May 16, 2023 Country Booster

Photo by Lori Larsen

Camrose and District 4-H Beef Club member Brody Pouliot tugs on the lead line as he brings his Angus Gelbvieh calf to the wash station. Meanwhile, Blayne Burkhardt (left) and Jesse Feitsma (orange hoodie) help to bring up the rear, with Jerry Pouliot keeping a close eye on the action.

votelovely@outlook

4716-38

Camrose • Phone 780-672-2452

Agriterra Equipment is one of Nort h America’s largest AGCO agricultural equipment dealers, offering Massey Ferguson, Challenger, Gleaner, Rogator and Fendt as mainline, with complementar y products such as Bourgault and Morris Seeding and Tillage equipment and Cub Cadet Consumer Products. We provide our customers with new and used equipment , complemented with product suppor t t hroughout our par ts and ser vice depar tments.

Our Camrose location is currently accepting resumés for the position of :

FULL-TIME SERVICE MANAGER

We are looking for someone who:

• has exceptional time management skills

• has considerable experience managing a ser vice shop and a team of ser vice personnel

• consistently demonstrates exceptional customer ser vice

• has basic computer skills and likes to solve problems

• has the ability to take initiative and thrives in a fast paced team environment

• can effectively manage work orders, warranty submissions, and provide customer satisfaction, always, on a timely basis

We will give preference to individuals wit h:

• Journeyperson Cer tification

• Previous experience at an AGCO or competing ag industr y dealership We would like to offer you:

• an exemplar y health and dental benefits package

• a competitive wage, with bonus package

Join our TE AM and work in an environment that is both rewarding and positive.

Please contact Branch Manager Blaine Heck at 780-672-2452 or bheck@agriterraeq.com

More support for efficient grain drying

By Murray Green Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau announced

support for 45 new projects related to adopting more efficient grain drying technology by farmers across Canada.

With this investment of up to more than $22.2 million through the Agricultural Clean Technology Program–Adoption Stream, the program has now supported 99 grain dryer projects across the country, representing a total of more than $37.1 million.

With $50 million set aside for the purchase and installation of more efficient grain dryers and $10 million set aside for fuel switching initiatives, this program is already helping hundreds of farmers to adopt clean technologies that will power their farms with cleaner energy.

For example, Geerts Farms, a 26,000-acre family operated producer of canola, wheat and oats in Kamsack, Saskatchewan, is receiving up to $2 million to purchase and install a new grain dryer and biomass boiler that is powered by locally sourced wood waste. As a result, the use of propane in the drying process will be eliminated completely.

The Government of Canada continues to invest in research, development and adoption of

clean technology to help the agriculture sector support a low-carbon economy, while feeding a growing population.

“Our goal is to help the Canadian agricultural sector innovate and adopt clean technologies. This investment in more efficient grain drying technology will help to reduce the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions and leverage technology to be more resilient to climate change,” said Bibeau.

As part of the Strengthened Climate Plan and the Emissions Reduction Plan, the Government of Canada has committed over $1.5 billion to accelerate the agricultural sector’s progress on reducing emissions and to remain a global leader in sustainable agriculture. This includes $495.7 million for the Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program.

Projects and final funding are subject to the negotiation of contribution agreements.

As of March 29, 248 projects under the ACT Program have been announced, totalling up to more than $95 million.

Through the recently expanded ACT Program, it is anticipated that greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by up to 0.8 megatons each year as a result of fuel switching and decreased fuel consumption.

UNRESERVED ONLINE AUCTION FOR QUALITY BUILDINGS INC. • EDBERG, AB.

DIRECTIONS: From intersection of HWY 21 and TWP RD 440, go 5 miles east, then go 1 mile south on RGE RD 203. Property is on the west side of the road. Gate sign: 43482 RGE RD 203, Camrose County, Alberta.

Health Care Aide Program Vi rtual Career and Information Fair

Star t a New Career –Become a Health Care Aide!

The Bethany Group, in partnership with NorQuest College, is offering the Health Care Aide Workplace Delive ry program. This dynamic program gives students the opportunit y to wo rk while they lear n in a person-centered environm ent suppor ted by the health care team

Health Care Aides (H CA s) work within a multidisciplinary care team by providing physical and emotional suppor t, and compassionate care to resident s in Long-Ter m Care, DSL and Home Care.

What We Of fe r:

• The abilit y to earn money while in school

• A variet y of shif ts

• Face -to-face classes and labs

• Tuition suppor t and bursarie s available

• A rewarding career with the largest employer in Camrose

Requirements:

• Desire to learn, grow, and challenge yourse lf

• High School Language Ar ts or equivalent Enquire fo r detail s.

English Language Profi ciency Requirements:

• You must provide proof of ELP prior to registration In addition successfully co mplete the ACCU PL ACER Assessment of Admission. ELP test result s must have been obtained within two years of the star t date of your program. Enquire for detail s.

CARING COMMUNITIES

The HC A program star t date is Fall 2023. Successful candidates will be able to star t wo rk in June

To learn more, please call 780-679-2012 or email education.services@bethanygrp.ca to register for our Virtual Career and Information Fair, to be held May 24 and 31 from 12:00 noon-12:30 p.m. Potential candidates need only to attend one session.

Join us

We’d love to meet you!

Who We Are:

The Bethany Group is a major provider of Health and Housing services to over 2,60 0 households in 30 communities in Central Alberta. We are a leader in creating safe and supportive wo rk environments for our staf f while fostering a culture of dive rsit y, inclusivity, and respec t.

What We Do:

Our mission is to provide person -centered service that builds a caring communit y, connec ts people and makes a positive difference in each person’s life through the provision of Health, Housing and Suppor tive Living Services www.thebethanygroup.ca

*T he Bethany Group is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for our resident s, staf f, visitors and volunteers In order to co ntinue to protec t our staf f and those we serve, all employees within The Bethany Group will be required to be fully immunized against COVI D-19 as well as provide a clear Criminal Record Chec k.

Road added to priority list

By Murray Green Camrose County dug

into its reserve funds to rebuild Range Road 173 south of Highway 13.

A group of concerned citizens reported the dangers of the temporary closed road and asked that the County move the repairs to the priority list.

“I move that the section of Range Road 173, south of Highway 13, accessing Township Road 452 be prioritized on the road construction priority list and repaired in 2023, using reserve funds,” said councillor Tina Sroka.

The section of Range road 173 south of highway 13 has been under a temporary closure since June 2020. “At that time, an influx of water to the vicinity of the roadway caused the road to become submerged and presented a significant hazard to the general public,” said County public works manager Zach Mazure.

“During the course of 2020, the water did not recede and had nowhere to drain away to, so for much of the year, the road remained underwater and closed to

traffic.”

This section of road remains under a temporary closure with signage and concrete blocks indicating as such to the travelling public.

“Due to the ongoing presence of water adjacent the road and the elevation of the water relative to the travelling surface, it had been deemed pro-active to keep the road closed. While the water has currently subsided, in an effort to remain consistent along with the strong likelihood that the spring melt will cause water to return, the road has been kept closed. The side slopes of the road have also eroded and are now very steep and while the middle of the travelling surface remains relatively solid, there are unacceptable safety risks for users if this road were to be re-opened in it’s current condition,” explained Zach.

The proposed road grade improvements are estimated to cost in the range of $85,000, based on recent comparable projects and current contractor rates.

The funding for the recommended action is pro-

BRRG assists with crop research

By Murray Green

posed to be reserve funds.

“The costs associated with a permanent closure would be approximately $3,500 to remove applicable road section(s) to prevent access and install appropriate permanent warning signage and barriers,” shared Zach.

“A thru-road would be restored and mitigate public safety concerns for road users. It would provide better agricultural access for lands on the north portion of the road in question. It would be a consistant manner of dealing with road issues in the past. Generally speaking, all Camrose County roads are repaired as time and budget permits,” Zach reported.

“As presented by the farmers in the area, another topic of concern is the difficult access for large equipment off of Highway 13, which in the event of a thruroad closure, would be the only access for the northern parcels. While not impossible to access and exit, it does present challenges due to the narrow road width of range road 173 and the ongoing increase in size of farming equipment.”

The Battle River Research Association (BRRG) came into existence after the amalgamation of the Battle River Forage Association and the Battle River Applied Research Association in 1993.

“We are located in Forestburg, allowing us to easily serve the east central region of Alberta, including Camrose County,” said president Don Kroetch (Flagstaff County Reeve), at the April 11 meeting with Camrose County.

They serve the counties of Paintearth, Stettler, Camrose, Beaver and Flagstaff. Board members include Shawn Charbonneau, Kirk Sorensen, Stuart McMahon, Dale Pederson, Dave Grover, Brent Christensen, Stan Schulmeister and Edmund Lefsrud. The manager is Khalil Ahmed.

The Battle River Research Group has eight sites and more than 2,500 plots to help serve the local producer.

They perform variety (109) testing of pulses such as fababeans, yellow peas, green peas, lentils and soy beans.

BRRG tests 50 varieties of cereal for silage such as barley, oats, triticale and cereal pea mix.

They evaluate hemp as a forage in central Alberta. Overall, the nutritional data reveals that hemp is an excellent source of protein for livestock. Most of the crude protein levels are comparable to that of dehydrated or sun cured alfalfa pellets or cubes, or pure alfalfa hay.

They usually hold crop walks during the summer months of June, July and August. The research group also has a field day on June 23 and organize training for the University of Alberta.

They focus on collaboration with other research groups, commissions, watershed groups, post secondary and industry in central Alberta.

They feature a strong demonstration of new farming practices and technology producer access to local applied research data, expertise, and facilities.

For more information, phone 780-582-7308.

Voting information in the mail

By Murray Green

You may have received an Elections Alberta sheet in the mail. Households across Alberta, received information in their mailboxes on registering to vote in the upcoming provincial general election.

Electors are encouraged to register or update their information at www. voterlink.ab.ca, or by calling the provincial contact centre at 1-877-422-8683. The Contact Centre is available from 8:15 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

Electors accessing the online registration system can retrieve their voter record by using the PIN and House/Access Number found on their register to vote letter, or by using their Alberta Driver’s Licence or Alberta Identification Card number.

Further instructions on how to register online are available on the Elections Alberta website. Electors that need support to register are encouraged to call the Contact Centre. Registering to vote in advance of voting days

makes the process faster and easier. Registering with both your physical and mailing address expands options for identification that can be accepted at the voting place.

All electors must be registered to vote at their current physical address before being issued a ballot. While this process can be completed at a voting place it does lengthen the time required to vote.

“Electors must be registered to vote to cast their ballot,” said Pamela Renwick, deputy chief electoral officer. “Registration is already open and takes less than five minutes online. Doing it early is the best way to ensure an easy and efficient visit to the ballot box.”

Where to Vote cards are mailed to all households in Alberta prior to voting days. The card provides details on the closest advance voting stations and the household’s assigned voting location on Election Day. New for this election, electors can now opt-in to receive their Where to Vote

card by email, ensuring they have it handy when they arrive at the voting place.

All electors will be required to show ID to prove their identity and physical address whether they are voting in person, on Election Day, during advance voting, or voting by special ballot.

You can show your Alberta Driver’s Licence or Identification Card; present two pieces of ID, both with your name and one showing your current physical address (health card, an employee ID, or a utility bill); have someone in your voting area vouch for you or complete an attestation form.

Electors that have a post office box or other mailing address on their identification are encouraged to register to vote with both their physical and mailing address.

Electors that are registered with both addresses will be able to use their identification with a mailing address when they vote.

Wilson Centennial Farm

By Lori Larsen

As an integral part of our world, farmers toll night and day to ensure food is kept on our tables and for many farming families it is in the blood.

In celebration of all they do for Alberta to build strong long lasting communities and keep the Alberta agriculture industry thriving, the Province of Alberta recognizes farm families who have continuously owned and actively operated the same land for 100 years or more.

“Keeping the farm or ranch actively operating from generation to generation is an impressive achievement for any Alberta family,” noted Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely, on behalf of the Alberta government, after

presenting the Wilson family from the Bashaw area with a plaque honouring the family’s 100 years of farming central Alberta.

In 2018, the Province launched the 125-Year Farm Recognition component recognizing farms and ranches going back to 1885. According to the Alberta website to date, more than 1,970 farms have been awarded with the Century Farm and Ranch plaque, and over 40 have received both the Century plaque and the 125-Year Farm Recognition Certificate.

For more information on how to apply for Century Farm/Ranch awards visit www.alberta.ca/albertacentury-farm-and-ranchaward.aspx.

Submitted

Lee Wilson, Colleen West, Deandre Heath, Robyn Heath, Fran Coates, Anna Wilson, Loren Jacobs, Dalton Wilson, Bobby Hunker and Dakota Hunker. Middle row: Jackie Lovely MLA, Jaelayne Jacobs, Morgan Paluck, Attalia Heath, Brooke West, Dawn Wilson, Jannette Conway and Fred Wilson. Front row: Nash Hunker, J.D. Hunker, Jensen Jacobs, Zayne Paluck, Carol Wilson, Maverick Hunker, and Colt Jacobs.

Release the fish

By Lori Larsen

A truckload of fish, consisting of 200 tigers, 200 rainbow, 60 brown trout and 750 brook trout were recently released in the pond at the Camrose and District Fish and Game Pleasure Island Fish Pond, located about four kilometres east of Camrose on Highway 13 and about one kilometre south on Range Road 195.

All of the fish came from the Calgary hatchery and are released in the pond to increase numbers for recreational fishing use and to improve the outcome of the pond stock.

“This is the first time we’ve received tiger trout because until now they’ve just been put in selected ponds,” noted Camrose and District Fish and Game Association president Glen Hand.

The pond and surrounding natural areas encompassed in the Pleasure Island site is a wonderful little gem available for all recreation users and is maintained by volunteers of the Camrose and District Fish and Game Association.

“I’ve been getting reports that the catch is really good right now with some nice sized fish being caught and released,” said Hand, reminding everyone visiting Pleasure Island and the pond to be respectful of all users.

“We hope that people will exercise catch and release so we can see these fish grow to a nice size.”

For more information on the Camrose and District Fish and Game Association, visit the Facebook page or Camrose Now!

truckload of fish were released into the pond at Camrose and District Fish and Game Pleasure Island Fish Pond.

Back row left to right: Ken Starzko,

STIP FUNDING

Maintaining farm safety

By Murray Green

Equipment maintenance

can be a thankless chore and even if done correctly, one that doesn’t pay immediate apparent dividends. Done improperly, or not at all; however, it can be the difference between safe operation and injury or fatality.

“Machine malfunctions can be costly in a few different ways,” said Gareth Jones, president and CEO of the Canada Safety Council. “The financial cost of having broken machines out of operation is well known, of course, but the safety cost to yourself, your family, and your workers makes routine maintenance a vital aspect on any healthy farm.”

Make sure you’re familiar with the equipment you’ll be working on. If you’re unsure about how to operate the

equipment properly or how to use all the controls and safety features, ask for help or take a training course.

Always turn the equipment off and put it in neutral before performing any maintenance. This will prevent the equipment from accidentally starting up, while you’re working on it. Make sure the equipment is blocked or chocked to prevent it from moving while you’re doing your work.

Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working on farm equipment. This includes safety tools like hard hats, goggles, gloves and work boots.

Make sure you’re checking equipment regularly for worn or damaged parts, replacing them as needed.

Murray Green, Camrose Booster Camrose County Reeve Cindy Trautman accepts Government of Alberta STIP funding from Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely. The funding will be put towards repairing and replacing bridge (culvert) priority files. Camrose County received $832,500 through the Strategic Transportation and Infrastructure Program to assist in the much-needed replacement of two culvert/bridges to improve the roadway network. Residents will be able to travel more freely through the area with faster and safer commutes.

It’s a tool to show wind direction. It provides a look at wind velocity. It beauti es your proper ty. It’s a superb identi cation marker

Above all… It shows you believe in your province or countr y.

• We stock ags of Canada and Alber ta in a variet y of sizes.

• We are a source for ags from around the globe

• We custom produce ags for businesses and organizations.

• We sell ag poles of all sizes.

• Our ags y brighter and last longer because they are manufactured with dyes and fabric to government speci cations.

RCMP warn about Emergency Scams

By Lori Larsen

Wetaskiwin/Camrose RCMP are warning the public to be aware of another scam that is circulating. According to a report from the Wetaskiwin/Camrose RCMP there has been an increase in complaints regarding a fraudulant Emergency Scams, also known as the “grandparent scam.”

This scam most often targets seniors and often involves a telephone call being placed to the victim claiming a loved one is in trouble with the courts or law enforcement and a payment is needed to help them.

The suspects will often pretend to be a police officer, judge, or family member and will usually ask for cash; however, they may also ask for payment in gift cards, bitcoin, or e-transfers.

The scammers will then send an associate acting as a courier to pick up the money in person or ask the money be mailed.

In an effort to ensure the public are taking preventive steps, the RCMP provided the following tips to assist in recognizing and subsequently avoiding becoming the victim of a scam.

Scammers use high-pressure tactics like creating a sense of urgency or secrecy to cloud your judgment. Don’t be afraid to say no.

If a person claims to be a police officer or judge or lawyer, call that police service or court house directly to confirm the situation. Police and courts will never demand cash be picked up in person or mailed.

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a family member or grandchild in need of bail money confirm who they are. Ask them questions that only family members would be able to answer. Seek assistance from someone you trust.

Don’t keep the situation a secret. Scammers will pressure you to lie to your bank, the police or family about what is happening. Talk to family, friends, or loved ones and reach out for help.

Never give out personal information and be wary of anyone you do not know or trust, asking for any personal information.

Beware of calls where you are asked to provide your name, address, birthdate, Social Insurance Number, credit card or banking information, and other personal family details.

In support of the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association’s (ACCPA) Fraud Prevention Month campaign, Alberta RCMP share other tips on crime prevention with a specific focus on businessess and business crime.

This includes:

• scams targeting businesses and/or businesses targeting consumers;

• businesses targeted by phishing scams and/or phone scams;

• business emails being compromised;

• mortgage fraud;

• money laundering in real estate;

• door to door scams;

• contractor and home repair schemes;

• duct cleaning services; and,

• unlicensed businesses.

The following tips are provided to protect against business fraud and scams:

• keep personal information private;

• always remember that businesses don’t ask for banking information via phone;

• check the websites of URL by typing the URL into a search engine, looking for the “secure” icon on your search bar, looking for any spelling errors and awkward phrasing; and checking the contact page–which should have multiple options for a legitimate business (email, phone number, live chat, and address).

“Whether you are a member of the public looking for a business or a business owner, you must always be diligent about keeping your personal information private and familiarizing yourself with the warning signs,”advised Alberta RCMP Provincial Economic Crime Team, Corporal Sean Milne.

If you have been the victim of fraud, report it to your local law enforcement and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at www.antifraudcentre.ca, or by telephoning 1-888-495-8501. Be sure to contact your bank and credit card company if you believe your personal or financial information has been compromised.

For more fraud prevention information and resources, follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and Twitter @ RCMPAlberta.

Advance Voting Days: Tuesday, May 23 – Saturday, May 27

Rain Shower

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

Three-year-old Bridget Berg from the Bawlf area didn’t wait for the rain to come to her. She built her own bubbles bike and rain shower transportation bicycle. She enjoyed her shower bike ride during the Bawlf Car Show on May 6.

The farm appearing in this photograph is located in the Camrose trading area. If you recognize it as yours, come to the Camrose Booster, 4925-48 Street, Camrose. You will be presented with a free 8” x 10” colour enlargement of the photo.

• The Mystery Far m winner for May 2 is Linda Erickson of the Forestburg area.

• This week’s prize must be claimed by June 6, 2023.

4-H Show and Sale

By Lori Larsen

Members of the Camrose District 4-H Beef Club will be showcasing the wares of hard work during the June 5 and 6 Camrose District 4-H Beef Club Show and Sale, to be held at the Bashaw Agricultural grounds.

Participating clubs consist of:

• Armena

• Bashaw

• Camrose

• New Norway

• Rosalind

“We have 54 members total in the beef project of the Camrose district. Some do just a carcass project or a female project.” said Armena 4-H Beef Club assistant general leader Jess Malott. “We also have 12 Cleaver Kids.”

The Show begins on June 5, with the Female Show, including the team grooming event from 1 until 2 p.m. The show itself will begin at 2:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, June 6, the Steer Show will be featured beginning at 10 a.m., followed by the award ceremony at 3:30 p.m.

The event will wind up with the parade of clubs and sale beginning at 6 p.m., followed by a supper.

“I see the whole 4-H experience as a great learning experience to build my showing knowledge,” said Club member Khiley Bellamy. “Not only in the show ring, but outside of it with leadership skills and public speaking.”

The year of hard work and dedication comes to a peak with the annual Show and Sale which allows these young people an opportunity to, not only showcase their incredible animals but, learn some strategies of the business in the agriculture industry.

DIRECTORY

MICHAEL KELEMEN 5704-48 Avenue, Camrose 780-672-9251 780-672-2273

on April 29.

“The sale is an important place for me as I use that sale income to put away for my future schooling and also invest it back into my breeding herd.”

The Show and Sale this year features 50 steers in the selling ring.

For more information on the Camrose District 4-H Beef Club, visit their Facebook page.

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster Sophia Feitsma (10 years old) concentrates on shaving off just the right amount of hair on her one-year-old Gelbvieh steer, Dave, in preparation for a 4-H show held at the Hay Lakes Agriplex on April 29.

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster Thirteen-year-old Khiley Bellamy gets ready to give her two-year-old purebred Hereford show cow, Penny, and adorable two-month old black Angus Hereford cross calf, Kenny, a quick blow dry before Penny’s show at the Hay Lakes show