August 15, 2023 Country Booster

The paper created EXCLUSIVELY for farm families and rural residents of east central Alberta

All Aboar d

Friends of the Battle River Railway honour farmers

On August 19 Friends of the Battle River Railway will be welcoming passengers on board for a trek down the tracks from Kelsey to Forestburg on the Farm to Fork excursion.

Friends of the Battle River Railway is operated entirely by volunteers with a passion to share the important role the railway had in the development of our rural communities, through one-of-a-kind expeditions.

For full details on the Farm to Fork excursion and more information on the Friends of the Battle River Railway see inside story on page 6

Friends of Battle River Railway conductor Ken Eshpeter, left greets local farmer Dean Erickson along the tracks outside of Forestburg.

FARM BUILDINGS,

Water safety

By Murray Green

Summer means it’s time to get outside and enjoy the weather. For many Albertans, that may mean time at the lake or by a pool or river which means increasing the risk of injury.

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Grain commissions join forces

By Murray Green

Alberta Grains is the amalgamated commission formed by the joining of Alberta Barley and Alberta Wheat Commission.

The merger should provide a stronger voice for the grain industry in Alberta, by combining the strengths and expertise of both organizations to better serve the needs of stakeholders.

Alberta Grains is committed to advancing and promoting the interests of 18,000 wheat and barley farmers in the province. They will continue to foster innovation, research and development, and sustain-

ability in the agriculture sector. By bringing together the best of both commissions, the aim is to leverage the combined resources, knowledge and experience to deliver unparalleled value to farmers.

The grain industry is rapidly evolving and they want to ensure stakeholders remain committed to transparency, accountability and the highest standards of governance. They plan to continue to engage with farmers to ensure voices are heard and that needs are being met.

Devan Herder

According to Alberta Health Services, wear a Canadian-approved life jacket or personal flotation device in a boat and make sure it fits. Young children should wear life jackets when they are in, on or around the water. Stay right beside your child and be aware of fastmoving water.

Swim with others when there is no lifeguard present and be cautious in open water such as lakes or rivers. Avoid alcohol, cannabis and any other substance that may affect your judgment before and during water activities.

Lakes, rivers and streams may also contain disease-causing microorganisms or parasites that can cause allergic reactions (swimmers’ itch). Not all beaches are monitored for biological, chemical, and physical hazards. Check cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) advisories by visiting Active Health Advisories at Alberta Health Services or look for posted advisory signs at public beaches. Reduce your chance of getting swimmers’ itch.

Tips include: dry yourself with a towel as soon as you leave the water; avoid beaches where swimmers’ itch is a problem; wash your hands and rinse your body off after swimming or wading in lakes, streams or rivers and don’t wade or swim in areas with weeds. Call Health Link at 811 for more health advice and information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In case of an emergency, visit your nearest emergency department or call 911.

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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Phone 780-672-3142 Fax 780-672-2518

News email: news@camrosebooster.com

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4925-48 Street, Camrose, AB T4V 1L7

Larsen, Camrose Booster Grain fields throughout the county are readying for fall harvest.

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History kept alive at the Provost Museum

By Murray Green

Provost and District Museum Society has been keeping history of the area alive for many years.

The museum focuses on farm life of yesteryear and later the oil industry.

“It conserves the history of our forefathers, early settlers and the struggles they went through settling the West. It’s for people to enjoy, past and present,” said Carol Landmark.

“It takes many volunteers (and we don’t have nearly enough) to maintain a museum of this size and stature, it has been drawing international attention.”

The museum facility is situated at the southwest edge of Provost where the CP Railway leads into town.

It consists of an array of out-buildings and machinery, in addition to the main building. “These units hold a wealth of historic items and information from our past. As older generations pass on, details have been lost and forgotten. It is the mission of the Museum society to preserve the memories and artifacts and to educate

the upcoming generations,” said Carol.

“Because of the struggles of our forefathers, we have so much to tell. And so much to be thankful for.”

Main Street was where the action was on Saturday nights.

It was an end of the week ritual when “country folk” from miles around would halt their farm for the evening and head in to Provost.

Coffee shops, grocery, hardware and machine repair shops were social gathering places. As supplies were being purchased, local news and gossip was exchanged.

The late show at the theatre was a treat for the children, while their parents were otherwise occupied.

Museum administrator (curator) is Linda Peereboom. From the time she unlocks the doors and starts greeting guests, her days are filled with a variety of tasks, ranging from receiving, cataloging and documenting, filing and researching to setting up, cleaning and maintenance.

There is always an interesting assortment

and one never knows what unusual items will arrive.

“She gives most of the credit to the many volunteers who contribute an enormous amount of hours to make the museum what it is today,” added Carol.

Some of Linda’s favourite activities include hosting, teaching and socializing with various visiting groups such as school classes and Brownies as well as wedding parties, grads and funerals.

“Linda’s enthusiasm for her work at the museum is obvious and she is quick to say I absolutely love my job,” shared Carol.

The museum is open now until September 16 from Wednesday to Saturdays, 1 to 6 p.m. Watch for special days such as Harvest Fest on October 6, Remembrance Day on November 11 and launching Christmas season on November 25.

Photos were supplied by Carol Landmark. Linda Peereboom is pictured bottom right.

to haul your grain

County adds more shoulder pulling miles

By Murray Green

Camrose County will be adding more shoulder pulling miles this year.

At the regular meeting of council on July 18, public works manager Zach Mazure asked for additional funding for shoulder pulling, which helps maintain the gravel roads longer.

Rosalind Community BBQ and Movie Night

By Lori Larsen

On August 18, join local team members of BASF Canada Agriculture Solutions at the annual Rosalind Community BBQ and Movie Night to be held at the Rosalind Recreation Association from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., and help celebrate the amazing achievement and continued community involvement of the RRA.

The Rosalind Recreation Association (RRA) was named the Alberta winner of the Growing Home with BASF commu-

nity initiative this spring.

The RRA received $25,000 to further the great work it does in the community to enhance the lives of all residents, particularly youth.

Three winners were selected out of the 15 finalists through public vote, one each in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and Rosalind Recreation Association brought home the win for Alberta with the help of incredible support from the community and 2,192 votes.

“I move that Camrose County council approve an additional expenditure of $250,000 to complete contracted shoulder pulling on an additional eight miles of County roads with funding to come from MSI Capital Funding in the 2023 Budget,” said councillor Carlene Wetthuhn.

Working in line with

the 2023 Capital Budget, the public works department issued a Request for Quotes (RFQ) for contract shoulder pulling rates in early May.

Road to Rail Construction Group were approved for a total of 14 miles of road across three projects. This was done with the intention that at a later date, a decision could be made on the remaining miles depending on how the shoulder pull program was proceeding.

“The contractor is providing an acceptable work product and the final eight miles of the original scope of work would appear to be a good value expendi-

ture. The project pricing for Township Road 184 from Township Road 434 to Township Road 450 has already been provided from the original RFQ, but the inclusion of this expenditure brings the total costs for shoulder pulling over the original project budget,” said Mazure.

Additional miles of shoulder pull will get completed in 2023.

“The price may be more favourable now than next year,” added Mazure.

He reported that weather has been good todate, allowing for good construction and final product.

CLEAN HIGHWAYS

Josiah Johnson

The Beaver County 4-H Multi Club participated in a Highway Cleanup on May 6. A group of energetic youth and parents worked hard to tidy up a stretch of highway north of Ryley. The most common type of litter found was coffee cups. The club was proud to serve in their community.

A realistic view of clean energy Tracking our food sources

By Damien C. Kurek, MP, Battle River-Crowfoot

Canadian oil and gas companies have displayed immense leadership in addressing environmental issues and have consistently grown the economy. This is something to be proud of, not something to hide. For example, if the rest of the world followed Canada’s standards for flaring, total GHG emissions from every barrel produced would drop by 23 per cent. Between 2000-18, the emission intensity of Canada’s oil sands operations decreased by 36 per cent due to technological and efficiency improvements, fewer venting emissions and changes in the percentage of bitumen being upgraded to synthetic crude oil.

Oil and gas operations are more efficient and have been progressing for years because it is in the best interest of Canada, the environment, and their business to do so. In fact, 75 per cent of investment in clean technology comes from the oil and natural gas industry.

When talking about clean tech, solar and wind projects have been at the forefront of the conversation. On July 11, the minister of Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson, visited Battle River— Crowfoot to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 25 MW Michichi solar project in Starland County. Minister Wilkinson announced over $160 million in federal investments for nine Alberta-based solar power projects. While I always support this region getting its fair share, Alberta doesn’t want a handout… we want Ottawa to get out of the way of development. It’s also disappointing that local concerns regarding these projects were not addressed. Once again, it’s just another photo-op with no recognition of how damaging Liberal policies are.

To ensure that our economy is sustainable and prosperous, we must remain energy agnostic, meaning that we take a pragmatic approach that isn’t influenced by extreme ideologues or special interest groups. It’s laughable that the political left complains about energy prices when many of the factors that have driven up the cost of energy are directly related to the decisions of left-leaning governments.

Given the large investments made by Canadian oil and gas in clean tech and that the economic benefits are incredible from the oil and gas industry, the Liberal government must get out of the way of a province’s resource development and remove the hurdles in developing energy of all kinds.

How we move forward as a nation hinges on leadership and the government’s ability to take meaningful action on the issues that impact Canadians. This is why I advocate each day for government transparency and the need for common-sense Conservative solutions.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column, you are encouraged to write Damien at 4945-50th Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1P9, call 780-608-4600, text 403-5755625, or e-mail damien.kurek@parl.gc.ca. You can also stay up to date with Damien by following him on social media @dckurek. If you are in need of assistance regarding a federal government program, or need assistance and don’t know where to turn, feel free to reach out to MP Kurek’s office.

By Lori Larsen

Friends of the Battle River Railway are offering an excursion that pays tribute to the people dedicated to making sure we are fed–farmers.

On Saturday, August 19 hop on board the train for the Explore Farm to Fork excursion and travel in the beautifully restored train departing Kelsey at 1 p.m. for Forestburg.

You will be greeted by one of the many volunteers of Friends of the Battle River Railway, dressed in period costume, including conductor Ken Eshpeter, with his smooth booming voice and broad smile, happy to be welcoming you on board.

As the train travels down the rails to its destination, passengers will feel the rumble beneath their feet and the gentle sway of the train as they take in the beautiful scenery, including the vibrant yellow canola fields and pastures of deep green grass.

Along the way the train will be making stops to visit with local farmers giving passengers an opportunity

to learn more about the crops raised and the methods used to provide food for their tables.

The onboard naturalist will also be talking about local wildlife, birds and flora as passengers enjoy locally grown snacks and beverages in the open-air gondola train car.

Upon arrival at the Village of Forestburg passengers will deboard and have time to stroll around the quaint Village of Forestburg, which may include taking in the magnificent heritage grain elevator.

Historians will also delight in a visit to the Forestburg and District museum where they can learn more about the rich homesteading and agricultural history of the area.

A visit down the main street will take a person back in time with its store front facades and shops that have a little bit of everything.

At 5 p.m. passengers will be treated to a locally sourced and served full course meal at the Station in Forestburg.

Passengers will then reboard at 6 p.m. and head back to Kelsey arriving at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Friends of Battle River Railway (FBRR) is a notfor-profit organization with a mission to provide unique railway experiences that highlight the important role rail played in the development and sustainability of communities throughout central Alberta.

Operated entirely by volunteers from the offset of planning and organizing to providing an incredible and welcoming experience for passengers on board one of the excursions Friends of Battle River Railway offers, to the clean up afterwards. Each excursion offers passengers a glimpse back in time, transporting them to an era where travel by train was a vital mode of transportation, visiting some of the many communities that continue to be important parts of the makeup of rural Alberta.

For more information on Friend of the Battle River Railway visit the website at www.battlerivertrain.com.

County says “can do”

I thought it would be important to discuss the prominence of our oil and gas industry and the investments they make in energy diversification and security.

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster Passengers on the Friends of Battle River Railway excursions can enjoy the views from the newly renovated open air gondola car.

Submitted

On July 24 campers of the Camrose Association for Community Living Kandu and Leaders in Training camps, joined by Camrose County councillors (back row) Carlene Wethuhn, Tina Sroka, Reeve Cindy Trautman and councillor Doug Lyseng, expressed their gratitude for the $5,000 grant given by Camrose County in support of the programs.

Viking shooting

By Murray Green

Viking RCMP received a report of gun shots at a residence north of Bruce, on July 25 at 6:52 p.m.

It was reported that a vehicle entered the property and started shooting, striking the victim in the hand. The vehicle then exited the property, according to RCMP.

With the assistance of Eastern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit, Central Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit, Edmonton Police Service Air 1 and several surrounding RCMP detachments, the suspect vehicle was located.

Camrose 4-H Beef Club 70 years strong

By Lori Larsen

On June 27 the Camrose 4-H Beef Club celebrated 70 years of having positive influence and providing wonderful learning opportunities to youth and young adults in the area.

Members and guests gathered at the Round Hill Hall on June 27 to listen to and share stories of the Club’s programs, events and achievements.

“Over the 70 years members have participated

in public speaking, highway clean-up, beef projects and district shows and sales, not to mention years of enjoying the togetherness of friends and family, all while working and learning together,” noted Club member Chella Ross.

The celebration was also an opportunity for members to thank the community and sponsors for their continual support.

With a goal to provide programs for both urban

and rural youth and adults that develop life-long skills such as co-operation, leadership, interpersonal relations, critical thinking, decision making, organization, public speaking and community service, 4-H Clubs across the province have been going strong since 1917.

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

Slow to 60, for safety

By Lori Larsen

A recent announcement by the Government of Alberta stated that as of September 1 all drivers in Alberta operating a motor vehicle in the lane closest to any roadside worker vehicle stopped at the side of the road with its lights flashing, must slow down to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit, whichever is lower. Drivers must also move over to the far lane, if it’s safe to do so, and take reasonable steps to allow other drivers to move over as well.

“This is a commonsense rule change,” noted minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen. “If you see any flashing lights and people working on the side of the road, slow down to 60 km/h or move over to make an open lane beside them. We want to protect our police, paramedics, maintenance workers and tow truck drivers so they can get home safely at the end of the day. These people proudly serve Alberta, and we want to make sure we look out for them.”

Currently, only tow

truck drivers and first responders are protected under the Traffic Safety Act, but now all roadside workers stopped on the side of the road, with their flashing lights activated, including first responders, tow truck operators, highway maintenance workers and snowplow operators, will be protected.

Failure to comply with this legislation can result in a fine and demerit points accordingly:

• variable fines and demerit points for failing to slow down to 60 km/h or the maximum speed limit, whichever is lower, when passing stopped roadside workers (the fine and demerits increase on an escalating scale, based on how much a driver exceeds the speed limit)

• $243 fine and three demerit points for failing to allow other drivers to move into a traffic lane farther from a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside work vehicle,

• a fine of $324 and three

demerit points for unsafe passing of snowplows.

“ These new measures will undoubtedly protect our highway maintenance and snowplow crews,” said Volker Stevin Canada president and CEO Fred Desjarlais. “Slowing down when passing roadside workers will be a minor impact on drivers that has a tremendous effect on the safety of our workforce. No matter the season, our crews strive to get the travelling public home safely, and these changes ensure our crews will get home safely too.”

According to the Government of Alberta website between March 2018 and March 2021, there were approximately 130 collisions involving snowplows contracted by Transportation and Economic Corridors and during the winter of 2022-23, there were 37 collisions involving a governmentcontracted snowplow.

session of a Weapon for dangerous purpose and pursuit involved–Flight from Peace Officer.

He was remanded into custody after a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and was to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Lloydminster on August 1.

A second male, resident of Sturgeon County, was charged with Resist Arrest, Possession of Stolen Property over $5,000, Possess Break-in Instruments and Fail to Comply with Release Order condition.

After a short pursuit, the suspect vehicle was disabled and entered the ditch. Two suspects fled from police on foot and with the assistance of the Police Dog Service, they were located and arrested. Investigation determined that the truck was stolen from Spruce Grove, a month prior.

One male, no fixed address, was charged with 13 criminal code offences, some of which include Discharge a Firearm, Assault with a Weapon, Disguised with Intent to Commit an Offence, Resist Arrest, Pos-

After a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, he was released from custody and was required to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville on August 1.

Further investigation led police to conduct a search warrant at a property located in Lamont. Two stolen trucks were seized, along with two Saskatchewan licence plates and a stolen cargo trailer. This investigation is continuing and further criminal charges are pending.

Kick’n Country parade

Submitted

Members of the Camrose 4-H Beef Club gathered at the Round Hill Hall to celebrate 70 years of the Club’s existence.

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

Camrose County “digs in” at the Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce Kick’n Country parade.

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster

The town of Stettler nicknamed the “Heart of Alberta” is right on track with their float depicting their community and the importance of railway to rural communities.

Grant assists Rosalind Recreation Association

By Murray Green

The Rosalind Recreation Association won the Your Growing Home with BASF contest.

Rosalind Recreation Association won $25,000 and was named an exceptional organization that provides vital resources for the community by maintaining a wide range of facilities that support youth sports, community events and outdoor recreation activities.

“The funding is important for our community because a lot of the fundraising we do is needed to operate and maintain our facilities. This will give us an opportunity to possibly expanding our existing facilities,” said president Dan Stang.

They ensure that the community has access to a well-maintained arena, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, concession booth and are also in the process of constructing a new frisbee golf course.

“The money has not been earmarked for a specific project yet, but we recently rebuilt dugouts on one of our ball diamonds and there is some maintenance to do in the arena. We are considering some ideas for a new project,” shared Dan.

The community supports the local youth by offering various sports programs such as soccer, minor baseball and school sports along with financial support when needed. These programs provide children with opportunities to learn new skills, build teamwork and stay active. The association also hosts an annual seniors’ slow pitch tournament that brings together community members of all ages and fosters a sense of camaraderie.

Rosalind Recreation Association is an essential organization that provides invaluable resources to the community. They work hard to ensure that the community has access to well-maintained sports facilities, youth sports programs, and community events.

“Winning the prize money from BASF will help our association continue maintaining and updating our facilities to provide the best experiences for local and traveling people. The Rosalind and District Recreation Association offers a hockey arena, three ball diamonds, concession booth/washrooms, campgrounds, basketball courts, and a newly refurbished

Ease the pain of being disabled

pickleball court. Upkeep of the facilities takes hard work from members of our board, the Village of Rosalind, along with many members from within and outside the community.

Thank you to everyone who voted for us. Follow the Rosalind and District Recreation Association on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on our upcoming events.”

This spring volunteers voted to convert existing tennis and basketball courts into pickleball courts. Volunteers from the association, but mostly the local avid pickleball players (Charlie Gould, Jim Urkow and Reg En-

Post meal preening

right), donated their time to resurface the courts, meticulously paint lines, and place a windscreen on the fence for pickleball. Since being finished, picklers show up every Tuesday and Thursday to compete. There’s also been two very successful pickleball tournaments hosted this year.

“We host a steak fry and dance in mid April every year as a fundraiser and we also receive funding every year from the Camrose County recreation budget,” said Dan.

The association is supported by the County of Camrose in making communities a better place to live.

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster

This juvenile sparrow hawk perched and preened after hunting insects and small rodents