† ON OTHER MODELS
MONTHS* ON SELECT 2015 MODELS.
UP TO
IN TOTAL CASH CREDIT‡ ON OTHER MODELS
MONTHS* ON SELECT 2015 MODELS.
UP TO
INCLUDES $750 OWNER CASH¥
ALBERTAGMC.COM
40 PONOKA NEWS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015
O C T O B E R S AV I N G S E V E N T
0
0
%
%
LEASING UP TO
FINANCING
48
UP TO
MONTHS
72
GET UP TO
$10,000 CASH CREDITS
MONTHS
ON MOST VEHICLES*
2015 FIESTA SE 5 SPD
C1265
2015 FOCUS SE 5 SPD
C1170
2015 ESCAPE S
SALE PRICE
SALE PRICE
SALE PRICE
$
$
$
16,900
OR
19,500
$
99 BW
OR
@84 MTHS AT 0% APR
SALE PRICE
C0812
Leather, Roof, Nav
OR
$
135 BW
219 BW
2015 FORD SUPERCAB 4X4 XL
T1214
SALE PRICE
OR
@84 MTHS
129 BW
@84 MTHS
5.0L
2015 FORD F-150 SUPERCREW XLT SALE PRICE
T1403
2.7L Ecoboost
$
36,784
$
$
OR
$
27,900
T1244
21,850
@84 MTHS AT 0% APR
2015 FUSION SE
$
ENTER TO WIN A FREE NEW ESCAPE. SEE DEALERS FOR DETAILS
42,834
$
249 BW
OR
@72 MTHS AT 0% APR
$
292 BW
@72 MTHS AT 0% APR
0% for 72 months OAC total pymts $45552, 0 interest. By using 0% client forgoes additional rebate of $4250. All new vehicles plus gst.
USED CLEAROUT VEHICLES –OVER 200 TO CHOOSE FROM...LEGACYAUTOGROUP.CA
2006 BMW 3301
$
11,900
B/W PAYMENT
$
00
139
2012 FORD FOCUS SE
2013 DODGE CARAVAN
2013 FORD ESCAPE
$
$ B/W PAYMENT
11200
STK#L0486 84 months
2014 FORD FIESTA LOW KM
B/W PAYMENT
$
10700
$
14,900
STK#T1038A 84 months LOW KM
23,900
$
00
99
13,900
STK#C0752A 84 months
STK#L0447 84 months
$
$
STK#L0431 48 months
15,900
B/W PAYMENT
B/W PAYMENT
$
18500
2014 DODGE RAM 1500 SPORT
B/W PAYMENT
$
30900
$
39,900
STK#L0406 84 months
If the Legacy Markdown isn’t on it ... you probably paid too much! ALL PAYMENTS INCLUDE ALL GST, FEES AND A FULL TANK OF GAS! * A l l p r i c e s p l u s $ 4 9 9 a d m i n f e e & g s t . E G 2 0 1 2 F o r d F o c u s S E 8 4 m o n t h s f i n a n c i n g 4 . 9 9 % A P R t o t a l p y m t s $ 1 8 5 5 0 . 4 0 . To t a l i n t e r e s t $ 2 8 6 6 . 3 8
“Let your Legacy start here.”
Help Ford & Free The Children stand up to hunger. Collect non-perishable food items and drop them off at your Ford Store to support local food banks
www.legacyfordponoka.ca