April 10 Weekly Review by Caribou Publishing

Zoo2U experience fun for local kids Page 8

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 Vol. 47, No. 15

$1 includes GST

Your LOCAL Paper

Viking Bottle Depot owners appeal to residents after door-to-door depot takes business

LIONS DONATE

Leslie Cholowsky Staff Reporter

James and Marilyn Harris got a little bit of a shock before Easter as they learned about an out-of-town mobile bottle depot service operating in Viking. The Harrises, owners of the Bottle Depot of Viking, say at least three of their current customers told Marilyn about it. She heard that the Innisfree Bottle Depot is going door to door in Viking soliciting bottle returns, and offering immediate payment. “As far as I know, they drive a white van and he loads everything in the van and pays on the spot.” The new service comes out of Innisfree, but the Harrises say that it was their understanding that the Beverage Container Management Board, (BCMB) has pretty strict rules about protected radius for rural bottle depot operators. Marilyn says she immediately emailed the BCMB when she heard about the new pickup service, and says that she doesn’t understand how another bottle depot can come into her business area and do unsolicited collections and off-site transactions. “We have been doing well until this,” Marilyn says. The Harrises have owned the Viking Bottle Depot for five years, and she says they’ve grown the business since first starting out. “But this has the potential to cut into not just our business, but also local fundraising bottle drives. “The thing is, we will come and pick up bottles as well. I won’t pay you at the door, but I’ll take your bottles back, sort them, and bring back your money,” Marilyn says. “We’ve always offered that service, we just don’t do unsolicited door-to-door returns.” The Harrises do out-of-town pickups as well, but these are only done at the client’s request, she says.

Viking Extendicare unveiled four new wall puzzle posters on Wednesday, April 3, funded by the Viking Lions Club. On hand were Frances Cantal, Recreation Aide, Lions member Dale Morrical, Residents’ Council Chair Jeanice Davis, Lions member Lawrence Newby, and Recreation Therapist Stephanie Driessen. See story on Page 5. “I’ve heard the Innisfree van will be in Viking once per week,” she says. “I’ve never heard of another bottle depot operating like this.” Marilyn says the industry is heavily regulated. She says she and her husband had to apply for a bylaw amendment when their religious views didn’t allow them to be open Saturday. “Now the bylaw says we have to be open at least one day on the weekend. “We are supposed to respect each other’s territories.” Marilyn says that’s what she was told when she complained to the BCMB recently, who then also said there’s nothing they could do. “We think we should be respecting each other’s businesses. We thought it goes against the spirit of the board’s rules.” Blaire Gaalaas, President of the BCMB, says the board regulates the depot industry in terms of who may sell collected bottles back to manufacturers, but does not regulate bottle collection. Gaalaas says that while it is the BCMB’s role to regulate how many bottle depots can operate within the province, they do not regulate who can collect bottles. “Collection can be done by anyone, including charitable organizations, and bottle depots. It’s our expectation and hope that each depot is engaging with their community with regards to the services they offer. “Community expectations are changing. Some people value in-person visits to their local depots,

while others might wish to have pickup at their doors. “Depots are very important to their communities. Our Depot network is doing some amazing things.” Gaalaas clarified; “We don’t guarantee a territory, but we won’t put a Depot closer than 24 km to ensure viability.” Harris says, “Right now the farmers are saving our business, but this could have a real financial impact down the road.” “I would ask customers to stop giving [Innisfree] their bottles. We also offer pickup service, if that’s what they want.” Marilyn thinks that having the pickup depot operating in town means there will be fewer bottles about for fundraising groups in Viking. “This alarmed me, not only for my business, but for the kids. This has the potential to make a big hit.” She says a bottle drive by the grad class made nearly $4,000, and wonders if people will still save their bottles, or whether they’ll opt into the pickup service and then have none left when local groups organize future bottle drives. “If our revenues drop, that could have an impact on the future of our business.” She says that for those who need a pickup, they can call during business hours, Sunday to Friday, at 780-336-3219. Marilyn says, “This isn’t a new service, but people Continued on Page 7

Page 2 - The Weekly Review, Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Viking forms Physician Attraction and Retention committee RhPAP to support rural Alberta communities in work to retain health care professionals Patricia Harcourt Editor

The Viking community has started a process to attract and retain health care professionals by forming a committee composed of stakeholders and local residents. Anya Langkow gave a presentation at a recent Viking Council meeting to update councillors on. the progress of RhPAP, Alberta Rural Health Professions Action Plan, in helping communities like Viking in that goal. Langkow, who is the rural consultant for the East Central Zone, said, “Rural community consultants support the capacity of rural community attraction and retention committees to positively influence and impact the experiences of local health care professionals and students.” There are three focal points to this process starting with attracting physicians by supporting health professional recruitment efforts, and by showing them the highlights and best attractions in the region. The second focal point is retention of the physicians attracted to work in the area. These are ongoing efforts over time to keep the doctors interested in staying in the community by providing a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Recruitment is the ultimate goal where a doctor is contracted to work with Alberta Health Services. A committee for local physician recruitment and retention has occurred. Dr. Kate Overbo is helping in that process by bringing medical students from the University of Alberta Medical School for training at the Viking Medical Clinic. The hope is that some rural medical students will like the rural practice and want to return to it after graduating. But just getting them to

come to the local clinic for practicums isn’t enough. The students require housing that is put in place for long term use as students rotate through their rural locum or eventually decide to stay in the community to practice. Viking Mayor Jamie Buttner says, “That’s exciting, that’s huge,” upon hearing about the initiative. “Judy Acres has been instrumental in supporting Dr. Overbo,” added town of Viking Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Doug Lefsrud. Acres, just starting her fourth term as a town councillor, is active on many boards and committees in town. Lefsrud said she has also been active in the drive to attract new physicians and is now on the committee for that purpose. Student doctors are currently training at Viking’s medical clinic and local hospital and the committee is busy organizing itself to continue the work necessary to attract and retain doctors for the local area. This kind of committee has already been active in Tofield and area after the town experienced a shortage of doctors a decade or more ago. And that success is hoped to be echoed in the Viking community. “We’ve had lots of excitement,” says Acres, around the new committee and the drive to attract physicians to the Viking community. “We are seeking better accommodation,” for the medical students coming here, she added. “We have a really good group working with us.” “It’s a key time for your community to have this new committee,” says Langkow. But the impact of any upcoming changes to Alberta Health Services in light of recent provincial government announcements is still unknown. That includes any

changes to the advisory committees that are supporting the local recruitment committees, says Langkow. Local committees help new professionals navigate the community, and support new and existing families of physicians in the community, she said. Local committees can also help keep physicians connected as they become integrated into the community, which is vital to a healthcare professional’s staying. Besides a welcoming community and being close to family, a supportive healthcare team is also necessary to keep a doctor working at a particular community. RhPAP provides attraction and retention committees with a complete “toolkit” to help them reach their goals, said Langkow. The RhPAPs are part of an overall government strategy to increase doctors in rural areas. For instance, the province is establishing funding to train physi-

cians in rural areas. Collaborative efforts with the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, as well as the University of Lethbridge and Northwestern Polytechnic to develop new rural medical education program training centres in Lethbridge and Grande Prairie. “Rural communities across Alberta are facing a shortage of physicians

forcing rural Albertans to travel long distances to seek medical care,” said Rajan Sawhney, minister of advanced education. “The government is working with post secondary institutions to train more physicians in rural areas because students who learn in rural communities are more likely to stay and work in them after completing their training.”

The government is also providing funding to help family doctors with their administrative costs so they can devote more time to seeing patients. It is part of a $200 million infusion over two years to stabilize primary health care and provided to the Alberta Medical Association as part of a December 2023 commitment. The AMA will distribute the funding.

Congratulations Class of 2024

Dyson Gibler

Heather Lawes

John Harray

Dyson will continue apprenticing as an electrician and plans to attend NAIT.

Heather has been accepted to the University of Alberta in the Education program with the goal of returning to Viking to teach english and art.

John plans to enter the workforce at the UofA Ranch while considering options for post secondary education. John also plans to travel as much as possible. Jim & Eileen Mike & Kyla

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The Weekly Review, Wednesday, April 10, 2024 - Page 3

Viking Royal Purple hosting Hot Wing Eating contest Dawn Hodgins Members of the local Royal Purple met on Tuesday evening for their regular monthly meeting. Our lodge welcomed members from C l o v e r l o d g e Stampede who were visiting and accepting a cheque for $500 to go towards the kids’ pony rides at the June rodeo. We welcomed Muriel Hill, Ryan

Doucette, Cohen and Caiden Buttner, and Nate, Liam and Isla Doucette. President Jamie Hodgins brought the group up to date on our big fundraiser we are holding at the rodeo and is supported by the rodeo executive. We are hosting a ‘Hot Wing Eating’ contest. It is our wish that all the groups that we have supported for nearly 75 years will

assist us with the fundraiser and enter competitors or assist us with our fundraising. Most of our funds remain in this community. No exact figures but we have probably put more than half a million dollars back into community projects or events. For more information or sign up sheets call either Jamie at 403-660-8904 or Chris at 587-256-2606.

Jamie and Dawn attended the school and presented a cheque for $500 to the swimming classes. In return the students are our entertainment for Royal Purple Day held in June at both the Extendicare and Vialta

Lodge. More items have been delivered to the Food Bank. Hopefully our many volunteers will attend the FCSS Volunteer Appreciation Lunch on April 23. It is always a great event. Next meeting we

will install the officers for the 2024/25 term. Thanks to Jamie, Chris, Angela, Doreen, Holly, Dawn, Elehda, Emily C., Joan, Gloria, and Paula for your dedicated service and volunteering for our group.

Congratulations Class of 2024

Andrew Street-Paterson

Brenna Fornal

Hunter Sullivan

Andrew plans on becoming a tattoo artist or pursuing a career that incorporates art.

Brenna has been conditionally accepted to the Pre-Health program at Red Deer Polytechnic with plans to become a physical therapy assistant.

Hunter plans on directly entering the workforce and will be pursuing a career in the trades industry.

Viking Volunteer Fire Department

SPONSORED BY:

ONLINE TIMED SPRING CONSIGNMENT AUCTION Members of Cloverlodge Stampede visited the monthly meeting of Viking Royal Purple to accept a check for $500 to go towards the KIDS pony ride next June. Attending were: Isla Doucette, Liam Doucette, Ryan Doucette (accepting cheque), President Jamie Hodgins (presenting cheque), Nate Doucette, Caiden Buttner and Cohen Buttner.

CAMROSE, ALBERTA

55th Annual

BIDDING STARTS MONDAY, APRIL 22ND AND BIDDING ENDS FRIDAY, APRIL 26TH Visit our website to register for our online timed auction

WWW.LINDSTRANDAUCTIONS.COM Accepting delivery of consignments from Friday, April 12 to Friday, April 19 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Viking 4-H Beef Club

YEARS

ALREADY LISTED: 3 LARGE LATE MODEL FARM DISPERSALS! CONSIGN TODAY TO BE PART OF THIS BIG AUCTION!

Viking 4-H Beef Club has turned 80! Please join us for our upcoming events:

• Club Achievement Show April 20 at 10 am in the Holden Complex. • All are invited to join us for celebration cake at the Beaver District Show and Sale April 29 at 10 am, also at the Holden Complex. Sales catalogues available from club members, or call 780 385-0833. Supper available for purchase at 5:30 pm with Sale to start at 7 pm. A great opportunity to purchase some exceptional beef at a great price!

Public Viewing: Monday, April 22nd to Thursday April 25th from 8:00 am- 6:00 pm & Friday, April 26th from 8:00 am until NOON SHARP. At our yard: 2 MILES NORTH OF CAMROSE ON HIGHWAY 833. (47321 Sec, Hwy 833) We conduct Alberta’s Largest 1-day Farm Machinery Consignment Auction 4 times a year. Selling farm equipment, cars & trucks, lawn and garden, recreation vehicles and shop equipment. Whether you have 1 piece or a complete line of machinery, we have the facility & 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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AT LINDSTRAND AUCTIONS SALE SITE, 2 MILES NORTH OF CAMROSE ON HIGHWAY 833. (47321 Sec, Hwy 833)

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Page 4 - The Weekly Review, Wednesday, April 10, 2024

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Hauling Grain, Gravel, & Hay in East Central Alberta for 30 Years

The Weekly Review, Wednesday, April 10, 2024 - Page 5

Viking Lions Club donates to Extendicare for purchase of new puzzle boards for residents Leslie Cholowsky Staff Reporter

Viking Lions Club members Lawrence Newby and Dale Morrical visited Viking Extendicare on Wednesday, April 3, to see four new activity puzzle boards donated through funding from the Lions Club newly mounted on the walls of the facility. The “Ageucation” activity puzzle boards each have three brain teasers on them, and there are four different boards in the facility. Recreation Therapist Stephanie Driessen says the boards help residents with memory recall, social engagement, and more. “It’s something they can do with their families on visits; it’s not scheduled, it’s always available to them.” A few of the puzzle games on the boards

Barb Chrystian 780-385-0631 BRUCE - 2 commercial buildings and vacant lot between. Building #1 - 2008 2052 sq ft, past use retail. Building was equipped with a commercial kitchen, 2 public bathrooms, this building also has living accommodations.

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$150,000 include photographs, and these, she says, can induce reminiscing or bring out memories for residents, especially those who are struggling with dementia. “It can help to keep them engaged, and help them remember. It’s like physiotherapy for the mind.” The boards each come with 12 different activity sheets, and the plan is to change them each week, so residents have something fresh to see weekly. Residents’ Council Chair Jeanice Davis says she thinks it’s psychologically good for residents. “It helps people remember. It’s a very positive thing.” Driessen says the Lions also recently assisted another Extendicare fundraiser, a paint night, where they bartended for free and helped raise almost

LEFSRUD SEEDS HAS CERTIFIED SEED FOR SALE CANOLA: UA CountyGold (O.P. conventional & Argentine Variety) Non-GMO, suitable for organic trade CDC Plava AAC Connect 2R Malting PEAS yellows: CDC Saffron OATS: CS Camden Milling

FLAX: BARLEY:

$3,000. She says that when she approached Newby about this project, he was enthusiastic. “The Lions are always asking ‘How can we help?’ It’s wonderful to have this kind of support for our residents and their activi-

ties.” Funds raised from the paint night event will go towards outings like bus tours and picnics, especially come late spring and summer. The resident council will decide how the money is spent.

Member of Canterra & SeCan and Farm Pure Seeds

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Wheat: CWRS - AAC Brandon - Improved Rated MR for FHB resistance - Most widely grown CWRS variety in Western Canada for 5 years CWRS - AAC Wheatland VB -Wheat Midge tolerant - Very good lodging resistance CWSWS - AC Andrew - Great silage option -In demand by milling and ethanol industries Yellow Peas: CDC Canary - Improved standability -Early maturity -Higher Yielding Faba Beans: CDC 219-16 - Zero Tannin - Seed is smaller than Snowbird, larger than CDC Snowdrop

__________________________________________________ VIKING - Vacant Lot, in great location, land is flat and cleared

6-Row Feed Barley: AB Advantage - Improved plump and bushel weight - Smooth awned -High grain and forage yield 2-Row Malt Barley: CDC Copeland - Strong demand by malting companies.

Pioneer Hi-Bred Canola Liberty Link and Roundup Ready Varieties Available!

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LIST WITH US! Find us on Google ‘Swan City Realty’ 780-385-0631 or Camrose Office 780-679-8353

Church Services For April 2024 Golden Valley Lutheran Church Pastor Chris Koch - Office: 780-336-3155 Office Hours: Tues – Fri: 10:00am – 2:00pm Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Roman Catholic Family Father Robert Lee Office: Vegreville 780-632-3272

Viking: Mass every Sunday at 9 a.m. Vegreville: Mass every Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and every Sunday at 11 a.m.

United Church Morning Meditations via Zoom -Tues & Thurs 7:45 - 8:15 Viking: Sunday Worship - 9 a.m. office 780-336-3103 Facebook: Viking United Church Irma: Sunday Worship - 11 a.m. office 780-754-3939 Facebook: Irma United Church

Viking Alliance Church

RR #1, Viking, AB

Email: lefsrud@telusplanet.net

VIKING - 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths. Manufactured home on full basement. Plenty of room. Double detached garage, partially fenced.

BRUCE - Residential Lot For Sale. Property is level and serviced. 100 foot frontage.

Lefsrud Seed & Processors Ltd. Kevin & Ed Lefsrud

Located: Hwy #36, 12 mi. N of Viking or 11 mi. S of Hwy #16, 3/4 mi. W

$80,000

CERTIFIED SEED FOR SALE

90’ Truck Scale, Custom Cleaning & Treating

Kevin: 780-336-5700 Ed: 780-336-6700

VIKING - Main Street Commercial Location, very nicely renovated, 2700 Sq. Ft. Lots of Parking at rear. Storage Building. Move in Ready!!!

Rev. Steven TeVelde - Office: 780-336-4950

Phone: 780-336-2583 Cell: 780-385-4900 Box 296, Viking, AB T0B 4N0 Dealer for Brett Young Forage Seed

Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m.

www.vikingalliancechurch.com

Immanuel Lutheran Church Bruce, Alberta

Pastor Greg Kjos

Sunday Service at 9:00 am

Page 6 - The Weekly Review, Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Ag societies touted as vital organs in rural Alberta George Lee Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Agricultural societies boast an established history as the heart of Alberta’s rural communities and the province wants to keep

them pumping. “Ag societies help communities across Alberta thrive by providing events, volunteer opportunities, recreational facilities and so much more,” said Agriculture and Irrigation Minister R.J. Sigurdson, MLA for

Highwood. “Alberta’s government recognizes the hard work that goes into all of this, and we’re incredibly grateful to the thousands of volunteers that make it possible.” Rodeo grounds, ice rinks, community kitchens, parks full of

Easter bunny takes a break in Viking on Easter Sunday

farm equipment, fairs, tournaments – if those or other physical hubs or enduring events exist in your rural community, chances are there’s an agricultural society connection. Roy Bohn says the Spruce Grove Farmers Market, west of Edmonton, ventured out on its own about six years ago. But it remains closely affiliated with its original sponsor, the Spruce Grove and District Agricultural Society. The market owns an enclosure on property it rents from the ag society. Nearby is an historic wooden grain elevator that the society operates as a museum. Bohn’s parents were among the market’s founders in 1977. “The ag society ended up giving the market $200, said there you are, go on, and God bless.” The first ag society in what would become Alberta arrived on the scene 1879, says information posted on the website of the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies. Today 291 predominantly rural ag societies operate, and 20 of them are at least 100 years old. Another 24 celebrated their 50th an-

The Easter Bunny visited Viking on Easter Sunday. Resident Grace Sutter sent these photos along of a friendly rabbit casually visiting just across the street from her home on Easter of all weekends, visible from her window. Holden, Viking and Tofield Grace said her neighbour went over to get a 4-H Clubs invite you to the closer look at the tame rabbit and it didn’t even attempt to run away.

BEAVER DISTRICT

NOTICE OF Annual General Meeting ~Phoenix Gas Co-op Ltd.~ The Annual General Meeting of Phoenix Gas Co-op Ltd will be held at 2

embers the AGM by contacting the Phoenix Gas Co-op o ce at 780-842-4653.

4-H Show & Sale Monday, April 29, 2024 @ the Holden Complex Female Show @ 10:00 am Steer Show @ 1:00 pm Concession Open for Lunch * Sheep project demonstration during intermission Market Eggs show @ 4:30 pm Supper @ 5:30 pm Sale starts @ 7:00 pm

Prices for supper: Adults (13+) - $20 Youth - $15 (6-12 & registered 4-H members) 5 years & under FREE. *Cash only Contact: Matthew Spruyt 780-878-8460 for more information.

niversary in 2022, the website documents. It takes more than 52,000 volunteer hours a year to support the societies’ work – that’s $8.9 million worth of labour – as they help keep the lights on and the roofs intact for more than 700 facilities, and run events that attract 1.6 million attendees a year. Sigurdson told the legislative assembly March 14 that his ministry intends to keep providing grants for major ag facility repairs and operations. The Agricultural Societies Infrastructure Revitalization Program continues at $2.5 million a year in all. It funded 34 projects in the last approvals round, among them $74,360 for the Saskatoon Lake Agricultural Society to put towards upgrades in a community hall for commercial kitchen appliances, wheelchair ramps and widened entries. The funding for Saskatoon Lake, just northwest of Grande Prairie in northern Alberta, is one of three examples under the program provided in an email from the ministry. A community about 50

km northeast of Red Deer in central Alberta benefited, too. The Clive Athletic and Agricultural Society received $91,580 to add space and storage to dressing rooms and widen the walkways between them. And Big Country Agricultural Society received approval for $100,000 to repair a recreation centre in Oyen, a southern Alberta town east of Calgary near the Saskatchewan border. Hail extensively damaged the roof and other parts of the Crossroads Centre, an arena for rodeos, and riding and other events. Other provincial funding available to ag societies includes $16 million in Budget 2024 towards the Community Initiatives Program, or CIP. It supports non-profit organizations in the delivery of “diverse projects that foster healthy, vibrant communities in every corner of the province,” said an agriculture ministry spokesperson Agricultural societies can apply under CIP for operating grants and, for new or enhanced programs and events, Continued on Page 15

The Weekly Review, Wednesday, April 10, 2024 - Page 7

WORD ON THE STREET Vehicle has window smashed, registration stolen On April 2, police were dispatched to a 911 call of a possible motor vehicle collision. An iphone had sent an alert to the 911 dispatch centre indicating a severe car crash had possibly occurred and the owner of the phone was not responding. Police, the fire department, and EMS all responded and made numerous patrols in the area where the call originated from but no collision was located. Police were eventually able to speak with the owner of the phone who advised he had accidentally left his phone in the box of his truck after filling up with gas and it had been bouncing around while he drove home which must have caused it to send the alert and no collision had taken place. Also that day, police were advised of a break and enter at a rural property that had occurred sometime over the previous few days. The complainant advised his gate had been busted open and there were tire tracks all around the property but it did not appear as if entry was gained to any of the buildings. There was not enough evidence

left behind to further investigation and police have no suspects at this time. That same morning, police received a report of an abandoned vehicle in Viking. Police spoke with the owner who confirmed it had not been stolen and he would attend and retrieve it as soon as possible. That afternoon, police received a complaint of a theft of fuel from a rural property southwest of Viking. The complainant advised the theft had occurred a few days earlier and the culprits had tried to break into his machine shop as well but were unsuccessful. Police have no suspects at this time. Late that night, police were advised of an erratic driver eastbound on Highway 14. The caller reported a red PT Cruiser was all over the road and was driving with no headlights on. The vehicle in question was nearing the eastern boundary of Viking Detachment and there were no members in a position to intercept it so the information was passed on to Wainwright RCMP for their follow

up. On April 3, police received a complaint of an erratic driver eastbound on Highway 14 near Bruce. The complainant advised the vehicle was travelling at slow speeds but would speed up when he was alongside it attempting to pass it. A patrol was made and the vehicle in question was located and a traffic stop was initiated. The driver showed no signs of impairment and was warned about his driving behaviour. The complainant was updated. Also that day, police were advised of mischief to a vehicle southwest of Viking. The complainant advised his vehicle had broken down the previous week and he had just returned to pick it up when he found one of the windows smashed out and his registration missing. Police have no suspects at this time. Late that evening, police received a complaint of a suspicious truck driving around the north side of Viking. Patrols were made but the vehicle in question was not located. On April 4, members

Bottle Depot

Innisfree Bottle Depot did not contact the town office for a licence prior to soliciting door-to-door in Viking. Lefsrud says he was approached by the Innisfree operator at his home, and explained that he saves his bottles for local organizations doing fundraisers. Lefsrud said that the onus on enforcing the bylaw often rests with residents. When it comes to doorto-door sales coming into Viking from out of town vendors, Lefsrud says that often the Town relies on residents to let them know it’s happening, especially if they haven’t stopped at the town office to obtain a licence. This can be as simple as requesting to see a Viking

business licence when a vendor appears at your door. Lefsrud says that this is an issue that the Town plans to review and focus on in the near future in their communications with residents.

Continued from Cover may not be aware.” Town of Viking CAO Doug Lefsrud says that any business soliciting door to door requires a licence from the Town. He confirms that, “Our municipal bylaws do require businesses based outside of the town to obtain an out-of-town business licence.” These are $100 per year, or $10 per day. That includes those selling security systems, contractors services, and any product or service. It does not apply to community groups based in the town. He confirmed that, to his knowledge, the

were conducting patrols and located a vehicle with a burned-out headlight. A traffic stop was initiated and a mandatory alcohol screening demand was issued. The driver initially blew a fail and then a caution. Police proceeded with Immediate Provincial Sanctions and suspended his licence and seized his vehicle. Also that day, a citizen

called police to report she had received a phone call that she believed to be a scam. She advised she received an automated message from someone claiming to be with Service Canada. The caller advised her Social Insurance Number had been compromised and cancelled and prompted her to press 1 on her phone for further instructions. She recognized this as a scam and did not

comply so did not become a victim of fraud. On April 7, police received a report of a break and enter at a business east of Viking. The complainant advised the gate to the property was damaged and fuel was stolen. Police have no suspects at this time. Also during this time period, numerous violation tickets and warnings were issued for various traffic offences.

Viking Hearing Clinic Wednesday, April 17, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Viking Senior Centre

1-877-313-5582

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Page 8 - The Weekly Review, Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Interactive Zoo2U awes kids with exotic creatures Patricia Harcourt Editor

It’s an Easter time family event many look forward to attending. Animals from Zoo2U presented interactive shows held in local community halls by Melinda Whitehead, a trained animal handler, and her assistant. Educational and awe-inspiring, especially for the youngsters, the company presented all manner of mammal, reptile, and bird on April 3 at the Viking Community Hall and April 5 at the Holden Community Centre. The shows were free

with no pre-registration needed, and ran for about an hour and a half of being introduced to both exotic and cute animals. They were brought in temporary travel containers and then taken out one species group at a time to be introduced to the crowd. The audience heard about these animals in a fun, upbeat manner discussing the country of origin, habitat, defence mechanisms, and social habits. The kids and some adults, as well, handled the animals as every show is a hands-on experience

allowing people to touch and hold them. Children and adults alike lit up with smiles as they reached out to the particular bird, lizard, or mammal that was being shown to them. Zoo2U’s mission statement is “to bring enjoyment to all ages through a fun, interactive and educational experience with animals of many different species.” Based out of Strathcona County, they serve the greater Edmonton area. They have over a dozen species of animals that they care for and the numbers just keeps growing.

“We believe others share this same type of enthusiasm about the animal kingdom but often lack the opportunity to interact with it,” said Zoo2U’s website. “That’s where we come in,” by going to many places such as libraries, schools, daycares,

senior residences, and public halls or Legions to spread the word about animal care and sensitivity towards them and their needs. “Just about anywhere you want us to go and we’ll bring our mini-zoo with us,” says the website.

The shows were presented courtesy of Viking/Beaver FCSS and several others including Friends of the Viking Library, Viking Municipal Library, Holden Municipal Library, Village of Holden, and the Viking and District Agricultural Society.

Homestyle Meatloaf

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The Government of Alberta is gathering input from Albertans to modernize and enhance the Seniors’ Lodge program, including the type and level of service provided and how it connects with the continuing care system. MLA Jackie Lovely encourages you to take a part in a survey through the Goverment of Alberta: https://your.alberta.ca/seniors-lodge-program/survey_tools/public

780.672.0000 Camrose@assembly.ab.ca 4870 - 51 Street Camrose, AB T4V 1S1

JACKIE LOVELY MLA Camrose

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5108 - 50th Ryley, AB., T0B 4A0 5108 - 50th St.St. Ryley, AB., T0B 4J0

A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday, November , 2023,Volume Volume17, 16,Issue Issue1546 Wednesday,February April 10,16 2024, Wednesday 2022 Volume 15 Issue 7

Winds of change signalled as council amends bylaws and policies Patricia Harcourt Council signalled some winds of change with the passing of amended bylaws and policies. First reading to a bylaw setting agricultural fees, rates and charges for services by Beaver County was passed at council’s March 27 meeting. Agricultural Fieldman Jonathan Culbert explained that the need to update the agricultural service fees was expressed in January at the Agriculture Service Board meeting. “The fees were originally established to allow the county to provide agricultural services at a cost recovery rate,” he said. “However, due to the increase in the cost of providing these services in recent years, the county is no longer able to adequately recuperate the costs…based on the current established fees.” The new bylaw would include a base mobilization fee to custom spraying. Culbert said most small custom spraying projects are an hour or less to complete and, with a discount provided if there is no weed notice, many jobs have “negligible charges” with a recovery to the county of only $10. ASB recommended a base mobilization fee of $100 but Culbert said council may wish to lower it “to incentivize landowners to use the program.” The charge for partial spray crew applications has been increased from one-third to one-half, and rentals for backpack and portable sprayers have also been increased. Removed from the bylaw were references to gopher poison, or strychnine, which the county no longer sells; and charges for private beaver dam removal, which the county no longer performs. Council passed only first reading in order to give the public a chance to review and comment on the proposed changes to the bylaw before finalizing it. Council also passed motions to delete the old Public Participation Policy #CCL-007 and replace it with new Policy #CCM—004. “As part of the ongoing policy review project, the participation policy has been revised to conform with the new policy template,” stated Communications Officer Tracey Popick. “This policy also includes amendments that integrate public participation strategies recommended by the International Association of Public Participation,” she said, in her report. Council also approved an amended Recruitment and Selection Policy #HR-05.

Margaret Jones, manager of legislative services, said the newly amended bylaw has two goals that align with the county’s corporate business plan: to launch a workforce development strategy, and promote a positive workplace environment. Jones said the old bylaw makes it mandatory to advertise publicly for all positions, “even if there are qualified internal candidates.” With the policy change, “each employee who is interested in advancement will have the opportunity to discuss a Performance Development Plan with their supervisor,” states Jones. “This plan can outline the employee’s career goals, and the training required to achieve those goals.” Those county employees who have completed needed training will be given preference over external candidates, she said. Administration can also waive the external recruitment process if a qualified employee applies for the position. And if an employee is currently undergoing succession planning there will be no need to compete

for the position either externally or internally within the county ranks. Union employees under a collective agreement, however, must all be given an opportunity to apply for a vacant union position, and all such vacant positions must be posted. County Council also rescinded the old Change of Address Policy #ADM-027, and adopted the Change of Address Policy #CORP-007. This means that ratepayers will no longer have to put an address change in writing. Instead, a person can phone changes in their address which may be necessary in certain circumstances. Examples given were when driving some distance to the office or in the event of a death in the family. Reeve Kevin. Smook (Division 1) expressed concern that a phone call would be difficult to verify; but Ryan Arndt, general manager of corporate services, replied that people already do this kind of change via email, which “you can’t truly verify,” either.

2 - Beaver County Chronicle, April 10, 2024

(È³Á ! zÁ« n hɖɀɎ Ə ȸƺȅǣȇƳƺȸ‫ ي‬Ɏǝƺ ƳƺƏƳǼǣȇƺ ɎȒ ɀɖƫȅǣɎ ɵȒɖȸ ƏȵȵǼǣƬƏɎǣȒȇ ǔǔȒ Ȓȸ Ɏǝƺ ɀȵȸǣȇǕ ɀɖȵȵȸƺɀɀƏȇɎ ǣɀ ȵȸǣǼ ‫ٍד׏‬ ǼǼ Ɏǝƺ ǣȇǔȒ ɵȒɖ ȇƺƺƳً ǣȇƬǼɖƳǣȇǕ Ɏǝƺ ǼƺɎɎƺȸ ƏȇƳ ƏȵȵǼǣƬƏɎǣȒȇ ǔǔȒ Ȓȸȅً ƬƏȇ ƫƺ ǔȒɖȇƳ Ȓȇ Ȓɖȸ ɯƺƫɀǣɎƺ ɖȇƳƺȸ ³ƺȸɮǣƬƺɀ ‫! ڽ‬ȒɖȇɎɎɵ ɵ «ȒƏƳɀ Ȓȸ ƬȒȇɎƏƬɎ Ȓɖȸ XȇǔȸƏɀɎȸɖƬɎɖȸƺ ɎƺƏȅ ƏɎ ‫ אד׎׎ٮדזבٮדאז‬ɎȒ ǕƺɎ ɀǣǕȇƺƳ ɖȵ ƏȇƳ ƺȇɀɖȸƺ ɵȒɖȸ ȸȒƏƳɀ ȸƺȅƏǣȇ ƳɖɀɎ‫ٮ‬ǔȸƺƺ Ɏǝǣɀ ɀƺƏɀȒȇِ

ƺȇɎǣȒȇ ȒɖɎƳȒȒȸ ƺȇɎǝɖɀǣƏɀɎɀٍ ¨ǼƏȇȇǣȇǕ ȸ ȇƺɴɎ ƬƏȅȵǣȇǕ ƏƳɮƺȇɎɖȸƺّ ƺȸɮƏɎǣȒȇɀ Əȸƺ ȇȒɯ Ȓȵƺȇ ǔǔȒ Ȓȸ !Əȅȵ nƏǸƺ ǼƏƬǸ zɖǕǕƺɎٍ ƺɀɀ Ɏǝƺ ȒȇǼǣȇƺ ƫȒȒǸǣȇǕ ȒǼ Ȓȇ Ȓɖȸ ɯƺƫɀǣɎƺ ɖȇƳƺȸ ǝƺ 0ɴȵǼȒȸƺ ȅƺȇɖِ

ʿ˔ˡ˗˙˜˟˟ ʙ ˅ˬ˟˘ˬ ˇ˥˔ˡ˦˙˘˥ ˆ˧˔˧˜ˢˡʭ ʨʣʤʤʪ ˅˚˘ ˅˗ ʤʪʦ ʛʻˊˌ ʫʨʧʜ ʵˢ˫ ʦʥʥʟ ˅ˬ˟˘ˬʟ ʴʵ ˇʣʵ ʧʴʣ ˊ˘˘˞˗˔ˬ˦ ʬʭʣʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʧʭʦʣˣˠʮ ˆ˔˧˨˥˗˔ˬ˦ ʢ ˆˇʴˇˆ ʬʭʣʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʦʭʣʣˣˠʮ ʶ˟ˢ˦˘˗ ˆ˨ˡ˗˔ˬ˦ ˁ˂ˇʸʭ ˖˨˦˧ˢˠ˘˥˦ ˠ˨˦˧ ˔˥˥˜˩˘ ˔˧ ˟˘˔˦˧ ʤʨ ˠ˜ˡ˨˧˘˦ ˣ˥˜ˢ˥ ˧ˢ ˖˟ˢ˦˜ˡ˚ʮ ʴ˗ˠ˜ˡ˜˦˧˥˔˧˜ˢˡ ˕˨˜˟˗˜ˡ˚ ˀˢˡ ˧ˢ ʹ˥˜ ʫʭʣʣ˔ˠ Ϟʧʭʣʣˣˠ ˠʟ ʶ˟ˢ˦˘˗ ˙˥ˢˠ ʤʥʭʣʣ ʠ ʤʭʣʣˣˠ ˇˢ˟˟ ʹ˥˘˘ʭ ʤʡʫʨʨʡʥʥʤʡʥʣʦʫ ˃˛ʭ ʪʫʣʡʩʩʦʡʥʣʦʫ ʿ˜ˡ˗˕˥ˢˢ˞ ˇ˥˔ˡ˦˙˘˥ ˆ˧˔˧˜ˢ ˢˡʭ ʨʤʣʣʫ ˅˚˘ ˅˗ ʥʣʤ ˃˛ʭ ʪʫʣʡʩ ʩʩʥʡʥʪʣʧ ʧ ˇ˨˘˦ ʤʣʭʦʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʨʭʦʣˣˠʮ ˇ˛˨˥˦ ʤʤʭʦʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʩʭʦʣˣˠʮ ˆ˔˧ ʤʣʭʦʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʨʭʦʣˣˠ ˇˢ˙˜˘˟˗ ˇ˥˔ˡ˦˙˘˥ ˆ˧˔˧˜ˢˡʭ ʨʤʣʦʥ ˅˚˘ ˅˗ ʤʬʤ ˃˛ʭ ʪʫʣʡʩʩʥ ʥʡʥʪʦʤ ˊ˘˗ʟ ʹ˥˜ ʙ ˆ˔˧ ʤʣʭʦʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʨʭʦʣ ʣˣˠ ˉ˜˞˜ˡ˚ ˇ˥˔ˡ˦˙˘˥ ˆ˧˔˧˜ˢˡʭ ʤʥʨʣʦ ˇ˪ˣ ˅˗ ʧʫʣ ˃˛ʭ ʪʫʣʡʪʤʫʡʪʬʨʩ ˇ˨˘˦ ʤʣʭʦʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʨʭʦʣˣˠʮ ˆ˔˧ ʤʣʭʦʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʨʭʭʦʣˣ ˣˠ ʾ˜ˡ˦˘˟˟˔ ˇ˥˔ˡ˦˙˘˥ ˆ˧˔˧˜ˢˡʭ ʧʩʧʤʫ ˅˚˘ ˅˗ ʤʤʦ ˃˛ʭ ʪʫʣʡʥʥʩʡʩʫʣʥ ˊ˘˗ ʤʤʭʣʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʨʭʣʣˣˠʮ ʹ˥˜ ʤʤʭʣʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʨʭʣʣˣˠ ˃˟˘˔˦˘ ˡˢ˧˘ʭ ʴ˟˟ ˧˥˔ˡ˦˙˘˥ ˦˧˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˘ ˘˫˫˖˘ˣ˧ ˙ˢ˥ ˧˛˘ ˅ˬ˟˘ˬ ˇ˥˔ˡ˦˙˘˥ ˆ˧˔˧˜ˢˡ ˔˥˘ ˖˟ˢ˦˘˗ ˢˡ ˆ˧˔˧˨˧ˢ˥ˬ ˛ˢ˟˜˗˔ˬ ˬ˦ ˦ʡ

ƺ Ə ɮ ƺ ȸ ! Ȓ ɖ ȇ Ɏ ɵ ۴ ‫ ׎ ד ٮ ׎ א ׏ ד‬Ɏ ǝ ³ Ɏ ȸ ƺ ƺ Ɏ ً Ȓ ɴ ‫ « ً ׎ ג ׏‬ɵ Ǽ ƺ ɵ ً Á ‫ ׎ ג ׎‬۴ ‫ ׎ ב ו ב ٮ ב ה ה ٮ ׎ ז ו‬۴ ƫ ƺ Ə ɮ ƺ ȸ ِ Ə ƫ ِ Ƭ Ə

Beaver County Chronicle, April 10, 2024 - 3

(0à0n ¨x0zÁ ¨0«xXÁ³ Áǝƺ ǔȒǼǼȒɯǣȇǕ (ƺɮƺǼȒȵȅƺȇɎ ȵȵǼǣƬƏɎǣȒȇɀ ǝƏɮƺ ƫƺƺȇ ¨¨« à0( ٢ƺɴƬƺȵɎ ɯǝƺȸƺ ȒɎǝƺȸɯǣɀƺ ȇȒɎƺƳ٣ ƫɵ Ɏǝƺ (ƺɮƺǼȒȵȅƺȇɎ ɖɎǝȒȸǣɎɵ ɖȇƳƺȸ Ɏǝƺ ȵȸȒɮǣɀǣȒȇɀ Ȓǔ nƏȇƳ Èɀƺ ɵǼƏɯ zȒِ ‫ ً׏׎זٮזח‬ɀɖƫǴ ƫǴƺƬɎ ɎȒ Ɏǝƺ ȸǣǕǝɎ Ȓǔ ƏȵȵƺƏǼ ɎȒ Ɏǝƺ ³ɖƫƳǣɮǣɀǣȒȇ ƏȇƳ (ƺɮƺǼȒȵȅƺȇɎ ȵȵƺƏǼ ȒƏȸƳٖnƏȇƳ ƏȇƳ ¨ȸȒȵƺȸɎɵ «ǣǕǝɎɀ ÁȸǣƫɖȇƏǼِ ¨¨0 n (0 (nXz0 ȵȸǣǼ ‫ גא׎א ً׎׏‬ ȵȵƺƏǼ ȒƳɵ n¨«Á ȵȵǼǣƬƏɎǣȒȇ zȒِ ‫ ׏׏׎׎(ٮגאٮ׎א׎׎א׎‬ ȵȵǼǣƬƏȇɎ x J 0ȇƺȸǕɵ nɎƳِ 0ƳɯƏȸƳ kȒȒȵ nƏȇƳȒɯȇƺȸ nȒƬƏɎǣȒȇ zá‫ٮח׏ٮ׏דٮ׏׏ٮ‬á‫ ג‬ (ƺɮƺǼȒȵȅƺȇɎ (ǣɀƬȸƺɎǣȒȇƏȸɵ ȸɵ Èɀƺ ‫ ٮ‬zƏɎɖȸƏǼ «ƺɀȒɖȸƬƺ 0ɴɎȸƏƬɎǣȒȇ Èɀƺɀ ƏȇƳ JƺȇƺȸƏǼ XȇƳɖɀɎȸǣƏǼ Èɀƺɀ ٫ Áɵ Áɵȵƺ XX ٫ IȒɖȸ ٢‫ג‬٣ zƏɎɖȸƏǼ JƏɀ JƺȇƺȸƏɎȒȸɀ ƬȒȅƫǣȇƺƳ ƬƏȵƏƬǣɎɵ Ɏɵ Ȓǔ ‫׎חח‬Ǹá ٢ɀƺƏ ƬƏȇɀ ٫ ƺƏƬǝ ƫƺǣȇǕ ‫דِ׏‬ȅ ɴ ‫גِא‬ȅ٣ ƏȇƳ ÁɯȒ ٢‫א‬٣ (ƏɎƏ ¨ȸȒƬƺɀɀǣȇǕ IƏƬǣǼǣɎǣƺɀ ٢ɀƺƏ ƬƏȇɀ ٫ ƺƏƬǝ ƫƺǣȇǕ ‫׏ِה‬ȅ ɴ ‫גِא‬ȅ٣ ٫ ƏƳƳƺƳ ɎȒ ƺɴǣɀɎǣȇǕ ɯƺǼǼɀǣɎƺ ɯǣɎǝ ɯƺǼǼ ƏȇƳ ƬȒȅȵȸƺɀɀȒȸِ ¨¨0 n (0 (nXz0 ȵȵƺƏǼ ȒƳɵ ȵȵǼǣƬƏɎǣȒȇ zȒِ ȵȵǼǣƬƏȇɎ nƏȇƳȒɯȇƺȸ nȒƬƏɎǣȒȇ (ƺɮƺǼȒȵȅƺȇɎ

ȵȸǣǼ ‫ גא׎א ً׎׏‬ ³( ‫ א׏׎׎(ٮגאٮ׎א׎׎א׎‬ xƏɎɎǝƺɯ Áǝǣƺɀɀƺȇ ³ƏȅɖƺǼ ƏȇƳ ³ƏȇƳȸƏ Áǝǣƺɀɀƺȇ zá‫ٮח׏ٮ׎דٮאאٮ‬á‫ ג‬ (ǣɀƬȸƺɎǣȒȇƏȸɵ ȸɵ Èɀƺ ٫ ³ƺƬȒȇƳ Ȓȸ ƳƳǣɎǣȒȇƏǼ (ɯƺǼǼǣȇǕɀ ٢³ƺƬȒȇƳ RȒȅƺ ٫ ‫׎זח‬ɀȷِǔɎ ǔɎِ٣