July 11, 2023 Country Booster

I hear a DISTANT BELL

Forrest Hagen performs the ritual of ringing a bell on June 22. The bell, albeit bought new at a retail store, reminds him of the vintage bells that hung in church bell towers throughout the County.

Imagine the sound of a distant bell resonating throughout the Battle River Valley bottom …A beckoning to stop and look around and observe the beauty that winds its way through meadowed hills and tiered badlands …A reminder to all those hearing of the Creator’s daily presence in their lives Camrose County resident, Forrest Hagen, who lives close to Ferry Point on some of the most spectacular property in the area, doesn’t need to imagine Almost every morning, he provides the melodious sound of a bell chime not only for the rejuvenation of his own soul, but for anyone who may by chance hear

See page 2 for more on the story of the Bell of the Battle

Photo by Lori Larsen

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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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The bells are ringing...

By Lori Larsen

It may not be a figment of your imagination if you hear the tintinnabulation of a ringing bell in the distance along the Battle River Valley throughout Camrose County.

In an effort to “ring” the praises of the incredibly beautiful landscape and natural surroundings that make up the Battle River Valley, but also provide a melodic way for people to connect with each other and with a sense of self, Camrose County resident Forrest Hagen has initiated The Bell of the Battle, a new tradition that he hopes will have residents living close to the Battle River Valley ringing bells whenever possible and as often as they wish.

At approximately 9 a.m. almost every morning, Forrest makes his way to a little cabin, coined the Angus House, which he has on a piece of his property overlooking the Battle River and all its splendor.

For Forrest, it’s more than just the ringing of the bell. He has created a routine of being present at the same time every day at a place that invokes serenity, calms the mind and rejuvenates the soul.

“I can sit here and hear so many sounds. I often hear the trains from the Battle River Railway and even the trains on the Bawlf/Daysland line.”

Not to mention a plethora of different birds that either roost in the trees around the property or fly a path down the river.

“One of the sounds I invariably hear are mourning doves, which are a symbol of peace,” remarked Forrest, adding that recently he heard a family of ravens “speaking in tongues”.

And even though the sound of the bell is foreign to the natural sounds emanating from the Valley and area, it is by no means intrusive. The low, heavier ring is quickly absorbed by the foliage and hills with only mellow remnants heard resonating throughout the valley.

“I think the Valley is the perfect medium.”

Besides providing an audible reminder to others who hear the bell, the symbolism of the ringing of the bell can be quite significant.

“The Bible (Psalm 100) neither requires nor forbids the ringing of church bells, but encourages the faithful to ‘make joyful noise’,” quoted Forrest, from information he has researched regarding the history of bell ringing. “Since the fifth century, some Christian churches have been ringing bells for spiritual and practical purposes including calling the faithful to worship.”

Forrest recalls several occasions where bells have chimed a role in his own life, whether subconsciously or not.

“When I lived in downtown Victoria across from the United Church, every Sunday morning, the bell rang 23 times.”

When Forrest inquired about the amount of time the bell rang, guessing it may have some significance. He was told by the bell ringer that the bell was rung for two minutes, and it just so happened that was how many rings occurred during that two minutes.

“Turns out the amount of rings had no real significance,” laughed Forrest.

humans to invoke the memory of rituals, call to daily prayer and, in some sects of society, used to ward off evil spirits.

To this day, bells are still used to commemorate important people or events and often conceptualize peace and freedom.

“ There is so much in this modern crazy world. Unless you stop and listen, you miss out on a whole lot of stuff.”

Forrest has been on a bit of personal crusade to encourage others living along the Battle River Valley to join, in whatever means they can, with the ringing of bells.

Likewise, when Forrest lived in the Netherlands in the early 1990s, the church bells were rung daily. “The sound travelled quite a distance because the bell was located in a bell tower,” which was often the case with church bells, including several historical churches located in Camrose County.

“I remember my father bought a bell at an auction sale.” That particular bell had been brought up from Iowa by a local family’s grandfather. After Forrest’s father passed away, he debated what he should do with the bell.

“Because it has a local history, I decided to donate the bell to the museum in Donalda. It is mounted on a post outside the museum.”

The bell Forrest rings daily was purchased at a retail store, but most certainly has the same look and sound of a bell that has a stood the test of time, visibly modern only by the yellow and blue rope that hangs from the yoke.

Bells have been used for thousands of years by

Thus far, he has influenced a few other people living along the Battle River to not only acquire a bell or polish up an existing bell, or ad lib with other “instruments” including one neighbour, who rings a triangle.

“There are a few takers already,” smiled Forrest, “Including a couple near Wainwright. But all of the people are in the River Valley.

“If I can get enough other people doing it, eventually people may slow down and hear the bell.”

For those who have the privilege of knowing Forrest, they will appreciate his efforts with The Bell of the Battle initiative as shedding light on the amazing wonders that are right outside our back door, and making Camrose County, specifically the Battle River Valley, a wonderful place to explore.

For more information on The Bell of the Battle, contact Forrest at 403-860-1313 or visit his ecotourism website at www.laprairieaire. ca/aboutlaprairieaire

Courtesy of Forrest Hagen

The entrance to the Angus House, where the Bell of the Battle stands ready for ringing, is reminiscent of the beautiful, natural surroundings that make up the Battle River valley and area.

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster

The bell that Forrest rings is strategically placed overlooking the Battle River Valley, and despite it being new, it personifies a history of days gone by.

Camrose District 4-H Beef Club s

to the buyers, sponsors and supporters of our 2023 Sale!

2023 Buyers

• Ascendant Financial

• Aquateck West

• Bashaw Ag Society

• Bashaw Crop Ser vices

• Benchmark C ommodities

• Bi-West Translines

• Big Rig Truck Wash

• BLB Grain Sales

• Bruce & Joan Burnstad

• Calnash Truck ing

• Cattlevids Ventures Ltd.

• Central Agencies

• Double B Farms

• Drever Agencies (2020) Inc

• Edberg Crop Management

• Flaman Sales

• Fountain Tire

• Gras s y L ane Cus tom Meats

• Jeanet te Guertin

• Highmark Machine

• Lamb Ford

• OPT

• R& D Waste

• Steve & Theres a Reminsk y

• Terra Firma HDD

• Tofield Packers

• Vision Credit Union

• Vold Jones Vold Corporate Sponsors

• Bashaw C oncrete

• Battle River Implement s

• Bayer Crop Science

• Bret t Young

• Double Z Farms Meats and Processing

• Laz y E B ar Ranching

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• Wetaskiwin C o-op C ountr y Junction Award Sponsors

• Bashaw Ag Society

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• Camrose Vet Hospital

• Pat Carlson

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• CIBC

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• Drever Agencies (2020) Inc

• Edberg Ag Society

• Glover International

• Just Pas sing Horses

• Laz y E B ar Ranching

• Losnes s Drilling

• MNP

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• AKS Ranch Gelbv ieh C at tle

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• Round Hill Elks

• Serv us Credit Union

• Silver Spur Farms Judges

• Cody & Stephanie C oleman

- Female Show

• Carrie Nik ifork - Showmanship

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Volunteer Suppor t

• Ron Pederson - Auctioneer

• Laz y E B ar Ranching - Truck ing

• Alberta Beef Producers - Radio Ad

• Rosalind Ag Societ y - Show Ribbons

• Grant Thornton LLP - S ale Clerk

• Parkland Chip Product s - Bedding

• Camrose C ount y - Scale

• Mis s Rodeo C anada - Mackenzie Skeels - MC

• Colin Fankhanel, Brooke Van De Vorde

- Ring Persons

• Bid Catcher s for the S ale

Ever y individual who contributed to the success of our show and sale is greatly appreciated. Our sincere apologies if we have unin tentionally missed anyone

Round Hill Women’s Institute celebrates 105 years

By Lori Larsen

On June 25, Round Hill Alberta Women’s Institute (AWI) celebrated 105 years of providing members of the community with opportunities for personal growth and sharing experiences with other women. The event also honoured members for years of service.

As part of a larger group, including the Associated Country Women of the World, RHAWI advocates government for resolutions to improve overall conditions in their homes, community and world.

To date RHAWI has given support to: Round Hill School, community members suffering from health concerns, Huntington disease lab studies, Camrose Women’s Shelter and other various organizations throughout the community.

Members recognized with service pins on June 25 included: lifelong members Dianne Campbell (50 years), Dena Storms (45 years), Louisa Undin (45 years), Cathi Nahirniak (25 years).

Other members recognized for years of service were Rose Campbell (25 years), Martha Bawden (20 years), Marge Strilchuk (20 years), Ruth Twerdun (20 years), Helen Andrews (15 years), Yvonne Erickson (5 years), Cara Wocknitz (5 years).

New members include: Denise Campbell, Teresa Banks, Maggie Schneider, Kathy Nahirniak and Marg Twa.

The RHAWI 2023 executive consists of president Rose Campbell, vice president Helen Andrews, secretary Marj Strilchuk and treasurer Dianne Campbell. The RHAWI generally meets the first Tuesday of every month at the Round Hill Community Centre at 7 p.m., unless otherwise indicated.

Submitted

For more information on the Alberta Women’s Institute visit the webpage at awialberta.com.

Members of the Round Hill Alberta Women’s Institute gathered on June 25 at the Round Hill Community Centre to celebrate 105 years of improving lives and supporting communities.

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Homage to another day

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster Blazing orange skies pay homage to another stellar prairie summer day, as the sun sets over a slough frequented by a variety of waterfowl just west of Camrose.

Kovac honoured for 35 years as fire chief

By Lori Larsen

It takes true dedication to volunteer your free time for approximately 50 years to protect the safety and welfare of others, and Vern Kovac, Round Hill Fire Department (RHFD) Chief, has done just that, including 35 years as the Fire Chief.

Vern started with RHFD in 1972 as a volunteer firefighter interested in helping out his community. “I grew up in Round Hill, and was back living there (he had moved away for a bit), and realized that the community needed help,” said Vern.

He recalled that the first RHFD response vehicle was an antique truck. “And it was slow,” smiled Vern. “Then the County became involved and they made a truck for us, basically a tanker. After that, it was uphill all the way.”

The current RHFD fleet consists a 2012 pumper, a 1992 pumper, a 2006 4x4 brush half-ton truck and a tanker.

“We got a regular firetruck pumper in 1992 and added a tanker and bush truck to our fleet.”

In 2012, a new pumper was added to the fleet in order to meet apparatus standards that mandate primary fire trucks be replaced after 20 years.

“We kept the 1992 fire truck as a back up,” said Vern.

The RHFD also has a cube van that is used at the sites of incidents to accommodate members for breaks and allow them to get in out of the elements while attending calls for service.

RHFD service area includes north of Round Hill two miles into Beaver County; Highway 833 north to Township Road 500; south within two miles of Highway 26 and east all the way to the Beaver County border, however, they also assist other Camrose County and the City of Camrose fire departments through Mutual Aid Agreements, should the need arise.

Round Hill Fire Department consists of community volunteers (currently 12) serving Round Hill and surrounding area,

offering services such as: fire suppression, vehicle rescue, fire safety inspections, fire investigation, public education, fire smart analyses and fire permits.

“We have a lot of tradespeople as firefighters,” noted Vern. “We have carpenters, welders, electricians and mechanics.”

He explained that the majority of the RHFD members grew up close to Round Hill, so are very familiar with the area, making it easier and quicker to respond to incidents.

to respond they activate the “I am responding” button, which notifies the chief, who is attending and how long it will take them to arrive.

The first responding members to arrive at the fire hall prepare the trucks and, once the crew is on board, attend the scene of the call.

While the majority of their calls to service are grass fires, they are also called out to structure fires and motor vehicle collisions.

service.

“We have just about everything we need–heat sensing cameras, breathing apparatus that everyone is trained how to properly use, and first aid kits in all trucks.

“If it is broke and we can fix it, we do. If not, it has to be fixed, and if it is a vehicle, we have to let dispatch know we are down a vehicle.”

Administrative duties include regular communication with Camrose County on the activities and

emergencies and RHFD is no exception.

“We offer pamphlets and tips to people on what to do and what not to do in order to prevent fires. We even have the kindergarten class come to visit the fire hall and sometimes we will take them out, two at a time, in the cab of the fire truck, and drive around the block.”

RHFD meets twice a month and conducts continual training for new recruits and current firefighters.

Outside of the actual volunteer firefighters who respond to incidents, there are other behind-the-scenes community members who assist in maintaining the RHFD. Spouses who provide meals to firefighters during long stints tending to incidents, especially grass fires; farmers who assist when and if necessary; organizations that donate in one way or another; and other County fire departments and Camrose Fire Department that respond to incidents where more response is required–all contribute to the success of RHFD.

Fire departments, such as RHFD, are vital in ensuring that rural residents and residents of smaller communities are kept safe and protected in the event of an emergency situation. Volunteers, such as Vern, should not only be commended, but recognized daily for their willingness to step up and serve.

“Our water comes out of dugouts and sloughs and they know where most of those are too.”

A call for service relative to Round Hill Fire Department is received by Camrose Police Service Dispatch Centre and then a notification is sent through the IAM Responding app containing all the pertinent information regarding the call.

Every RHFD firefighter (including the Chief) has the IAM Responding app on their cellular telephones and will receive an alert advising of the emergency and details. If they are able

In 1988, after already serving as chief for a few years, Vern became an official member of the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association.

As fire chief, he is first and foremost responsible for the coordination and administration of a trained and equipped fire service.

“As fire chief, I make sure that the members have sufficient equipment to perform their duties and that it is cleaned and maintained in operating order.”

Besides the fleet of vehicles, RHFD maintains other essential equipment used for handling situations when called upon for

needs of the RHFD including planning and development of the fire service.

Camrose County Protective Services creates a budget based on consultation with each fire department (within the County jurisdiction) which is then presented to County council. The fire chief has approval to purchase day-today equipment for the fire department; however, any large/costly purchases must be approved by the County.

Educating the public on fire safety is a very important part of what fire departments do to build awareness and prevent

On June 27, Vern was presented with a plaque of recognition during the Camrose County council meeting for not only 35 years serving as fire chief, but for his unwavering commitment to the Round Hill Fire Department and the community it serves.

When the day comes that Vern hangs up his bunker gear for good, there is no doubt he will still be making appearances around the fire hall, sharing his years of experience and wisdom. As for now, he is hoping that one of the upand-coming RHFD volunteers will one day take his lead and take over the role as chief.

Cleveland new RCMP commander in Bashaw

By Murray Green

Bashaw RCMP detachment commander

Sgt. Trent Cleveland offered Camrose County

an update on policing in that area on June 27.

“We are still focused on crime reduction. I have four constables with one vacant until January because they are on leave. We want to continue what we were doing before, but get more involved in the community,” shared Sgt. Cleveland.

“We encourage more visibility in our communities, stop in at the schools or during events to show more of a police presence with-

in the County,” said Reeve Cindy Trautman.

“I’m used to rural policing in Killam and Wetaskiwin and I grew up in Camrose. I ran the Killam detachment for three and a half years, so I’m very familiar with the area. We already stopped in at the Bashaw School before the end of the school year, so we will be having more involvement and visibility,” said Sgt. Cleveland.

“I have a young junior member, so he is excited to work more in the community as well. We are always looking for more members, so we will be recruiting as well, letting people

know the RCMP is hiring,” he added.

“We will be at the Bashaw Parade in August, and it is 150 years for the RCMP, so we will be doing some special things then,” Sgt. Cleveland suggested.

“I would like to know if the County would like to support us in creating a community leadership award. We may need a board to handle nominations,” said Sgt. Cleveland.

He wants to create a memorial in honour of Bruce Holliday, a former commander of the Bashaw detachment.

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

Camrose County Reeve Cindy Trautman, left, and Camrose Fire Department Chief Peter Krich, right, presented Round Hill Fire Department Chief Vern Kovac with a plaque commemorating 35 years serving Round Hill Fire Department as chief.

Riding the waves of affordability

By Murray Green

The Battle River Power Coop celebrated another year of success during its AGM on June 15 in Camrose.

Chairman Dan Astner addressed the huge turnout of members. “I’m proud to say that our member-owners are always at the forefront of our decision-making process. The board of directors are delegates for the entire membership and we encourage our membership to reach out and speak with us throughout the year. We are constantly seeking feedback and input from our members and we’re committed to providing them with the best possible service at the lowest possible cost,” said Dan.

He talked about the growth of the company. “With growth in services, comes organizational growth. The board of directors recognize that our current location is constrained. We have developed a building committee to look at opportunities to allow for future expansion, with a lens on practicality in the current economic environment,” he explained.

The reality is that the cost of energy in Alberta can be amongst the highest in the country and rural communities are often hit the hardest.

“As an electric cooperative, we leverage our notfor-profit, member-ownership structure to maintain low costs and invest in the infrastructure needed to provide reliable service to our membership,” Dan added.

“Consumer affordability is strained daily with evolving policy decisions on national and provincial infrastructure, grid modernization and the scaling of renewable energy generation. Each idealogical decision has a negative cost impact to rural Albertans, farmers and small business. Battle River Power Coop is not immune to future changes to the power grid and looks forward to developing sensible approaches to system improvements that match existing legislation,” Dan said.

More challenges lie ahead. “The upcoming year will be even more challenging. The price of energy continues to be volatile, with certain generating participants having market power to maximize shareholder returns. Generators should hold Alberta’s energy consumption as core to their business, not as hostage to maximizing profit,” suggested Dan.

They anticipate a new integrated operating agreement will be negotiated

with the investor-owned utility in the next two years.

“The theme Riding the Waves of Affordability was chosen to highlight the variability of the past fiscal year,” said chief executive officer Bill Klassen.

“Energy costs in Alberta have been a concern for the last two years and rural communities often face the highest prices. As an electric cooperative, we can leverage our memberownership structure to keep prices low and invest in the infrastructure needed to provide safe, reliable service to our memberowners. I am proud to say we are riding the wave of affordability in the Alberta energy market in ways that benefit all our memberowners.”

Continued on page 8

Murray Green, Camrose Booster Students, from left, Micayla Robertson of Fort Saskatchewan taking education, Gwendolyn Quapp of Bashaw School taking nursing, Brooklyne Hymanyk of Sherwood Park taking agri-business, Karson Swanson of Czar taking heavy equipment, were presented scholarships by director Terry Pederson. Missing is Allison Grose of Tees taking arts.

BATTLE RIVER POWER COOP SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Battle River Power Coop AGM

Continued from page 7

“Our focus in affordability, safety and reliability sets us apart and we are committed to invest in the infrastructure and technology needed to provide the best possible and most cost effective service,” Bill explained.

“There has been a shift in the Battle River Power Coop energy billing mix during the past fiscal year. Many members are taking advantage of the Battle River Rural Energy Division fixed energy contract, moving away from the volatility of the regulated rate option,” said Bill.

“Today we provide operational and billing service to 2,600 additional REA members. By working together, we have been able to achieve economies of scale that keeps prices affordable, while providing reliable service. With any new venture there are many learnings and hurdles and our team at Battle River have done an incredible job of making the impossible, possible,” shared Bill.

The financial statement and appointment of directors were passed.

Members of the board of directors are Arnold Hanson, Kevin Matthieu, Terry Pederson, John Winnick, Darcy Doblanko, David Thomas, James Matthew, Dan Astner, Malcolm Barr, Bruce Carlson, Neil Fenske, Darrin Rasmuson, Leonard Blumenthal, Kaitlyn Brown and Tim Coates.

Train excursions

By Murray Green

The Friends of the Battle River Railway have to start from scratch. The COVID-19 pandemic drained the funds of the independent railway that features excursions from Kelsey to Alliance.

Director Ken Eshpeter attended the Camrose County regular meeting of the council on June 27 to seek $5,000 in funding.

“The Friends of the Battle River Railway is a not-for-profit society dedicated to providing train excursions on the Battle River Railway shortline from Alliance to Camrose. We are in the midst of our 10th year of operations. Our goal is to entice people from all over Alberta to experience the fantastic landscape and infrastructure in our rural area, while having an interactive excursion involving a 1952 CN passenger car, an open air gondola car and a vintage caboose,”

explained Ken. “As with most activities, COVID-19 has had a very negative impact on our operations, but we are determined to get through the set back. To that end we have expanded our community sponsorship program and the response has been very encouraging. The sponsorship program involves our reaching out to community members who support the concept of the excursion train. They support us financially and the reward is promotion for them and a ride on one of our excursions,” he added.

“One problem that our not-for-profit society has is the fact that we have no guarantee, or what you

might call core funding. All of our revenue comes from offering a service which can be risky. We would like Camrose County to join forces with us to provide some guaranteed annual funds which would allow us to have more confidence in planning for the future. We have a number of projects that we would like to commence, but the availability of funds prevents us from moving forward on these projects,” added Ken.

Projects are improvements to the interior of the caboose, an enhanced boarding and deboarding facility at Kelsey and a walking access between the passenger car and the power car.

“The board of directors of the Friends is extremely committed to the idea of the excursion train providing a very meaningful, educational and recreational alternative for local and visiting citizens. We are extremely proud of our accomplishments to date but as with any dynamic organization we are trying to reach further. Your County’s financial involvement would help significantly. We are asking Camrose County to consider making an annual core funding donation to the Friends of the Battle River Railway Society. We would appreciate an opportunity to interact directly with council at an upcoming council meeting,”

said Ken.

Council received the presentation as information and will consider it in the budget process.

Upcoming events include A Day on the Train run on August 12, an Explore Farm to Fork event on August 19, Oktoberfest Train to Heisler on October 14 and a Murder on the Battle River Express mystery on November 25 and 26.

For more information or book your excursion visit www.battlerivertrain. com or email friendsbattle riverrail@gmail.com or call 780-781-9260.