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April 19, 2022
HAY LAKES DRAINAGE DISTRICT
(Pictured left to right) Hay Lakes Drainage District director Sheldon Thouret, chairman John Reist and director Richard Schultz re-imagine what it would have been like in constructing the Hay Lakes Drainage District in 1922.
Hay Lakes Drainage District #11 (HLDD) is proud to be celebrating the vision and achievements of the pioneers of 1922 in the formation of the HLDD and the ultimate construction of the drainage system. Everyone is invited to come out and join members of the HLDD on
April 30 for a free barbecue at the Hay Lakes Agriplex from noon until 1:30 including the presentation of Mud Slinging, and a book written on the history of the HLDD. The event is open to anyone, just bring a lawn chair. See inside story on page 4.
Inside...
News Features…
A variety of merchandise and services: Farm supplies and services, auctions and more!
Fire contained despite windy conditions. . . . . . . . . . 3 County updates Chamber of Commerce. . . . . . . . . . 6 County passes small tax increase budget. . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Visit our website: www.camrosebooster.com
Win a colour enlargement of your farm! See page 8
Photos by Lori Larsen
Celebrates 100 Years
The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 19, 2022 – Page 2 D VE ER ES R UN
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Watch for avian influenza in poultry
By Murray Green
Alberta Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development Nate Horner commented on positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in flocks. “Recently, some Alberta poultry farms have tested positive for highly pathogen-
ic avian influenza (HPAI), which was previously detected in migratory waterfowl, backyard flocks and commercial poultry flocks in the eastern United States, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and in a wild bird in Vancouver. “Albertans can be assured there is no risk to
food safety and that the risk to human health is extremely low. The quick discovery of these cases is a testament to the effectiveness of our disease surveillance and response system and the commitment of our poultry producers,” said Horner. “The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is leading the investigation and response. Alberta has supported the CFIA with testing and mapping, and we have offered our help wherever possible and needed.
Phone 780-672-3142 4925-48 St., Camrose
We are in regular contact with the CFIA, industry, producers and other stakeholders to ensure a timely, coordinated and effective response,” he added. “This case is an important reminder of the importance of strict biosecurity measures and early detection. HPAI is a reportable disease, so if you suspect or confirm a case in your flock, you are required to report it to the CFIA or the office of the chief provincial veterinarian.”
The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 19, 2022 – Page 3
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Fire contained despite windy conditions By Lori Larsen On Saturday, April 9, at approximately 12:50 p.m., Camrose County Protective Services and Camrose Fire Department received calls to service for a grass fire in the Driedmeat Lake area. According to Camrose County Protective Services manager and Emergency Services director Sergeant Mike Kuzio, the origin of the fire is still under investigation and despite the threat of high winds, the damage was contained to pasture, trees, a couple of power poles and one out building. “Mutual Aid, including Bawlf Fire Department and Camrose County’s Regional Fire Service, was called in to assist Camrose Fire Department, the fire department that was in command, once they arrived on scene,” reported Kuzio. “Camrose County officers were also on scene throughout the incident, along with Camrose County public works staff, who were operating the County bulldozers and County water trucks.” Kuzio said that some local residents also came out to assist where they could in snuffing out smaller hot spots. The fire was under control at approximately 5 p.m. with hot spots monitored throughout the evening. “The northwest winds were extremely strong during the entire incident,” said Kuzio. “However, the fire crews were able to minimize damage and prevent the fire from reaching the surrounding subdivision.” Kuzio extended a thank you to the Camrose Fire Department, Bawlf Fire Department and the Camrose Regional Fire Service for their coordinated efforts in managing the situation in a professional, safe and timely manner.
Photo courtesy of Russ Greipl The April 9 fire located by Driedmeat Lake caused damage to some pasture land, trees, power poles and one out building.
The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 19, 2022 – Page 4
Hay Lakes Drainage District By Lori Larsen
On April 30, Hay Lakes Drainage District will be celebrating 100 years of moving excess water out of the Hay Lakes water basin. In 1922, the Hay Lakes Drainage District (HLDD) was registered by the Public Works Department of the Alberta Government. Recognizing the need to drain excess water from the Hay Lakes basin in order to utilize more workable farmland, area settlers formed the Hay Lakes Drainage District and began the arduous task of constructing close to 15 (now closer to 20) miles of the ditch drainage system, taking just over two years to complete. “We want to celebrate the incredible hard work and vision of those early pioneers who brought this District into fruition,” said HLDD director Richard Schultz. “That early 1920s work brought much needed ‛real money’ to local settlers who got the contracts to construct bridges and ditches on their own land and were paid with real dollars, which were very scarce in those days.”
With today’s advances in technology and mechanics, this task would be done with little strain on human manpower, but in 1922, the challenges they faced were unimaginable. “To remove the water from the Little Hay Lakes Basin, the ditch had to be dug through some big hills in Section 3 49 21,” noted Schultz. “The ditch that cut through these hills in 1923 and 1924 was done with a steam-powered drag line and the cut was in excess of 30 feet at places. It was a huge challenge.” The Hay Lakes Drainage District is one of nine drainage districts in Central Alberta, and one of three with some of their area in Camrose County. HLDD is locally governed by an elected board of directors. All three current directors as well as many of the ratepayers are descendent of those early pioneers. The HLDD Board of Directors meets for formal meetings about five times per year with a secretary to discuss bylaws, ditch maintenance, ratepayer concerns and financial
issues such as taxes,and operating costs. “We have ‘ditch-side meetings’ about six times a year, and are on site for any work being done in the District,” said chairman John Reist. “Directors serve a threeyear term and elections are held during the AGM each April.” HLDD is now administered by the Water Act and each parcel of land in the District has a Ministerial Order placed on the Land Title, enabling the District to continue its work regardless of who owns the land. HLDD is funded through annual taxes collected from each ratepayer in the district. “The District is primarily within the Township 49-21 W4, which includes the Village of Hay Lakes,” noted Schultz, adding that the HLDD aids in the release of village waste water, and removes excess runoff waters that erode and compromise village and County road systems. While the main function of the HLDD is to improve agricultural land use, the benefits to acreage owners and the whole Hay Lakes community are enormous. When first constructed, the HLDD served 26 landowners in the formation. “Today it is close to 70 ratepayers, a good number of whom are acreage owners,” explained HLDD director Sheldon Thouret. The HLDD benefits about 8,500 acres, with another 2,500 acres that drain into the District that are currently not part of the District. “The HLDD has applied to the government and Ministry of Environment to have those acres annexed and added to the District.” Join members of the HLDD in celebrating this significant milestone at a free barbecue to be held on April 30 from noon until 1:30 p.m. at the Hay Lakes Agriplex. A nyone wishing to learn more about the HLDD can purchase the book Mud Slinging, which tells about the first years of the HLDD, compiled from historical documents. The book will be available at the April 30 event. The event will also include a few speeches and presentations after which the HLDD will be holding their annual general meeting from 2 until 3:30 p.m. For more information on the Hay Lakes Drainage District and the 100th celebration, contact Crystal Berkholtz or any of the current directors John Reist, Sheldon Thouret or Richard Schultz.
Regional fire hall
Murray Green, Camrose Booster
Camrose County Regional Fire Services firefighters Jack Schellenberg, left, Benji Penner and Ross Penner were busy preparing hamburgers during an open house celebration on April 9.
Murray Green, Camrose Booster
Two-year-old Oscar Doel of the Duhamel area jumped into a fire truck to test his driving skills at the open house of the Camrose County Regional Fire Hall. The Regional Fire Hall consolidated the costs of operating two fire hall buildings into just one building. It also is a central site for equipment for the region. The volunteer fire crews continue to be staffed from all three areas (Ferintosh, New Norway and Edberg), while giving the crews a central place to train and meet. Analysis has shown that the travel time in the event of a fire will not be negatively impacted and, as the crews work together, it will be likely that a crew can be quickly grouped from a greater number of volunteers to create a unified force and response times.
Murray Green, Camrose Booster
Camrose County Regional Fire Services firefighters Jon Rosland, Klayton Krangnes and Levi Siemens eagerly served guests at the open house of the new fire hall located east of Ferintosh on April 9.
The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 19, 2022 – Page 5
ONLINE TIMED SPRING CONSIGNMENT AUCTION
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Visit our website to register for our online timed auction WWW.LINDSTRANDAUCTIONS.COM Accepting delivery of consignments from Wednesday, April 13 to Friday, April 22, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm ALREADY LISTED: 2 LARGE LATE MODEL FARM DISPERSALS! CONSIGN TODAY TO BE PART OF THIS BIG AUCTION!
Public Viewing from Monday, April 25 to Thursday, April 28 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Friday, April 29 from 8:00 am to noon, at our yard 2 MILES NORTH OF CAMROSE ON HIGHWAY 833. (47321 Sec Hwy 833) We conduct Alberta’s Largest One-day Farm Machinery Consignment Auction four times a year, selling farm equipment, cars and trucks, lawn and garden, recreation vehicles and shop equipment. Whether you have one piece or a complete line of machinery, we have the facility and the experience to bring you top dollar for your equipment. For full listings and pictures, visit our website at www.lindstrandauctions.com
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The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 19, 2022 – Page 6
County updates Chamber of Commerce By Lori Larsen Camrose County Reeve Cindy Trautman presented an update on the County to members of the Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce and guests during the April 6 Chamber general meeting. Trautman began by introducing the new council: members Doug Lyseng (Division 7), Carl Bergstrom (Division 1), Don Simpson (Division 4), Carlene Wetthuhn (Division 5), Jordon Banack (Division 6), Tina Sorka (Division 3) and Trautman, who represents Division 2. The report compared the election statistics from 2017 to 2021 including: six division elections in 2021 versus two in 2017; 19 candidates in 2021 versus nine in 2017; 27 election workers in 2021 versus 10 in 2017; and 1,984 votes cast
in 2021 versus 430 in 2017. With regards to the referendum questions posed during the 2021 election, Trautman indicated that Camrose County responses to Permanent Daylight Savings showed 52 per cent in favour and 48 per cent against; and with regards to Equalization, 80 per cent in favour and 20 per cent against. Trautman spoke about the Intermunicipal Agreements dealt with during 2021. “The Fire Agreement was extended and there were no changes to it. With the Recycling Agreement, the County moved away from the Centra Cam cost sharing. We actually have saved about $50,000 on our recycling program by going with two local contractors.” Finally, the Recreation Agreement is a five-year flat
fee arrangement with a CPI increase annually after 2021, capped at two per cent, with an annual payment for 10 years of $264,000 for the Aquatic Centre. “In late 2020, the 2017 council made a priority of having an Economic Development Committee. At that time, it consisted of two councillors (Doug Lyseng and Trautman) and one manager of Planning and Development (Anjah Howard).” Trautman said updated information has been done on the website and business directory, and encouraged attendees with businesses in the County that would like to be added to the Business Directory to contact the County office. “In 2021, after the election, we added a third councillor to the (Economic Devel-
Truck inspections
Murray Green, Camrose Booster
Camrose County resident Kevin Van Petten brought his truck to get inspected by County Protective Services officer Hermanus Germushuyen, left, and Beaver County Protective Services officer Trent Kenyon on April 6 in Camrose.
Murray Green, Camrose Booster
Ray Kawai of the Lacombe County Protective Services, under the truck, and Camrose County Protective Services officer Wes Allison inspect Blaine Fenske’s truck, from Bawlf, to ensure it is roadworthy. Because this was a free farm truck check, no vehicles were towed and no tickets were issued. Camrose County encourages farmers to take advantage of this inspection program each spring in order to avoid any on-highway problems. Inspections included critical safety items such as brakes, steering, lights, frames, fuel systems and drive shafts.
Reeve Cindy Trautman opment) committee (Carlene Wetthuhn) and four members of the public (Nicola Irving, Douglas Orr, Blaine Fenske and Jake Vermeer).” She spoke briefly on the Food Artisans of Camrose County explaining that 70 local producers sell a wide range of products. “We also have quite a few ‘friends’ of Food Artisans of Camrose County, businesses that don’t necessarily grow any product but use the products in their shops.” According to the report, Camrose County investment in local area (including businesses and services anywhere in Camrose County boundary) totalled $16.6 million: $6.3 million in salaries and wages for people in the community; $9.2 million goods, materials and services from businesses in the community; and $1.1 million in transfers of funds to organizations in the community. County purchases in Camrose in 2022 included everything from engineering and electrical services to vehicles, food and building supplies to zippers and more. “Last year, the Province of Alberta had the Municipal Operating Support Transfer (MOST) and that gave Camrose County $880,000,” explained Trautman. “That was to be used for COVID expenses, shortfalls in revenues, anything that happened during the pandemic. We allocated $9,500 for personal protective equipment, $31,000 for supplemental cleaning, $658,000 to replace revenues including unpaid taxes, $38,000 into supporting being able to work remotely, leaving $141,000. “We made a late callout to all the not-for-profits and registered societies within the County and asked what they needed for grants.” Division 1 received $28,000; Division 2, $23,000; Division 3, $20,000; Division 4, $18,000; Division 5, $15,000; Division 6, $25,000 and Division 7, $12,000. In 2020/21, the County processed 196 development permits and 34 subdivision approvals. “In 2020, the development permits were at 153, and in 2019, 174. So we are seeing a trend back up.” Trautman reported on the major projects happening throughout the County. “Past council made a priority of economic development
and one of the things we heard from industrial areas was the lack of water. You can’t build a manufacturing facility or anything else without water. So one of our main priorities was getting those waterlines out. “We started out with the Armena to Ervick, Ervick to Braim waterline, and now this year we will complete the Braim to the Ohaton end up at the Legacy Junction along Highway 56 and Highway 13.” Trautman reported on other major projects. “In February 2020, the County purchased a property straight to the east of the main office area. With that purchase, it gave us a lot of space that we could use for Public Works as well as Agriculture Services Branch (ASB). The ASB department has moved over to the County annex building and in that building, we updated the lighting, flooring, painted it and a few shop repairs.” She added, that building now has a space that is available to community groups at no charge. Other major projects include: the Seed Cleaning Plant at a cost of $7.3 million with anticipated opening in late summer/early fall; the Regional Fire Hall (which consolidated New Norway, Ferintosh and village of Edberg Fire Departments) at a cost of $825,000 and the Sand and Salt Shed. Trautman said the Regional Fire Hall, Sand and Salt Shed and electrical upgrades to the Pelican Point campground received funding from the Province’s Municipal Stimulus Program. The County also acquired a gravel resource (Dingman Pit) consisting of 80 purchased acres and 80 leased acres. “This gives the County about 30 years of a stable gravel source for us. We use it a lot. In fact, I think we did about 194,000 tons of gravel on our roads in 2021. “Over the last few years, County council, administration and staff have been looking at priority-based governance which leads right into our Strategic Plan.” Trautman explained the six priorities identified are: infrastructure, agriculture, environment, social and community, economic resiliency and governance. “We analyzed the services and got them to align with our priorities.” The final item covered by Trautman was concerning the Province’s Alberta Provincial Police initiative to replace the RCMP. She indicated that Camrose County Council, along with other rural municipalities, has voted against Alberta Provincial Police, citing concerns over funding, staffing and training. “The way we look at this is we need to reform the justice system first, because no matter what police force you have in power, if you don’t fix the justice system, it is just going to continue being a revolving door.” Trautman concluded, “There is a renewed optimism both in this room and any of the rooms I have been in, and it is great to see.” For complete details, visit the Camrose County website at https://county.camrose. ab.ca.
The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 19, 2022 – Page 7
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is published for Controlled Distribution By CAMROSE BOOSTER LTD. Blain Fowler, Publisher Circulation 11,639 copies Providing coverage to the communities of Camrose (RRs and Boxes only), Ohaton, Edberg, Meeting Creek, Donalda, Bawlf, Kelsey, Rosalind, Daysland, Heisler, Strome, Forestburg, Galahad, Castor (farms), Killam, Sedgewick, Lougheed, Coronation/Brownfield, Alliance, Hardisty, Amisk, Hughenden, Czar, Metiskow, Cadogan, Provost (farms), Armena, Hay Lakes, New Sarepta, Round Hill, Kingman, Tofield, Ryley, Holden, Bruce, Viking, Kinsella, Irma, Wainwright (farms and lock boxes), New Norway, Ferintosh, Bashaw, Bittern Lake, Gwynne, Stettler (farms).
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County passes small tax increase budget
By Murray Green Camrose County council, during their regular meeting on April 12, considered and approved the final 2022 Operating Budget with total operating revenues of $20,618,698 and total operating expenses of $35,101,028, with a total operational tax levy to be applied against all properties of $14,482,330. At the fall budget meetings, department managers recommended to the budget committee several changes or alternatives to services delivery and identified areas where efficiencies could be implemented. The Interim Operating Budget was passed on December 12, 2021, with an operating deficit of $13,936,914. Since that date, administration has reviewed and updated all departmental operating budgets and final requisition numbers from the province, incorporated changes
to assessment, changes in staffing and inflationary pressures on items such as insurance, fuel, and utility costs. Operating revenues and expenses have been adjusted by $1,747,237 since the interim budget. At that same meeting, Camrose County council also approved the final 2022 Capital Budget and project expenses in the amount of $16,118,471 to be funded by internal resources (County resources such as grants, debentures, or reserves), in the amount of $14,944,528 and a total capital tax levy of $1,173,943. The Police Funding Model requisition from the province has been increased by 29.7 per cent, going from $316,206 in 2021 to $430,592 in 2022. The province announced a general province-wide increase in School Foundation Tax rate of 1.5 per cent, however, in Camrose Coun-
Do you enjoy driving? Do you enjoy working with children? Are you looking for a part-time job that will give you free time during the day? We require quality people to transport Battle River School Division students. Join the Battle River School Division Team Today! No class 1 or class 2? No problem as Battle River School Division will put successful applicants through the MELT program to obtain their class 2-S in order to be road worthy. Driving school bus is rewarding and makes a positive impact on a child’s life. Be the one who they rely on to transport them home and to school safely. Apply today at www.brsd.ab.ca Not sure if driving bus is right for you? If you’d like more details or to learn more please contact Corey Halabi, Director of Transportation at 780-672-6131 ext. 5245. Qualifications • Clean driver’s abstract • Criminal record check • Intervention record check Benefits • Bring your children along for the ride • Summer and Holidays off ty, the Alberta School Foundation Fund (ASFF) tax rate is increasing 1.7 per cent for residential and four per cent for non-residential properties. This is due to changes in assessment values in Camrose County. This represents a $316,902 increase year over year in the ASFF requisition. For a residential property valued at $350,000, property taxes will increase
by 1.83 per cent (or approximately $40 to a total of $2,173.91). Of the total taxes paid, approximately $916 (or 37 per cent) is ASFF requisition that the County must collect on behalf of the province, and 3.31 per cent (or about $72) is police requisition, which is transferred to the province. Farmland taxes will increase 1.23 per cent in dollars; a quarter assessed
at $30,000 will see a tax increase of $6.21. “The goal for the 2022 budget was to maintain a high level of municipal service to our ratepayers, given the current social and economic climate, based on council’s strategic direction, and recently introduced priority-based budgeting principles,” said CAO Paul King.
The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 19, 2022 – Page 8
Seeding steps to reduce canola flea beetles
You could win a photograph of your farm! If this is your farm,
By Keith Gabert, Canola Council of Canada
Canola growers can take steps before or at seeding to improve crop competition against flea beetles. Standing stubble protects soil from erosion and collects more snow. Stubble also improves flea beetle management by providing shelter from wind. With direct seeding, the remaining stubble can keep flea beetles feeding on leaves– and not down on the stems. A few bites on a leaf are far less damaging than a few bites on the stem. If growers have some wiggle room on last minute seed treatment decisions, they may upgrade their seed treatment. Enhanced insecticide seed treatments will improve flea beetle protection, especially when used in combination with the following management practices. Arrange a check strip comparison if you have two seed treatments on the same variety. Aim for five to eight plants per square foot. This target is good for yield, and more plants mean fewer flea beetles per plant and more seed treatment per acre. Take steps for fast emergence and more vigour. Rapid emergence and vigorous early-season growth can extend seed treatment protection until the four-leaf stage, which is generally considered to be the end of the flea beetle risk period. To achieve these objectives, seed shallow, at a reduced speed, into a warm, moist seedbed. Use only safe rates of seed-placed fertilizer. Our best recommendation is to use only phosphorus in the seed row and no more than 20 lb./acre of actual phosphate. Higher rates of seed-placed fertilizer can add more stress, slow the pace of growth and reduce the plant stand. Even with all of these steps, flea beetle damage can still reach the economic threshold of 25 per cent leaf area loss across the field. If feeding is a concern, scout frequently, especially in warm, dry conditions that are ideal for flea beetles. Flea beetles become active with the first extended period of warm weather in April and May. Striped flea beetles emerge from winter rest one to four weeks before the crucifer flea beetles, and it may
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DIRECTORY take three weeks for all overwintering adults to emerge. Canola Watch has good tips on the spray decision and tips to improve results. Go to canolawatch.org/ fundamentals, click on the Insects section and read The flea beetle spray decision: eight steps and How to assess leaf area loss from flea beetles.
Even after taking the steps described in this article, flea beetle damage can still reach the economic threshold of 25 per cent leaf area loss across the field. Immediately after crop emergence, be on the lookout for striped flea beetles (with orange stripes) and crucifer flea beetles (all black).
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