April 2 Community Press

The Community Press

Proudly Made in Canada

Killam Health Care Centre to be evaluated in first phase under new Provincial program

Leslie Cholowsky Editor

On Monday, March 31, the Province announced that it will be investing $330 million over three years to support health capital projects in rural communities across the province.

Introduced in Budget 2025, this initiative will provide $15 million to support project planning, which includes “conducting facility and functional assessments of rural hospitals to determine what capital planning solutions and services are required to maximize each facility’s potential and better meet the needs of rural communities.”

The Province says that once plans for each facility are developed, they will be-

come the blueprints for future capital planning discussions and funding decisions. “This program will expedite the time between planning and construction, so projects are completed sooner to support rural communities.”

The first phase of planning under the Rural Hospital Enhancement Program (RHEP) will evaluate 20 facilities across the province, including the Killam Health Care Centre.

Covenant Health CEO Patrick Dumalie says, “Budget 2025 enables Covenant to continue partnering with the Alberta government in refocusing the health care system. We are grateful for the opportunity to develop plans to complete capital projects are our rural facilities and expand access to quality

health care for every Albertan.”

Health Minister Adriana LaGrange says, “Rural Albertans should be able to access the health care services they need close to home.

“The new Rural Hospital Enhancement Program will ensure we are continuing to make data-driven decisions, and that resources are being appropriately deployed to address the areas with the greatest need.”

The Province says that more than 18 per cent of Albertans live in rural and remote communities, and that number is expected to grow to 20 percent, from 1.06 million to 1.27 million by 2051.

Local U18 teams come together for Jake Lazarick memorial game

Leslie Cholowsky Editor

any of the

Both

brating in Lazarick’s memory. Jake passed in 2022, and this is the third annual Jake Lazarick Memorial game. There is also a sports scholarship in his name at

Sedgewick Public School.

The game raised $1,040. The $450 50/50 proceeds were won by Shelly Wallace and she donated them back to the organizers.

Last Tuesday in Sedgewick, all Battle River Knights U18 players, from

three teams, male and female, were invited to play in a fun game for the Jake Lazarick Memorial.

teams had a lot of fun, cele-

Central High

PHOTO PROVIDED

From Left, back row: Austin Docksteader Assistant Coach, Miller Quinton, Caleb Urquhart, Liam Muirhead, Brody Wallner, Mason Lewis, Cody Kuilboer, Jaxen Frank, Wyatt VanCleave, Lucas Docksteader, Drew Lassu, Ethan Clark, Brad Skoberg, Jaxen Rombough, Tyler Piche, Xavier Arndt, Tavish Warren, Tucker Jacobsen, and Kelvin Tuftin (Ref). Middle row: Allen Kueber Head Coach, Graham Galletly Assistant Coach, Kade Rancier, Lincoln Muirhead, Braxton Kueber, David Ruzicka, Tanner Quinton, Marcy Lazarick, Linden Tuftin, (Ref), Jake Frank Assistant Coaches, Charles Bullee Assistant Coach, Bill Clark Head Coach. Front row: Caylin Brumwell, Emma Tuftin, Emma Galletly, Maddy Eckstrand, Brooke Allard, Avery Dolany, Paige Zimmer, AND Kherington Paterson.

SEDGEWICK

Killam RCMP Detachment Report for the period of Friday, March 21 to Thursday, March 28

Friday, March 21

A vehicle was reported abandoned on RR 153. Member attended and located the vehicle which had been reported stolen. Registered owner contacted and vehicle was towed.

A report was made of another Syban account being hacked and the email password was able to be changed. The Complainant’s financial data does not seem to be compromised. No suspects at this time.

Saturday, March 22

A report was made of dangerous driving on Highway 13 near Sedgewick. Complainant was almost hit by a blue truck with a silver tool box in the back. Patrols were made. Vehicle not located.

Sunday, March 23

A break and enter in progress was reported in Forestburg. The homeowners were away. Members attended and arrested the Subject, who was known to Members and Homeowners. Subject was held for a JIR and released on conditions.

Tuesday, March 25

A report was made of a potential break and enter in progress. Member arrived on scene to find tire tracks and footprints leading into the property. Property was searched and no one was found.

Continued on Page 8

BATTLE RIVER REALTY

Incumbant Damien Kurek first official candidate in Battle River-Crowfoot constituency for federal election

Leslie Cholowsky Editor

It’s official. Battle River-Crowfoot incumbant Damien Kurek has registered as a candidate in the upcoming federal election.

Elections Canada has confirmed Kurek’s candidacy, and as of April 1, he is the only registered candidate. Kurek represents the Conservative Party of Canada.

He has been elected as the region’s Member of Parliament first in 2019, and was re-elected in the 2021 federal election.

The official list of candidates will be available on Wednesday, April 9.

Both the Liberal Party and People’s Party of Canada are showing candidates on their websites, but they have not yet been confirmed by Elections Canada.

The 2021 election saw

candidates from seven parties in the Battle River-Crowfoot riding: Conservative, NDP, People’s Party, Liberal, Maverick, Green Party, and the Veterans Coalition Party.

Damien Kurek is the first candidate registered for Battle RiverCrowfoot, shown right as he drops off his papers with Elections Canada.

Tragedy strikes local family

GoFundMe page set up after horrific accident

Leslie Cholowsky Editor

Killam RCMP closed down the intersection of Highway 36 and 13 on Friday, March 28, due to a serious accident that claimed the life of a child.

A nine-year-old female was pronounced deceased at the scene. Four others from the same vehicle were transported to hospital, including a 13year-old male, a nineyear-old female, and a 43-year-old male who are in critical condition. An 11-year-old male is in stable condition.

The occupants of the second vehicle, a 72-year-

old male and a 72-yearold female, sustained minor injuries. STARS was unable to attend the scene due to unstable weather conditions at the time of the accident.

Police reopened the highway around 7:30 p.m. on Friday. An update from the Field family on Monday morning reported that two of the children remain sedated and intubated at the Stollery Hospital in Edmonton, one of the children has been released with a concussion and broken elbow.

The father has a broken

cheek and orbital socket, but is walking and alert.

A Go-Fund Me fundraiser was started locally for the Field family, with the goal of raising $10,000. As of Tuesday, April 1, the amount raised was over $75,000 and growing quickly. The fundraiser can be found at the web address at the end of this article.

Also accepting donations for the family is the Flagstaff Players.

A couple of the children and their mom were performers in the Flagstaff Players’ production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

GoFundMe Link: gofundme.com/f/auc5qt-the-field-family

In deference to the accident, the Players cancelled both weekend performances, offering refunds to all who had already purchased tickets.

Killam Restaurant ‘The Hitchin’ Post’ has announced they will donate $1 from the sale of each burger sold in April to the Field GoFund Me account as well.

Hardisty Community Complex Group

OPEN HOUSE

Wednesday, April 16

7-8:30 p.m. at Hardisty Community Hall Coffee & Snacks. Door Prizes. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Please take this opportunity to visit with the various companies involved in the Group.

*Thanks to Roger and Betty Spady and family for the lease of their land for the Valley Ski Hill.

*Big thanks also to all staff, from snowmaking to grooming, to the day-to-day operations, the Rental Shop staff, the kitchen staff, the office staff and the Lifties, as well as the ski school instructors for private lessons to teaching our young upcoming Valley Stars.

*Thanks also to our Volunteer Ski Patrol, who spend time training every year and spending their days at the hill.

*Thanks to the Board of Directors who make decisions about operations as well as helping fill gaps for operating the hill.

*Most importantly, THANKS to the public and the schools from far and between who contribute to keeping the hill a place of community - a family gathering place.

We look forward to seeing everyone in the 2025-26 season. Have a great summer! Until next year! Your hill manager, Chad Kuefler

Enbridge Pipelines

OPINION

Thankful for our first responders

When bad things happen to good people, especially in a small community, the people at the centre of things, taking care of everyone, are our first responders: RCMP, firefighters, and EMTs.

For all of them, accidents that involve fatalities, especially involving children, leave a lasting impact. It’s got to be one of the very worst things about their jobs.

Yet they show up, and they get it done, and get everyone through it to the best of their abilities. They support us on what is sometimes the worst day of our lives.

We appreciate you. We appreciate all of our First Responders.

And when they need our support, we should and do give it, unconditionally.

In a small community like Killam, and in Flagstaff County, our firefighters operate on a volunteer basis.

They are usually employed full time elsewhere or self-employed, and do their fire fighting gigs on the side. But generally the training comes out of their personal time, their family time. Many of them have families who also deserve our thanks, for loaning us their person.

And when our firefighters are needed during the daytime, we are grateful for the employers who allow them to answer the call.

When our fire departments joined forces to become FRESS, we appreciated the firefighters’ committments to continue to provide the best service possible to our communities. FRESS wouldn’t work without dedicated volunteer firefighters from every community who take up the calling.

Our deepest thanks go to the FRESS members who answered the call this past Friday. For Friday and for every other day that you respond not knowing what is on the other end, but you do it anyway, and serve your communities to the best of your ability.

And when they knock on our doors, looking for our support, please consider all that they do for our community, no matter where they live, or where you live.

They’re generally raising funds to update vital equipment or training. With the creation of FRESS, there’s no delination between stations. All stations support one another, and all of us within the region need to support FRESS to support our local firefighters.

LESLIE CHOLOWSKY

Alberta T0B 4C0 Phone 780-385-6693

E-mail: (Advertising): production.cp@gmail.com (News): newsroom.cp@gmail.com

News from the Legislature Jackie Lovely

a top priority

Ensuring that every Albertan has access to quality primary care remains a top priority for our government. I am pleased to share that the new primary care physician compensation model, announced back in December of 2024, will be officially implemented on April 1, 2025. This milestone was made possible as the required threshold of 500 enrolled physicians has been exceeded, with an impressive 789 physicians signing on to provide enhanced patient care across the province.

In Camrose, we are already seeing the positive impact of these changes, as five local physicians have applied to participate in the new compensation model. This is excellent news for residents in our community, ensuring better access to medical services and reinforcing our commitment to strengthening primary care in Alberta.

The new primary care physician compensation model was developed in collaboration with the Alberta Medical Association to address the key concerns in family medicine. It incentivizes physicians to expand their patient panels, supports family doctors in providing comprehensive care, and introduces an after-hours premium to encourage extended clinic hours. By supporting physicians in maintaining high panel numbers, leveraging technology, and enhancing team-based care, this model will help alleviate pressure on emergency departments and urgent care centers, in the end improving health outcomes for Albertans.

Another major advancement in health care accessibility is the reform of the Alberta International Medical Graduate (AIMG) Program. Recognizing the challenges faced by Albertans studying medicine abroad, our government is removing unnecessary barriers that have historically prevented them from completing their residency at home. These changes include adjusting the graduation deadline to July 1, rather than the previous Dec. 31 requirement, and eliminating the externship assessment before acceptance into an Alberta medical residency program.

These adjustments, effective for the class of 2026, this will allow more internationally trained Albertans to return and practice medicine in their home province. Additionally, the number of available IMG residency seats will increase from 55 in 2025 to 70 by 2028, further strengthening our health care workforce and ensuring more communities have access to family physicians.

Our government remains dedicated in our commitment to expanding primary care access across the province. By implementing the new compensation model and improving the AIMG Program, we are taking critical steps toward ensuring that Albertans receive the care they need, when and where they need it.

The participation of five local physicians from Camrose in the new compensation model is a testament to the strength and dedication of our medical community. Their commitment will directly benefit patients in our region, reinforcing Camrose as a hub for high-quality health care.

I want to extend my gratitude to the physicians, health care providers, and community members who continue to advocate for and support these vital initiatives. Together, we are building a stronger, more accessible health care system for all Albertans.

Jackie Lovely, MLA Camrose Constituency

Easy to support local groups at the Daysland Bottle Depot

Before all this snow showed up yet again... I was doing some spring cleaning.

While hanging my blankets on the line I took my recyclables over to the bottle depot.

It was really nice to see the same set up and even seeing they kept the donation jars for so many different organizations.

It’s a really nice way to let the consumer choose where their money goes

Leslie Cholowsky Editor

The Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) announced earlier in March that the board has elected a new chair, Andre Harpe, from Valhalla Centre, Alberta.

The association says that in his opening address, Harpe recognized the leadership of retiring chair Roger Chevraux, of Killam. “I want to thank Roger for his commitment to Canadian canola farmers and for bringing our issues and concerns to many pivotal conversations during his tenure,” said Harpe.

Chevraux remains on the board as a Director. He served as Chair of the CCGA since being elected March 2023.

Recently the CCGA has responded to Chinese and US tariffs on Canola, saying that both will have a “devastating impact on canola farmers and the broader value chain at a time of increased trade and geopolitical uncertainty.”

The CCGA encourages the federal government to engage with China with a view to resolving the issue, which stems from the federal government’s tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum.

in our community. There were jars for Minor Hockey and Ball, soccer, parks and trails, the playground fund, as well as the arena, the Stollery, and a Food Bank jar. The choices are endless. They even write some of

the totals on the big chalkboard overhead so that you may see the progress. I noticed the Children's Stollery was in the lead with $475.

Daysland Golf Course gave the public another announcement on the

status of their funds working towards their big irrigation project. They have raised a total of $173,000 of the $392,877 they hope to achieve.

Daysland Library kicks off its April craft times for

the kids and also welcomes paint night in the first week of the month.

Should be a good time with lots of

With the US tariffs, the CCGA welcomed the decision to pause the tariffs, made a month ago, but says, “The U.S. decision to go forward with 25 per cent tariffs on Canadiangrown canola and canola products will be felt across the canola value chain, with devastating

impacts on farmers, input providers, canola crushing activities, and exports of canola seed, oil, and meal.”

CCGA says the U.S. is Canada’s number one market for canola exports and also a market that is highly integrated with the Canadian canola in-

dustry.

Total export value in 2023 was $8.6 billion and in 2024 reached $7.7 billion, with record high volumes including 3.3 million metric tonnes (MMT) of canola oil and 3.8 MMT of canola meal, the Association says.

Wolf spotted near Hardisty over weekend

Well hello, folks. The days are getting longer and we see there is an end coming to the winter season. It makes my heart sing.

Just think, in a few weeks you can sit on your deck and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and you aren’t wearing a fur coat or heavy ski jacket.

Folks are already booking their camping sites in the Rocky Mountains. They can’t wait to park their van or tent, inhale that fresh, divine mountain air, start a fire, roast some wieners, crack a few beer or coffees, and light that big cigar. Ahhhh man, life is good. You really are in sheer heaven.

My neighbours, Susan and Lorne Korth, are excited to announce that they are now greatgrandparents. Grandma Melissa Korth was very proud to also announce that daughter Jayden de-

RCMP

Continued from Page 3

Wednesday, March 26

Two frauds under $5,000 files reported involving Telus. Files are under investigation.

Friday, March 28

Killam RCMP were dispatched to a high impact two vehicle motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Hwy 13 and Hwy 36. The collision resulted in the loss of life a nineyear-old girl and three other youths from the same family were rushed to hospital with serious/critical injuries along with their father who was a vehicle driver. The second vehicle had two occupants that had sustained minor injuries. The file remains under investigation.

Killam RCMP would like to give our sincere

livered a bouncing baby girl named Millie Grace, weighing seven pounds, 12 ounces. Mom and baby are doing fine. Congratulations to all.

Lorne Korth had a very scary encounter on Sunday morning. Lorne and his dog Louie were in the backyard shop working with mechanics and Louie was barking incessantly.

Lorne stopped work to see what the heck was going on. There, not 100 feet away, stood a wolf. Not everyone knows what a wolf looks like but Lorne used to work up in the North and he was used to seeing wolves and wildlife. He grabbed his phone for a picture just as the wolf turned away and sauntered off. Unfortunately his dog was so excited and kept barking and barking. The wolf must have been fed up and turned around and decided to return.

Holy Lord, Lorne felt his heart sink, now what would he do?

Brave Louie kept up his protective bark and all at once the wolf turned around and left. Thank

condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of these individuals. This is a profound loss of life for the family, and the community as a whole. Also reported and attended to by Killam RCMP were:

2 - 911 Act

1 - Animal Calls

1 - Assault

1 - Assistance to Canadian Federal Dept/Agency 4 - Items Lost/Found –except passports

3 - Moving Traffic –Speeding Violations

1 - Other Non-Moving Traffic

2 - Other Provincial/Territorial Statutes (not other wise specified) - Other Activities

8 - Traffic Collisions

1 – Uttering threats against a person

1 - Wellbeing Check

Report provided by Killam RCMP

the dear Lord!

Maybe the wolf did not like the smell of your aftershave, Lorne. Wow what a relief!

My grandson is an avid hunter and he went to Lorne’s and they looked at the photos. This wolf had a black upper coat and a lighter undercoat. The picture was a bit blurry but Drake felt it most likely was a wolf. Was the wolf hanging around our area because the cows are all calving and they can smell the yummy afterbirth? Hmmmm.

After Lorne’s story I spend most of Monday day researching and reading about wolves and coyotes etc. Wolves are highly intelligent and problem solvers. The main Alpha pair mate for life. Their offspring are cooperative and are given specific jobs in the pack. They hunt as a pack while the

coyotes are usually solitary hunters catching small prey.

If any of you watched the recent documentary, “Yellowstone,” you will understand the importance of wolves and the impact they have on keeping ecosystems healthy.

Most wolves weigh 70120 pounds while the coyotes weigh 15-40ish pounds.

Wolves are usually dark grey to black in colour and over twice the size of coyotes. So what are you looking at a wolf or a coyote? Coyotes are signficantly smaller than the wolves and have a much sleeker build.

Their colour is often light grey or buff and they have a narrow snout and actually larger and pointier ears than the wolf.

The wolf has a blockier head and smaller ears and much longer legs.

They have much bigger paws and a bit of a sloping shape to their backs.

I checked some stats and there are apparently 7,000 wolves in Alberta; Ontario has the most at 9,000. Wolves can travel at five miles/hour.

Their top speed can reach 35 mph/56 kph. Their bite pressure is equally impressive at 1,200 psi. The lowly human’s bite is only 162 psi.

No wonder they are such effective hunters, as a pack takes down a bison, moose, elk, or deer. Lunch is served.

There were varying stats regarding their lifespan but in general in the wild it was five-and-ahalf years with a maximum of 12-14 years. I wonder if those are wolves in captivity, like in a zoo?

I believe it is important to have good watch dogs on farms and acreages. You never know who is coming to visit. My info for this article was gleaned from Google, naturecanada.ca, Siri on the phone, and the Yellowstone TV documentary.

I hear we had a well-attended first market on Saturday at the Elk’s Hall. I spoke with three people who were quite impressed and in next week’s paper I will post some more Market info. Thank you to Tiffany the hard-working organizer. Mark your calendar for our next market on April 26.

Enjoy your week folks and please bless me with a bit of news. Thank you.

Morbidity stats suggested that 77 per cent is due to humans and 23 per cent from natural causes. (*Remember there are always variables with statistics and descriptions in case you disagree.)

FARMLAND FOR SALE BY TENDER

The following described property, located approximately ½ mile west of Heisler, Alberta, is hereby offered for sale by tender, subject to the reservations, exceptions, and encumbrances contained in the existing certificate of title:

THE SOUTH WEST QUARTER OF SECTION THREE (3) TOWNSHIP FORTY THREE (43) RANGE SIXTEEN (16) WEST OF THE FOURTH MERIDIAN, AS SHOWN ON A PLAN OF SURVEY OF THE SAID TOWNSHIP SIGNED AT OTTAWA ON THE 15TH DAY OF JUNE A.D. 1910, CONTAINING 70.0 HECTARES (173 ACRES) MORE OR LESS EXCEPTING THEREOUT: 0.611 HECTARES (1.51 ACRES) MORE OR LESS, AS SHOWN ON ROAD PLAN 2252NY EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS AND THE RIGHT TO WORK THE SAME

FEATURES of this property:

- Approximately 116 cultivated acres

- Remainder is pasture and slough (pasture portion is fenced)

The sale of the land is to the following terms:

- Seller makes no warranties or representations about the property’s size/measurement, condition or environmental status.

- Buyer is responsible to purchase any Title Insurance necessary to complete this transaction

- Buyer will pay 2025 taxes without adjustment.

- Tender price shall be excluding G.S.T.

- Tenders in writing will be received by the lawyer noted below up to but not after 12:00 o’clock noon on April 17, 2025. Tenders should be forwarded to Andreassen Borth Law Office, Killam, Alberta in a sealed envelope marked “Kroetsch Tender.” A bank draft payable to Andreassen Borth equal to 5% of the purchase price must accompany the tender and indicate bidder’s GST number.

- The balance of the purchase price to be paid by solicitor’s trust cheque or certified funds on or before April 30, 2025 (“Closing Date”).

- The highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. The Seller may reject any or all tenders.

- If successful tenderer does not complete the purchase after acceptance of that tender, their deposit shall be forfeited.

- Unsuccessful bidders will have their deposits returned to them by regular mail (please include mailing address on Bid) or they can arrange to pick up their deposit at Andreassen Borth Law Office in Killam.

For further particulars please contact Colin at 780-679-8771

Andreassen Borth

Barristers & Solicitors

5014 50 Street, P.O. Box 727, Killam, AB T0B 2L0

Ricci Matthews Ph: 780-888-2490 Hardisty

April has plenty of special and silly days

Leslie Cholowsky Editor

Sometime over the last couple of decades, the calendar has started to resemble a busy appointment book, with multiple special days for almost every day of the month, especially in April.

We all know that April 1 is April Fool’s day, but did you know it’s also Edible book day? And International Fun at Work day?

Of course many of these special dates are more serious, and intended to bring awareness of issues, historical events, or conditions that affect millions of people.

April 2 is Autism Awareness day, April 7 is World Health Day, the 10th is World Homeopathy day.

Friday, April 11, is Day of Silence, a day to bring awareness to the bullying of lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgender students.

April 12 is Passover for those of the Jewish faith, and Hanuman Jayanti for Hindus.

April 17 is World Hemophilia Day. April 18 is Good Friday, and World Heritage Day.

April 21 is Easter Monday. April 22 is Earth Day.

April 28 is Yom HaShoah, which is Holocaust Remembrance Day for those of the Jewish faith. It’s also the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

But there are also some pretty silly days in April. Like National Burrito day on April 3, which is also “Don’t go to work unless it’s Fun day.” (again?)

Friday, April 4, is National carrot day, and my personal favourite, National hug a newsman day.

On Saturday, April 5, International Pillow Fight Day will be celebrated, and with any luck there will be pizza, as it’s also National Deep Dish Pizza Day.

Locally and internationally, Sunday, April 6, is National Tartan Day, celebrated locally by the Flagstaff Scottish Club and Battle River Pipes and Drums.

Monday, April 7, is Green shirt day. April 13 is International plant appreciation day and also Palm Sunday.

April 14 you can celebrate the International Moment of Laughter, but we don’t know what time that’s scheduled for. It’s a reminder to laugh out loud, that day and every day following.

Tuesday, April 15, is no one’s favourite, it’s National Laundry Day. Then there’s Blah Blah Blah day on April 17.

Friday, April 18, is National Haiku Poetry Day. We will celebrate. We may struggle with our rhymes. We will persevere.

April 20 we will celebrate National Look Alike day, then on Monday, April 21, it will be International Creativity and Innovation Day.

On Wednesday, April 23, thou shalt celebrate National Talk Like Shakespeare Day.

April also brings longer days and more sunshine, and hopefully the end of “third winter,” although the forecast for the

evening of Tuesday, April 1, calls for a slight chance of, you guessed it, snow.

I’m hoping that’s a late April fools joke by The Weather Network.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Bondara Oilfield Services Ltd is looking for Oilfield Labourers Full-time, year-round work.

To apply for this position please submit a resume to the following email: bondara@telus.net

•Day-to-day duties will vary and some longer days and weekend work will be required.

•Experience and Class #1 drivers licence an asset, but not a necessity. Must have valid Class #5 and own transportation to work.

•Competitive wages depending on experience and long-term employment potential for the right candidate.

To apply: Please contact Colin Hudson @780-806-0501 or email quinlexholdings@gmail.com

Battle River School Division Tender for Grass Mowing

Battle River School Division is accepting tenders to perform grass mowing services at any one or all of the following locations: C.W. Sears as well as Tofield School as one contract located in Tofield, AB, Round Hill School, Ryley School, Strome School and Viking School, in their respective communities. Please note that some of these contracts may also include Bus Barns.

Grass mowing is required for the 2025 season. Bidders are responsible to examine the site(s) before submitting a tender(s) to satisfy themselves as to the nature and location of the work to be performed. The Contractor is responsible for all permits, licenses, insurance and other fees to carry out the services specified.

Sealed tenders fully executed, dated and marked “BRSD Grass Mowing (specific location/s)” will be received by:

Battle River School Division

4724-41 st Street, Camrose, AB T4V 0Z6

Closing date: Thursday, April 10th at 2:00 PM RFP documents available upon request. For inquiries contact Jennifer Hauck at: 780-672-6131 ext. 5258 or jhauck@brsd.ab.ca The lowest, or any, proposal will not necessarily be accepted.

skilled First Year to Journeyman Automotive Mechanics to join our dynamic team in Killam, Alberta. Chrysler experience would be ideal but then again not essential.

✔ Are you tired of your current environment and looking for a change?

✔ Do you want to work in a tight-knit rural community?

If you possess leadership qualities, maintain a clean and organized work area, are full of energy, passion for customer service, very well organized, highly motivated individual, represent excellent communication skills to convey information clearly to team members, are enthusiastic, love helping customers and thrive on solving mechanical problems, WE NEED TO TALK!

We offer clean, fun, safe, and a warm work environment to work in. Competitive pay plan plus Health Benefits Package for you and your Family.

Join us in delivering an exceptional work experience while showcasing your skills as an Automotive Mechanic.

Apply by resume Attention Wes, in person at Campbell McLennan Chrysler in Killam or by fax 780-385-3803 or email wcampbell@cmchrysler.ca or Gerry Keyzer, Service Manager at service@cmchrysler.ca

Flagstaff County Council approves fuel tank replacement at Flagstaff Regional Airport

Leslie Cholowsky Editor

During their Regular Council meeting of March 12, Flagstaff County Council approved a motion to support the replacement of the fuel tank at the Flagstaff Regional Airport.

Council heard that the existing cardlock fueling system does not meet current safe storage, handling, and dispensing of aviation fuels standards and as a result, that Flagstaff County had ceased fuel sales at the airport.

A temporary mobile fueling system has been sourced to allow Iron Creek Flying Club members and other airport users access to aviation fuel.

The County retained fuel expert consultants WSP to provide a report assessing the existing system and making recommendations for a replacement system that meets aviation standards.

The consultant’s recommendation to remediate the existing system’s issues and to continue to offer aviation fuel for sale at the airport in the most cost-effective manner would be to purchase a packaged refueling system, placed on a concrete pad capable of accommodating a fuel spill, also at a new location at the airport.

The estimated cost of removing the existing fuel system, building a new structural concrete pad, and supplying a new packaged refueling system was estimated at $585,600, including a 20 per cent contingency. Council heard that there was a potential cost saving if in-house resources were used for some of the items.

Council voted to proceed with the procurement of a new aviation fuel system with a budget of $585,600 to be funded by Airport Reserves, MSI Capital Grant, and or Taxes.

Also during that meeting, Council considered a request from Poker Chip Explorations to waive tax penalties on tax arrears on six properties previously owned by Pismo Energy Ltd, which were acquired by Poker Chip in 2022.

Council heard that the tax arrears are from six different tax rolls, from 2017 to 2024.

The total tax levy is $55,290.88 with a total penalty due of $146,286.55, for a total outstanding of $201,577.

Poker Chip Explorations has advised the county that it was unaware of the unpaid taxes, and has agreed to pay the principal levy of $55,290.88 within 30 days; also asking Flagstaff County to waive the penalties.

Council has considered similar requests in the past, and in its favour, Poker Chip Exploration was offering to pay taxes from 2017, preceeding its ownership of the properties in 2022. Council noted that the transfer of these rolls to a more solvent company continues to provide future tax revenue.

After consideration, Council voted to cancel the penalties, subject to the condition that payment in full of the outstanding 2017-2024 tax levies be received in full.

A second request to waive tax penal-

ties, for a landowner who paid their taxes in person at the County Administration office but failed to bring tax notices, or legal land descriptions of all rolls, was denied. Taxes for three quarters of land were missed, and not paid, and as a result a request to waive the penalty was made.

In this instance, Council respectfully denied the request to cancel the penalties, which totalled $486.16. In the past, Council has made similar decisions consistent with this outcome.

Lovely: Ellis and Horner visit Hardisty for engagement session

The safety and security of our communities are of highest importance, and ensuring the protection of Alberta’s critical infrastructure is a key priority of this government.

Recently, I had the pleasure of welcoming Minister Mike Ellis and Minister Nate Horner to Hardisty for an engagement session with local stakeholders.

This meeting was an important opportunity for our community to provide direct feedback to the ministers regarding the challenges we face, and the actions needed to address them.

Thanks to these valuable discussions, our government has responded swiftly with proposed amendments to the Critical Infrastructure Defense Act, reinforcing our commitment to safeguarding Alberta’s economy and public safety.

Our government is taking swift action to protect our province’s essential infrastructure and enhance security measures under the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act.

The proposed amendments to the Critical Infrastructure Defense Act are intended to ensure that the officers have the necessary tools to effectively prevent unlawful interference with critical sites, particularly in high-risk areas like our border and energy sectors.

One of the key updates, is the expansion of the definition of essential infrastructure to include a two-kilometre deep border zone north of the AlbertaUnited States border.

This strategic addition will allow law enforcement to better protect against trespassing, interference, and damage that could have serious public safety, economic, and environmental effects. It is important to note that the act will only apply when individuals have no lawful right, justification, or excuse to be in the area. Those who are legally working, living, or traveling within this zone will not be impacted.

Additionally, the amendments are aimed to protect Alberta’s economy from harmful federal policies, such as the proposed emissions cap.

By updating the Critical Infrastructure Defense Act to include facilities where oil and gas production and emission data and records are stored, we are taking proactive steps to defend Alberta’s energy sector. This is essential to maintaining our position as a responsible global energy producer while supporting economic growth and job creation across the province.

Our government is also taking a firm stance against federal overreach. The amendments will clearly state that the Critical Infrastructure Defense Act applies to the Government of Canada. This ensures that Alberta’s essential infrastructure remains under provincial jurisdiction and is protected from any regulatory actions that could compromise our province’s economic interests. These proposed changes are not just about legal definitions, they are about

ensuring that our officers, industry leadplays a vital role in the success and safety of our province.

The feedback from our stakeholders in Hardisty has been instrumental in shaping these legislative updates.

FLAGSTAFF COUNTY PHOTO

Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely and Finance Minister Nate Horner recently visited Hardisty, along with Minister of Public Safety Mike Ellis for an engagement session with local stakeholders.

Alliance’s Valley Ski Hill holds annual Slush Cup to celebrate the end of another season

Leslie Cholowsky Editor

The Valley Ski Hill celebrated Slush Cup Sunday on March 30, as the last day of skiing for the 2025-25 season.

Hill Manager Chad Kuefler says, “Wow, what a year for this little gem of the community called the Valley Ski Hill.”

Workers and volunteers got going early in snow-making to get the hill open for the Christmas break, on the 22nd of December, for the first time in 20-some years. But the weather wasn’t quite as cooperative as it could have been.

Kuefler says, “Even though we had our ups and downs, with mechanical issues to weather, forcing us to close in February, we managed to ski and tube until March 30.”

The Hill went through a few changes this past season, Kuefler says, with a total makeover of the rental shop that included replacement some of the equipment this year, with more to come next year, along with a new air exchanger and well pit pump for making snow.

He says the goal is to change all the windows and furnaces, hopefully this summer, as they are all original to the lodge being built, in 1989-90.

Kuefler says the parking lot also got some attention this year with the help of Flagstaff County and the County of Paintearth, which the hill is very grateful for.

Kuefler says the hill wouldn’t run without the amazing community support it receives, and the hardworking volunteers who run everything.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

The Valley Ski Hill’s annual end-of-season Slush Cup is full of fun for all ages, as families come together one last time to celebrate the past season.

Vision Credit Union Helping Hands

Battle River Knights make it to semi-finals at Provincials

Leslie Cholowsky Editor

The Battle River Knights U18 team headed to Duchess this weekend for Provincials.

The boys played their first game early on Friday, March 28, against Drayton Valley, coming away with a 6-2 win.

Miller Quinton opened the scoring on a power play, from Lucas Docksteader, to put BRK ahead, then Brody Wallner scored, from Docksteader and Ethan Clark to make it 2-1.

Wallner scored his second of the night with less than a minute to go, on a power play, from Tanner Quinton, to make it 3-0, then Clark scored on a power play with just four seconds left, from Wallner, to make it 4-0 heading into the second period.

Wallner scored his third for a hat trick, unassisted, to make it 5-0, then Tanner Quinton scored, from Miller Quinton and Caleb Urguhart, to make it 6-0.

Drayton Valley scored their first late in the second to make it 6-1, then scored another in the third period for a 6-2 final.

Shots were 47-29 BRK.

BRK’s second game came at 7:15 that night, where they faced off against the Glenlake Hawks 1 team.

Glenlake got on the scoreboard early, scoring two goals before Lucas Docksteader scored, from Ethan Clark, to make it 2-1 heading into the second period.

Tanner Quinton tied things up, from Miller Quinton and Clark, the only goal in the second.

Docksteader scored his second, again from Clark to go ahead 3-2, then Brody Wallner scored on a power play late in the period, from Docksteader and Tanner Quinton, to make it a 4-2 final for BRK.

The next game went on Saturday, against La Crete. BRK opened the scoring with a goal by Brody Wallner from Docksteader for an early 1-0 lead.

Tanner Quinton scored from Bradley Skoberg and Caleb Urquhart to make it 2-0.

A late goal from La Crete made it 2-1, then David Ruzicka scored in the last minutes, from Jaxen Frank, to make it 3-1 heading into the second period.

La Crete scored a short-handed goal midway through the second to make it 3-2, then Wyatt Van Cleave answered on a power play, from Urquhart and Ruzicka to go to 4-2.

La Crete scored again to make it 4-3, answered by a

goal from Docksteader, assisted by Ethan Clark and Van Cleave, to make it 5-3.

La Crete scored on a power play to make it 5-4, then tied it up, and in the last minute of the second period scored a go-ahead goal to make it 6-5.

La Crete widened their lead to 7-5 with another goal in the third period, then Tanner Quinton scored from Urquhart to make it 7-6, and Brody Wallner scored, unassisted to tied things at 7 all.

That took BRK to the semi finals where they faced the Bow River Bruins 1 team on Sunday morning.

Ethan Clark started the scoring on a power play with

a goal from Tanner Quinton to give BRK an early 1-0 lead.

Later in the period Bow River scored on a powerplay to tie things 1-1 heading into the second period.

The Bruins scored three unanswered goals in the second period for a 4-1 lead heading into the final period of play.

Tanner Quinton scored on a power play early in the third to make it 4-2, from Ethan Clark.

The Bruins scored to make it 5-2, then scored another to make it 6-2, both on a power play, knocking BRK out of the tournament.

Lynx soccer season starting up in Sedgewick

Are your kids looking for a short and fun spring activity? Lynx Soccer is now taking registrations for the 2025 season.

The club serves the communities of Alliance, Killam, Lougheed, and Sedgewick. If you are interested, please reach out.

Practices run Mondays and Wednesdays in Sedgewick and it’s a short six to eight weeks. Volunteer Coaches are also required. Come and support the club and share the love of soccer!

Norazz Dance Studio dancers have been working hard on their routines and getting ready for festival season. You can cheer them on during their hometown show on

the first weekend of May held at the school gym.

As the minor ball community continues to grow, they are striving to enhance the experience for players, coaches, and spectators alike.

One of their key initiatives this season is to install two electronic scoreboards at the diamonds in Sedgewick –one on Diamond #1 and the second on the Hardball Diamond.

To bring this vision to life, they are seeking financial support from community minded businesses and individuals.

If you would like more information about this exciting project and the sponsorship opportunities available, please contact James Steil.

They are also hosting a Spring Development Camp at the end of April. They have had some

pretty incredible interest from both local and outside players with 70+ kids registered alreadybut they certainly have room for more and encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity!

The Town of Sedgewick is gearing up for the Town-Wide Garage Sale weekend early May. You can register your garage sale location with the town office and be displayed on the map so shoppers can find you easily.

Kellie and Kyle Elliot are fulfilling their dream.

The Killam Family recently bought the Beaver Lodge, a Fly-inn fishing camp in Saskatchewan. They Trophy Lake Trout Fishing and a Fly-in Trophy Northern Pike Fishing. La Ronge is the top Fly-in fishing destination in Saskatchewan. They

will be back in Killam during the winter months, but we wish them well on their new adventure!

I'm thankful I gathered all this news earlier this week. With current developments, I'm not sure I would have gotten anything on paper.

As most of you have heard by now, there was a tragic traffic accident Friday morning in Killam taking a young girl's life and altering an entire family's future.

The performances for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat were cancelled for this weekend as the family was part of the cast, and mom Josey our female lead.

If you are able, I encourage you to support the GoFundMe, or donate through the Killam Baptist Church or

Flagstaff Players to support the family as they navigate these life changing challenges.

Hold them in your

prayers as three family members are still fighting in hospital. May we be able to support them on this difficult path ahead.

Community policing study

Leslie Cholowsky Editor

The Towns of Hardisty, Sedgewick, Killam, and the Village of Forestburg are presently working with BLU Alliance consulting on a police study.

The study will assess the current policing model across Hardisty, Killam, Sedgewick, and Forestburg and develop recommendations for an alternative policing framework that enhances community safety, improves service delivery, and ensures long-term sustainability, according to the proposal submitted by BLU Alliance.

In the first stage of the study, a survey has been circulated (via social media) to assist in the collection of important data, “to better give everyone an understanding of the policing needs in our area.”

The survey can be found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V9RBXDN

No personal information is collected in the survey, it is completely anonymous.

The study is funded through the Province’s available grant funding for this purpose, with each municipality contributing $30,000 for a total of $120,000.

The Community Press, Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - Page 17

Alliance Meet your Neighbour event brings out new residents

Another month is finished. As the ancients predicted, if March comes in like a lamb it goes out like a lion.

This past week started with a Friends of the Alliance Library meeting. There is Coco Brooks Food Products fundraiser that is online. The decorating of eggs will happen at the library on April 17. There will also be an Easter egg hunt. It would be appreciated if children would pre-register by April 8 so we have an idea of how many eggs to order. Registration will be at the library. There is no cost.

Donna Chalifoux had a visit from her brotherin-law and his wife last week. Hector’s brother was in the area to pick up some finished up-

holstery at Christine’s Upholstery as well. They live in Sherwood Park.

The Sunday service this week was conducted by Reverend Barbara Lieurance of Lacombe. She is our supervising minister of the United Church.

Following the worship service, we progressed to the basement for the Annual Congregational Meeting. The entire board was re-instated. Odette Dionne will gradually take over the Regional Representative position as Laura Towers guides her.

There will be a knitting, crocheting, and crafting group starting soon for one morning a week at the church.

Laura Towers, Riitta Johnson, Betty Stoner, and Sandra Brinkley are the ones to give you more information.

It was 100 years ago in June that the United Church of Canada was founded with the join-

ing of the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational churches. The actual church building in Alliance was built in 1925. Therefore, there will be SOME celebration on June 29 in Alliance.

Meet Your Neighbour night saw many of the new neighbours participating in the get-acquainted game and silent auction that followed the lasagna supper. Some of the proceeds of the silent auction are going to be donated to the Field family of Sedgewick. The Field family was involved in the fatality accident at highway 36 and 13.

The final day of skiing was well attended at the Valley Ski Hill on Sunday. They had the traditional tube slide and water hole. Some skiers chose the side entrance to glide with finesse over the water, others took the jump to clear the water, and oth-

ers provided an entertaining spectacle as they landed in the water. All were cheered.

At the ski hill, I had a chat with Janine Erion, her daughter Hallie has moved back and hopes to be working in the area. She has an orientation meeting on Monday.

BINGO. It is Friday night at the Community Hall in Alliance. Ham and vouchers are the prizes. This is an Ag Society event. The draw for the meat box takes place at the Farmer’s Market next week.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

•Election of Open Executive Positions

•Election of Operating Committee

•2025-26 Budget

• Clarify Bylaw 4.0 - Membership

b) Duties and Privileges of Members

EXECUTIVE/OPERATING COMMITTEE MEETING

•Policy 7 - Fundraising and Financial Accountability

Yup.

We’ve been around that long.

In fact, we’ve been serving rural Alberta communities for 75 years. Our credit union launched in 1950 with $128, 21 members and a mission to help our neighbours and our communities. It’s still our mission today. That’s why we return 75% of Vision’s profits to our members, why we provide full-service banking in underserved rural communities, and why we make contributing to charitable causes in our hometowns a priority. Learn how Vision supports our members and our communities.

Wild Rose

Battle River 4-H Beef Club Report

Avery Dolany Club Reporter

The Battle River 4-H Beef Club has reorganized for the 65th consecutive year and Murray Dolany is the General Leader. Executive is: President –George Rosiechuk; Vice President –Rylan Martin; Secretary – Jayde Niehaus; Treasurer – Grace Dolany.

There are 16 members and one cleaver.

Weigh in Day was held on Nov. 11, and at that time each steer had a halter put on that had been made at the previous meeting.

Each family is assigned a position on at least two standing committees.

The Christmas Party was held in early December and members had lunch, exchanged gifts and took part in team building at the Activate Centre.

Club communications was held at the Lougheed Senior Centre on Feb. 20 members presented then there was lunch to follow.

Battle River 4-H Beef Club was re-

sponsible for hosting district communications.

On March 8 district speeches were held at the Lougheed Senior Centre and presentations were held at the Lougheed Community Haul. After all the presenters were finished everyone met at the hall for lunch and awards.

For a club community service, members served and provided salads and desserts for the Spruce View Angus bull sale on March 12.

On Monday, April 7, club tour day will be held after school. The club will travel to everyone's farms to look at all of the members' projects. After visiting all the farms there will be a meeting at the Lougheed Curling Rink with burgers to follow.

Learning Activities are held after the conclusion of each meeting and so far we have worked on “Picking your Calf,” and “Halter Making.”

The 4-H Motto is “Learn to do by Doing” and that is a continuing and ongoing process with our club.

Berton Kent Blazek died in the early morning of March 26, 2025. Berton was born in Antigo, Wisconsin on July 10, 1926.

An only child, his early years were spent working on the family farm where his life-long love of stationary engines and machinery began. Berton served in the United States military on the Korean Peninsula, and re-

Berton Kent Blazek OBITUARIES

turned to the U.S. working as a logger in Northern California. Berton dedicated his life to serving Jesus Christ and met the love of his life, Joyce Arnold while attending Bible School in southern Saskatchewan in the early 1950’s. Berton worked as a minister, in the forest industry, and in 1971 purchased a farm near Innisfree where he and Joyce lived until 2024. He is mourned by his daughter Myrna Lynn Murdoch (Colin), his son Verle Blazek (Corrine), grandchildren Kerry Lynn Jacobs (Jaden, Kohle, Faith), and Arlen Jacobs (Natalie, Berton, Theodore, Russell). He is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Wymoga Blazek and grandson, Jacob Blazek.

A graveside service will be at Innisfree Cemetery Wednesday April 2, 2025 at 1:30 PM. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Viking Funeral Services

780-336-4842

www.vikingfuneralservices.ca

KILLAM DENTURE CLINIC

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

COMING EVENTS

Killam Health Care Hospital Reunion for all Past and Present Employees

Saturday, May 24

From 2 to 5 p.m. at the Killam Catholic Church Basement Hall 5214-50 ave

Round Hill Easter Market

Monday, April 14

from 5 pm - 7 pm.

For a table, text or call Terry 780-678-6131

TM14C

GALAHAD LIONS CLUB HAM BINGO

Monday, April 14

Galahad Agriplex 7:00 PM

15 Go-Go Bingos, 1 Bonanza, 1 Door Prize Master Card $5.00

Viking and Area Gymkhana Club

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Friday, April 4, 2025 at 7:30 pm at the Viking Rodeo Grounds Elections, fundraising, meets, etc will be discussed.

COMING EVENTS

St. Paul's United Church in Hardisty Annual Spaghetti Supper and Silent and Live Auction

Monday, April 7

Hardisty Town Hall

Adults - $15

Children 6-12 - $10

Ages 5 & Under - FREE Supper Served 5 p.m.

Silent Auction Starts at 5p.m.

Live Auction Starts at 7 p.m.

For more info call Fay Bronson 780888-3504 or Gail Kobitzsch 780-8882266. Auction items, with donor name attached, can be dropped off at Town Hall on April 7 @ the Town Hall after 10 a.m. to Ricci Matthews. Thank you for your continued support

The Viking Historical Society is accepting bids for re-roofing of the Hafso house at the Viking Museum Grounds. Materials could be either metal or asphalt. All local contractors are encouraged to submit bids to Box 106, Viking, AB T0B 4N0

COMING EVENTS

COMING EVENTS

Not ready to let go of your freedom (but needing support)? I can help with that. Enjoy your home. Light cleaning/meals. Emotional/mental companionship. Games/Cards. Phone Jackie (780) 385-1019.

FOR SALE

Please join us for a bridal shower for Maegen Kuilboer in celebration of her upcoming marriage to Tyler Bendfeld.

Saturday, April 5 at 2 p.m. Killam Seniors' Centre Registry available at Guardian Drugs (Killam) and Killam Home Hardware.

Tofield Golden Club

Perogies, Sausage and Sweets Thursday, April 3, 2025 11:00 am to 1:00 pm 5004 - 54 Ave, Tofield. $12 at the door Take-out and Gluten Free options available. All ages welcome!

Galahad Lions Club 50th Anniversary Celebration April 5, 2025 at the Galahad Agriplex Celebrating Fifty Years of Community Service Supper and Dance- $55.00 per person Happy Hour 5:30 Supper 6:30 Dance to follow-Music by Bandit Tickets available by calling either Ernie Gamroth 780 385-1543 bralpaca@syban.net

Allen Dietz 403 742- 9610 dietzallen8@gmail.com

The Viking Historical Society Annual General Meeting, followed by a regular meeting, will be held Thursday, April 10 at 7 p.m. at the Viking Legion. New members are welcome to attend!

Anyone who is interested in any Raspberry Plants, Blueberries, Saskatoons - This is your last chance for Ordering. Deadline is April 30. They must be gone by June 1. Contact Brian at 780-678-0053 whether they need to be potted or bare root.

2008 Dodge Ram 3500 St Quad 4x4 Auto. Positive Air shut off, power chip, 6.7 Cummins Turbo Diesel. 329,000km - approx 23/mpg. Excellent condition. Call 780-888-1666

12/13p

BUILDINGS FOR SALE

INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866-9747678 www.integritybuilt.com. 13P

– *NEW-AB Standswell* Smooth AWN, High Yielding, Grain and Forage Great Lodging Resistance. 1st NITROGEN USE EFFICIENT CEREAL IN CANADA. Attracting Japanese Interest. OTHER BARLEY: Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. WHEAT – Pintail, Forage or Grain. OATS – AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, CDC S01 Super Oat. PEAS – Very Early Yellow Peas, Forage Peas. ALSO AVAILABLE: Polish Canola & Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403-5562609.

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

FOR RENT

If anybody who likes country living and is looking for a place to rent, Brian has a basement available with two bedrooms. Would like a nonsmoker. The rent would be $800 per month, plus a damage deposit equal to one month's rent. Located 4 miles east of Bawlf, off Highway 13 on Range Road 172, the second place on the east side of the road. No pets allowed.

If interested, call Brian at 780-6780053 for appointment to view. Available May 1.

FARMLAND FOR RENT

West ½ of SW Qtr Sec-27-Twp-56Rge-21-W4. Strathcona County. South Bank of North Saskatchewan River. 72 Acres. 60 cultivated for grain/hay. Phone landline: 780-434-0388 11/12p

HELP WANTED

The Viking Historical Society is looking for summer staff at the Viking Museum. Duties include yard maintenance, cleaning, directing tours, and cataloguing artifacts. Students and mature applications alike may apply with resume and cover letter to Box 106, Viking, AB T0B 4N0

HEALTH

HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-4535372.

SERVICES

PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1866-405-1228; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.

Medical Taxi Service

Personal Taxi Service to Edmonton and Back -$175

•Office Hours Mon-Fri 9-5

•Absolutely NO Hidden Fees

•Escort to Reception/Waiting Room

•Pick up and Drop off at your door

•Top Notch Service!

•Includes up to 4 Hour Wait

•Locally Owned and Operated 587-987-7810

CLUES ACROSS

SERVICES

Drywall Taping/Ceiling Texturing

40 years experience on the job, from commercial buildings to new homes to home renovations. No job too small. Experienced Killam drywall taper/texturer here to help you with any job, big or small. Don't want to do it yourself? - Give me a call!

Flagstaff Taping & Texturing

Murray Cholowsky Call or text at 780-385-1251

Roy's Handyman Services. Flooring, trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work. Call 780-232-3097 tfnp

Painting

Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749

tfnp

43. Defraud

1. McCarthy acolyte Roy

5. Ancient Korean chiefdoms 10. Not soft 14. Jai __, sport 15. Philosophy 16. Do what you’re told 17. Gaffe

18. Widely known and esteemed

19. Amusement park attraction

20. Popular comic strip Viking

22. Usually has a lid

23. American sportscaster

24. Lung fibrosis

27. General’s assistant (abbr.)

30. Pouch

31. Upset

32. Partner to hem

35. Astronomy unit of distance

37. Witch

38. Gradually disappear

39. Regions

40. Possesses

41. Body parts

42. A way to comprehend

CLUES DOWN

1. Currency

2. Ceramic jar

3. Reagan’s Secretary of State

4. God worshipped in Kanesh

5. One thousand cubic feet (abbr.)

6. Semitic

7. About blood

8. Benign tumors

9. Move one’s head

10. Hours (Spanish) 11. Hebrew calendar month

12. Advise someone 13. Colors clothes 21. The sun does it

23. Concealed

25. City of Angels hoops team (abbr.)

Droop

Away from one another

A harsh scraping sound

44. Sandwich type

45. Expression of disappointment

46. Popular Dodge truck model

47. The 17th letter of the Greek alphabet

48. Soviet Socialist Republic

49. Songs to a beloved

52. Custom

55. Partner to cheese

56. West Indies trees

60. Member of a Semitic people

61. Plant that originated vegetatively

63. Squandered one’s money

64. Ethiopian river

65. Excessive fluid accumulation in tissues

66. Acquire by one’s efforts

67. Irish goddess

68. Hungarian village

69. Cereal grasses

32. Attaches to a wall 33. Capital of Ethiopia: __ Ababa 34. German river

Disappointed

Star Wars character Solo

Supervises flying

Nonsense

Automobile

Flower cluster

Romanian city

A parent is often one

Fencing sword

Body part

Region

Farm building

Hogshead (abbr.)

Soak in water

Ali’s surname at birth

Waxy bird beak covering

Stiff bristles

VCR button

Small amount

Leslie Cholowsky Editor

The Province of Alberta announced on Monday, March 24, that it would be establishing a working group with municipal partners to explore the issue of overdue oil and gas property taxes, with an eye towards investigating potential solutions to ensure municipalities are getting taxes they are due.

The Province says, “This working group aims to develop a new property tax accountability strategy that will result in recommendations and strategies to recover unpaid taxes. These recommendations and strategies may include closing loopholes and establishing stronger partnerships and communication between the energy industry, rural municipalities and government.”

Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver says,

“Whether you like it or not, you have to pay your taxes. We’re committed to working with our municipal partners to ensure that bad actors in the oil and gas industry are held to account, and that municipalities are paid the property taxes they are due.”

The Province says that while most oil and gas companies pay their taxes, paying $1.5 billion in 2023, some companies have not paid their taxes to municipalities, causing shortfalls in municipal revenues.

“This working group will work to resolve this issue.”

“Rural municipalities continue to face the longstanding issue of unpaid oil and gas property taxes, putting immense strain on their financial sustainability. We are encouraged by the willingness of both Alberta Municipal Affairs and Alberta Energy and Minerals to collaborate with RMA to form the Property Tax Accountability Strategy working group. Together, we can create solutions that address this issue

and restore a partnership between municipalities, government and industry,” says Kara Westerlund, president of Rural Municipalities of Alberta.

Flagstaff County’s actual taxes bad debt expense in 2019 was $2,981.241, with $3,460.781 in 2020, $1,671,924 in 2021, $2,962,061 in 2022, $2,762,177 in 2023, and $2,645,000 budgeted for in 2024. Not all of these figures represent unpaid oil and gas taxes, but a good portion of them do.

Flagstaff County is not alone in experiencing bad debt due to unpaid oil and gas taxes, according to the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, who say that a December 2024 survey identified $253.9 million of municipal property taxes unpaid by oil and gas companies throughout the province.

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

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

From the Hwy #26 & Hwy #36 so PREVIEWING & BIDDING STARTS AT 10 AM & BIDS START CLOSING ON AT 10 AM

TRACTORS

●1995 CASE IH 9270 4WD tractor, 335 hp. Cummins 855 engine, 7,035 total hours w/ engine rebuilt @ 6,800 hours,Outback GPS & autosteer, 12F/3R standard transmission, like new 520.8R42 duals, 4 hyd’s., leather seat, LED lights, shedded, excellentcondition.

●2013 JOHN DEERE 4630 s/p 80 ft. sprayer, 1,433 engine hours, 534 spraying hours, 49,706 acres, Greenstar 3, GPS, 600 gallon tank, like new 600/70R30 tires + (4) 320/80R42 tires & rims, 20” spacing, shedded, excellent condition, + MANY MORE OPTIONS! ●(4) TRIDEKONcrop dividers.

GRAIN TRUCK & VEHICLE

●2010 JOHN DEERE 4720 MFWD utility tractor, 1,166 hours, 58 hp. engine, front weights, 3 pt. hitch, 540 pto., 2 hyd’s., hydrostatic, 13.6-28 rears,8-16 fronts, shedded, excellent condition.

●2009 MACK t/a grain truck w/ 20 ft. steel box & hoist, 469,429 km., 338 hp. engine, 10 speed Eaton Fuller automatic, Kramble remote control endgate & hoist, like new 11R22.5 tires, shedded, excellent condition. GVWR = 52,000 lbs.

●2018 K-LINE 2900 Speed Tiller vertical till disc, 20 ft., 10” spacing, 20” notched blades, basket rollers, mudscrapers, 385/65R22.5 tires.

●2020 RITE-WAY land roller, 50’, 3 sections.

TRAILER

AUCTIONEERS NOTE:

●2006 FORD F-250 Lariat super duty extended cab 7 ft. flatdeck truck, 187,240 km, 4X4, automatic, 6.0L diesel engine, cruise, power heated leather seats, power windows, locks, & mirrors, like new LT275/70R18 tires.

●2011 JOHN DEERE 9770 STS combine w/ 2013 JD 615P 15 ft. pickup, 1,788 engine hours, 1,180 separator hours, fine cut chopper w/ integrated chaff spreader, Crary hopper extension, GPS ready, 2 way radio, HD final drive, Pro Drive transmission w/ harvest smart feed rate control, 520/85R42 duals, shedded, excellent condition, + MORE OPTIONS!

●2016 JOHN DEERE 630FD Hydra Flex draper header, 30’ p/u reel w/ plastic fingers, upper cross auger, skid shoes, singleknife, fore & aft, single point hookup, shedded, excellent condition.

●HORST CHCF header transport w/ 4 way steering, (fits up to 36 ft. headers), adjustable hitch, 11L-15FI tires, shedded. LOCATION:

●2017 SPRINGLAND UTL40 grain auger w/ mover, 10”, 40 ft., 35 hp. Kohler motor, LED lights, reversible gear box, 205/75R15 tires.

●(2) WESTEEL ROSCO ±4600 bushel 6 ring x 19 ft. hopper bottom grain bins w/ double skids, temperature cables, bottom manways, ladders, & (1) has horizontal air rocket.

●(2) WHEATLAND 1612 smooth wall ±2750 bushel hopper bottom bins w/ poke holes.

●(2) BUTLER ±1800 bushel 3 ring x 14 ft. hopper bottom grain bins w/ ladders.

●2014 SWS tri-axle dually flatdeck trailer, 30 ft. (25 + 5), fold up beavertails, 8 ½ ft. wide, ST235/80R16 tires, GVWR = 30,000 lbs. SIDE X SIDE The Mattinson’s took exceptional care of their equipment! Their farm is located near the MacKay sale, so make a day of it & preview both sales!

●2005 NEW HOLLAND 575 square baler, 540 pto., 75” p/u, shedded, excellent condition.

●Flaman 5 hp. & 7.5 hp. aeration fans.

●(2) Grain Guard 100,000 btu. bin heaters.

●2018 POLARIS Ranger XP1000 Northstar, 10,216 km, 896 hours, new motor @ 750 hours, cab, 4X4, A/C, winch, shedded.

or

#26 & Hwy. #36

of

go 11 km east on Hwy. #26 to Rg. Rd. #120A & then go 1/4 km south.

LOCATION:

From the Highway #14 & Highway #834 junction east of Tofield go 15 km south on

PREVIEWING & BIDDING STARTS AT

BIDS START CLOSING ON

●1983 JOHN DEERE 8650 4WD tractor, 9,246 hours, 290 hp. engine, 16 speedpartial powershift, 4 hyd’s., 20.8R38 duals.

●1979 INTERNATIONAL 1086 tractor w/ Ezee-On 2100 FEL & 7’ bucket, 10,909 hrs., 146 hp. engine, 540/1000 pto., 2 hyd’s., 16F/8R powershift.

●1980 INTERNATIONAL 1586 tractor, 6,866 hrs., 179 hp. engine, 1000 pto., 2 hyd’s., 12F/6R partial powershift w/torque amplifier, HI/LO.

●1983 DEGELMAN 12 ft. 6 way front dozer blade w/ IH 1586 mounts.

GRAIN HANDLING

●2018 MERIDIAN Grain Max ±2300 bushel hopper bottom grain bin, single skid.

●WHEATLAND 705EF ±250 bushel hopper bottom grain bin / feed bin.

●TWISTER ±1650 bushel 4 ring hopper bottom grain bin, single skid.

●(3) WESTEEL ROSCO ±1850 bushel 5 ring hopper bottom grain bins, single skids.

●BRANDT 1070 mech. swing grain auger, 10”, 70’,single augerhopper flighting, 540 pto.

●BRANDT840 grain auger, 8”, 40 ft., w/ Honda 20 hp. electric start motor.

●HODGE mech. swing grain auger, 8”, 60 ft., single auger hopper flighting, 540 pto.

●HAUL-ALL 18 ft. dualcompartment “V” hopper on skid, 7 ft. wide, (2) hyd. driven augers.

●FLEXI-COIL 800 29 ft. air seeder w/ Flexi-Coil 2320 TBH 230 bu. tank & Valmar, levelling harrows, 12” spacing, single shoot, Nichols knock sweeps.

●FLEXI-COIL System 82 harrows, 80 ft., 12” tines.

●2000 HARMON 2400 MVP 32 ft. coil packer.

●MORRIS CP-531 deep tillage cultivator w/ spikes, 31 ft., 12” spacing, 3 bar harrows.

●INTERNATIONAL cultivator w/ 3 bar harrows, 20 ft., 10” spacing, 8.5L-14 tires.

●INTERNATIONAL 27 ft. field cultivator w/ spikes, 4 bar harrows, 10” spacing.

●INTERNATIONAL 46 disc, 12 ft., smooth blades, 8” spacing, ST225/75R15 tires.

●INTERNATIONAL 300 Diskall seed drill w/ trail type coil packers, 14’, 7” spacing, (1) new tire.

HARVEST

●1993 MASSEY FERGUSON 8570 rotary combine w/ MF 9700 header & 13’ p/u, 4,287 eng. hrs., 2,925 sep. hrs., chopper, straw spreader.

●1993 MASSEY FERGUSON 8460 combine w/ MF 9550 header & 13 ft. pickup, 2,844 engine hours, chopper, Kirby straw/chaff spreader.

●1985 MASSEY FERGUSON 885 swather w/ 21 ft. p/u reel, 2,952 hrs., single knife, rear hitch.

●Massey Ferguson 20 ft. straight cut header, fits MF 860 combines.

●6 Ft. swath roller, P235/75R15 tires.

TRAILERS

●1997 DOEPKER tridem 42 ft. grain trailer, air susp., 8 ½’ width. GVWR = 82,500 lbs.

●38 ft. t/a grain trailer, 66” high sides, 8 ft. wide, roll tarp. FARM USE ONLY.

●2007 MANAC 53 ft. tridem hiboy flatdeck trailer, 11R24.5 tires, GVWR = 87,083 lbs.

●2006 MANAC 48 ft. tridem hiboy flatdeck trailer, 11R24.5 tires, GVWR = 87,083 lbs.

●2002 ROADMASTER 50 ft. tridem hiboy trailer, live roll, GVWR = 100,309 lbs.

●1989 SCONA Trombone tandem stepdeck lowboy trailer, 49 ft., live roll, 10R17.5 tires.

AUCTIONEERS NOTE:

From farming to trucking Ron & Mary have done it all; as they transition into retirement a great variety of items is UP4BIDS!

10 AM &

AT 10 AM

●2003 KENWORTH W900B highway tractor w/ 18 ton picker & 22 ton hydraulic winch, 751,864 km, 24,274 hrs., 475 hp. ISX Cummins, 18 speed Eaton Fuller, diff. lock, 4.11 axle ratio, GVWR = 46,500 kg. + MANY MORE OPTIONS!

●2002 KENWORTH W850 highway tractor w/ sleeper, 1,222,337 km, 27,835 hours, 475 hp. ISX Cummins,18 speed Eaton Fuller, diff. lock, GVWR = 46,500 kg. + MORE OPTIONS!

●1996 KENWORTH W250 highway tractor w/ sleeper,

●SPRAY-AIR 80 ft. p/t sprayer, 450 US gallon poly tank, 7” spacing, hyd. pump, 1000 pto.

●CHEM HANDLER II w/ valves. MOTORCYCLE

●1992 HONDA Gold Wing GL1500 Interstate motorcycle, 131,259 km, 6 cylinder, 1500cc 4 stroke engine, 5 speed transmission, shedded. SPRAYER

●1975 KOHLER 150 KW Cummins diesel industrial generator on skid. ●Haybuster 256 +II bale processor.●Vicon 4 wheel hay rake. ●Kinsella rock picker. ●Bale spear. ●National 600D adj. spreader bar. ●(14) Bin anchors. ●Raven Cruizer II portable GPS kit.●Bale feeder. ●Poly feed troughs. ●Watermaster floating water pump. ●Cattle squeeze.●1/2” & 3/8” rubber matting. ●Electric fencing supplies. ●Assorted fenceposts. ●(3) Metal baskets & enclosed metal bin. ●Co-op ride-on lawn tractor w/ 28” rear tiller. ●Qty. of HD chain. ●±75 Pallets of miscellaneous items.

1,351,540 km, 460 hp. N14 Cummins, 18 speed Eaton Fuller, diff. lock, dual stacks, GVWR = 46,500 kg. + MORE OPTIONS!

●1975 FORD 9000 t/a truck w/ 14 ft. gravel box & hoist, 299,765 miles, box extensions, 13 speed Eaton Fuller, GVWR = 44,800 lbs. GRAVEL TRUCK

●2010 CASE IH 435 Steiger 4WD tractor, 4,746 hrs., 435 hp. eng., 4 hyd’s. w/ return, big 1000 pto., + MORE !

●2013 KUBOTA M135GX MFWD tractor w/ FEL & 8’ bucket, 6,694 hrs., 135 hp., shedded, + MORE!

●2009 CASE IH Puma 140 MFWD tractor w/ FEL & 8’ bucket, 5,737 hrs., 140 hp., shedded, + MORE!

●1979 CASE 2670 4WD tractor, 256 hp., ±500 hours on rebuilt transmission & engine, 12F/4R.

●

HOLLAND 8870 MFWD tractor,

hours, 210 hp., 3 hyd’s., 16 speed, shedded. ●1995 CASE IH Magnum 7240 MFWD tractor, 4,880 hrs., 216 hp., 3 hydraulics, 18F/4R powershift.

LIVESTOCK RELATED

●2009 KUHN Knight Pro Push 2054 t/a manure spreader.

●2002 CATTLELAC 410 feed mixer wagon, 1000 pto.

●GEHL 7210 s/a feed wagon, 540 pto.

●2000 HIGHLINE 7000 bale processor, 1000 pto.

●2002 HAYBUSTER 2640 bale processor, 1000 pto.

●1999 HAYBUSTER 256 +II bale processor

●WHEATHEART High & Heavy hitter postpounder.

●Arbor Hi-dump silage wagon ●(2) EASYWAY 250 & 175 bu. creep feeders. ●RAY’s GP50 hopper feed tank ●QUAD ROPER calf catcher. ●Feed dispenser grain wheel.●±(125) 25’ freestanding panels ●±(36) Pipe framed feed bunks. ●Cattle handling system, selling individually. ●(2) MORAND squeezes. ●Cattle oiler. ●Solar livestock watering system. ●(3) Calf shelters. ●±(8) Bale feeders. ●(2) 30’ windbreaks. ●Homemade portable loading chute.

TILLAGE & SEEDING

●2009 NEW HOLLAND P2050 51 ft. air drill w/ NH P1060 430 bushel TBT tank, 21,799 acres, + MORE!

●BANDIT 1700 liquid fertilizer cart, 1,700 gal. tank.

●INDUSTRIAS America 2228X 3 pt. hitch disc

●1997 FLEXI-COIL System 85 heavy harrow, 70 ft.

●1983 FLEXI-COIL System 92 harrow packer, 60 ft.

●FLEXI-COIL 60’ diamond harrows, 9.5L-15 tires

●HUTCHMASTER wing up tandem disc, 22 ft.

●1979 NODET GOUGIS t/a seeder, 38 ft., 540 pto.

●INTERNATIONAL 7200 14 ft. hoe drill.

●HINIKER 1540 cultivator/rodweeder, 40 ft.

●1996 FREIGHTLINER highway tractor, 1,441,816 km., 18 speed, 530 hp., rebuilt motor ±900,000

●1981 IH t/a grain truck w/ 20’ box, 168,319 km.

●1981GMC 7000 t/a grain truck w/ 19’ box, 34,885 km.

●1980 CHEVY C70 t/a grain truck w/ 14’ box , 17,031 km.

●1980 CHEVY 70 t/a grain truck w/ 17’ box, 47,349 km

●1980 FORD 800 t/a grain truck w/ 20’ box, 76,692 km.

●1979 FORD 9000 t/a grain truck w/ 17’ box, 276,505 km.

●1979 FORD 900 t/a grain truck w/ 20’ box, 106,223 km.

●1977 IH Transtar t/a grain truck w/ 14’ box, 79,466 miles.

●1972 IH 1700 t/a 20’ flatdeckbale truck, 345 V8 gas.

●2011 FORD F-350 Lariat Super Duty crew cab truck, 6.7L diesel, 150,000 km., automatic, + MORE!

●2007 GMC Sierra 2500 extended cab truck, gas.

●1999 DODGE Dakota extended cabtruck, 325,075 km.

●1997 FORD F-150 extended cab truck, 450,395 km.

●1981 CHEVY flatdeck dually sprayer truck, 45 ft. boom, gas, 5 spd. manual, 600 gal. tank, + MORE!

●2020 NEW HOLLAND 313 discbine, shedded.

●2017 HIGHLINE BM1400 t/a 14 round bale hauler.

●2015 JOHN DEERE 569 round baler, 11,286 bales.

●2001 HESSTON 856A round baler, 11,200 bales.

●MATADOR 7900 windrow inverter, hyd. pickup.

●Vicon 3 pt. hitch 8 wheel ‘V’ hay rake.

●9 Wheel side delivery hay rake.

●10 wheel ‘V’ hay rake.

●2012 MACDON Westward M105 TRACTOR UNIT ONLY, 1,123 engine hrs., 780 header hrs.,

TRAILERS

●2001 DOEPKER Super ‘B’ grain trailer, 28

t/a highboy 33 ft. sprayer trailer w/ (2) ±2600 gallon poly tanks & hoses.

●1978 ARNE’S 31 ft. t/a belly dump gravel trailer.

GRAIN HANDLING

●2022 BRANDT 1380-XL+ electric swing auger, 13”, 80 ft.

●WESTFIELD TR100-61 mech. swing auger, 10”, 61 ft.

●WESTFIELD TR100-51 mech. swing auger, 10”, 51 ft.

●WESTFIELD MK 100-61 mech. swing auger, 10”, 61 ft.

●WESTFIELD utility auger w/ 2 hp. 220V motor, 6”, 15 ft.

●2004 BRANDT 5000 grain vac w/ hoses, 1000 pto.

●2017 MERIDIAN Grain Max 3000 bushel hopper bin

●WHEATLAND 2000 bu. hopper bin w/ single skid. ●(2) GRAIN GUARD 3 hp. & 5 hp. bin aeration fans.

MISCELLANEOUS

LOCATION: From Hwy. #14 & Hwy. #834 junction east of Tofield go 12 km south on Hwy. #834 to Twp. Rd. #494; then go 1.6 km east to Rg. Rd. #185 & then go 2 km south.

PREVIEWING & BIDDING STARTS AT

10 AM &

BIDS START CLOSING ON AT 10 AM

●1997 JOHN DEERE 9200 4WD tractor, 4,242 hours, 310 hp. engine, 4 hyd’s. w/ return, 12F/4R, 20.8R42 duals, Trimble EZ-Steer 500 GPS, 1 owner, excellent condition. + MORE!

●1980 INTERNATIONAL 1086 tractor w/ IH 2250 FEL, & 5 ½ ft. bucket, 11,443 hours, 130 hp., 3 hyd’s, 540/1000 pto., good condition.

●1949 JOHN DEERE ‘M’ antique tractor w/ 7 ft. cultivator, 20 hp. gas, 4F/1R, 540 pto., new front end, steering wheel & components.

TILLAGE & SEEDING

●KELLO-BILT Series 210 t/a offset disc, 14 ft., 10” spacing, 25” blades, refurbished by Kello-bilt in 2020.

●2000 FLEXI-COIL 5000 air drill w/ Flexi-Coil 2320 TBT 230 bushel tank, 39’, 12” spacing, 1 owner, VG condition. + MORE OPTIONS!

●FLEXI-COIL 85 heavy harrow, 70 ft., 5 bar, 5/8” x 26” tines, 1 owner.

●PATTISON FB2100 fertilizer cart, ±2400 gal. tank, 3” plumbing, Honda GX 200 pump, ground driven John Blue pump, excellent condition.

●2012 HY-GRADE 1400RS 14 ft. pull dozer, 1 owner, excellent condition.

●LEON 700 deep tillage 38 ft. cultivator, 12” spacing, 3 bar harrows.

SWATHER

●1998 PREMIER 2930 Turbo swather w/ MacDon 960 header & 25 ft. p/u reel, 1,632 hours, Cummins, HI/LO range, 1 owner, VG condition. + MORE!

GRAVITY WAGON

●BRENT GT600 ±600 bu. gravity wagon, roll tarp, 8” x 13 ft. hyd. driven utility auger, shedded.

COMBINES & HEADERS

●1998 JOHN DEERE 9610 Maximizer combine w/ 14 ft. p/u, 3,649 eng. hrs., 2,922 sep. hrs., fine cut chopper, JD yield monitor, air foil sieve, 30.5L-32 fronts, 14.9-24 like new rears, recent $9,000 workorder, 1 owner, shedded, excellent condition.

●1998 JOHN DEERE 9610 Maximizer combine w/ 14 ft. p/u, 4,652 eng. hrs., 3,393 sep. hrs., 2nd owner, excellent cond., + MORE OPTIONS!

●1990 JOHN DEERE 925F platform straight cut header w/ 25 ft. p/u reel & plastic fingers, single knife, transport, skid shoes, shedded.

●(2) -1984 JOHN DEERE 224 rigid platform headers, (1) w/ 24 ft. UII p/u reel, & (1) w/ 24 ft. bat reel, transport wagons, single knife, shedded.

GRAIN HANDLING

●(2) MERIDIAN Grain Max ±4000 bu. hopper bins w/ double skids, (1) w/ 6 ft. air rocket.

●(3) WESTEEL ROSCO ±6300 bushel 8 ring x 19 ft. hopper bottom bins w/ double skids, 6 ft. air rockets, & OPI temperature cables.

●(2) GOEBEL ±7800 bushel 6 ring x 21 ft. hopper bottom bins w/ triple skids, aeration tubes, roof vents, OPI temperature cables.

●(3) GOEBEL ±2800 bushel 4 ring hopper bottom grain bins w/ single skids.

●(2) TWISTER ±2200 bushel 5 ring hopper bottom grain bins w/ double skids & low profile hoppers, aeration tubes, bin full indicators.

●(2) WHEATLAND ±1800 bu. smooth wall epoxy lined hopper fertilizer / grain bins w/ single skids.

●GO TECHNOLOGIES portable 225,000 btu. grain dryer w/ cart, & Flaman 7.5 hp. aeration fan.

●(3) FLAMAN 5 hp. bin aeration fans.

●FLAMAN 7.5 hp. centrifugal aeration fan.

●CALDWELL 3 hp. bin aeration fan w/ approximately 100 ft. of 220V electrical cord.

●SAKUNDIAK HD8-39 auger w/ hyd. mover & Kohler 30 hp. engine, 8”, 39 ft., remote.

●WESTFIELD MK130-71 mech. swing auger, 13”, 71’, 540 pto., dual auger hopper flighting, 1 owner.

●WESTFIELD MK100-71 mech. swing auger, 10”, 71 ft.

AUCTIONEERS NOTE:

Marvin & his son Chad are retiring from farming. Most of the equipment was purchased new and has been meticulously maintained and shedded so you can bid with confidence!

SPRAYING

●2005 SPRA-COUPE 7650 90’ sprayer, 2,525 engine hrs., VG condition, + MANY MORE OPTIONS!

●1980 RAM t/a highboy 28 ft. sprayer trailer w/ (2) Freeform ±2,200 gallon poly tanks.

TRUCKS

●2007 WESTERN STAR highway tractor, 450 hp. Mercedes eng., 1,457,460 km, 13 spd., shedded.

●1996 FREIGHTLINER highway tractor, 1,234,202 km, 13 speed, N14 Cummins, shedded.

●1981 INTERNATIONAL Transtar 4300 highway tractor w/ sleeper, 1,301,878 km., 9,746 hrs., Big Cam 400Cummins,13 spd.,GVWR = 52,000 lbs.

●1972 GMC 6500 tandem gravel truck w/ 17 ft steel box & hoist, rebuilt 366 engine, 10F/2R, HI/LO, new battery & starter,needs brake work.

●1973 FORD fuel delivery truck, 1000 gal. tank, 5 & 2 transmission, FIELD USE ONLY.

●1998 DOEPKER tridem 42 ft. grain trailer, roll tarp, remote chute, 1 owner, excellent condition.

●1983 t/a 38 ft. grain trailer, roll tarp, two hydraulic underbelly augers, 11R22.5 tires.

●1994 UTILITY s/a 24 ft. reefer van trailer, 295/75R22.5 tires, diesel powered refrigeration. ●Homemade t/a 18 ft. flatdeck trailer, mobile home axles, 9 ft. wide, 8-14.5LT tires.

MISCELLANEOUS

●Front mount 5 ft. quad blade. ●Homemade pto. slough pump w/ s/a transport trailer. ●OPI hand held digital temp. monitor. ●OPI bin temp. cable. ●±1700 Gal. poly fertilizer tank. ●Air compressor. ●(13) 6” x 30 ft. aluminum irrigation pipe & trailer. ●Grain moisture tester w/ scale. ●(2) Poly grain hoppers. ●Anhydrous hose. ●Sotera chem. pump. ●Implement jacks ●Barrel drum pumps. ● (3) Bin venting cones. ●(4) Bin venting screens. ●JD combine p/u belt. ●BE water transfer pump. ●MacDon parts. ●Flexi Coil parts. ●Fifth Wheel hitch w/ rails. ●Hydraulic rams.

●± (15) -Pallets of farm related items!

Agriculture Section Agriculture Section 2025

An annual supplement to your local papers saluting the important businesses and people keeping our ag industry strong

Grapes among common household items that may be poisonous for your pet

Cassandra Lundbek Staff Reporter

March was the month recognized as Pet Poison Prevention Month, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers that common household and environmental toxins pose to our animals. With nine out of ten pet poisonings occurring within the home, and incidents increasing around festive seasons like Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, it’s vital to understand which substances can be harmful to your pets, whether they’re dogs, cats, or horses. Recognizing these risks is key to safeguarding your pets.

Unfortunately, pet poisoning is frequently an emergency, often caused by every day items that owners may not recognize as dangerous. West Wind Veterinary Hospital recommends taking the following steps for prevention: take an hour to assess risks and pet-proof your home and barn, ask a veterinarian before giving any medications, store all medications and potential toxins safely, and ensure everything your animals might be able to eat is safe.

“Poisons are best treated by prevention of exposure. If accidental exposure occurs, treatment should be started before any symptoms are noticed,” warns Dr. Deborah Carroll of West Wind Veterinary Hospital.

For dogs and cats, over-the-counter and prescription medications are

among the leading causes of poisoning. Human medications such as pain relievers, antidepressants, and even vitamins can have toxic effects on pets. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free items and some peanut butter brands, is highly toxic to dogs and can cause severe hypoglycemia and liver failure. Foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and raisins can be deadly, leading to kidney failure, anemia, or neurological issues. Household products such as antifreeze, rodenticides, and cleaning agents also pose serious risks.

With gardening season just around the corner, it’s important to research any plants you plan to bring into your home or garden. Ingesting plants like aloe, daffodils, azaleas, and English ivy can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or more severe symptoms in pets. Some plants, like lilies, are highly toxic to cats and can cause fatal kidney failure. For horse owners, toxic plants and environmental hazards are a significant concern.

“All pastures should be inspected for weeds and other hazards before use. All feed changes should be gradual,” Dr. Carroll advises.

Alsike clover, while not native to Canada, was introduced in the 1800s and can be found in pastures, along roadsides, and in ditches throughout Alberta. It can cause photosensitivity

and liver damage in horses. Maple and Box Elder trees also pose a risk, as wilted leaves can lead to severe anemia in horses. Even black walnut shavings, sometimes used in bedding, can induce laminitis.

It is important to consider the placement and use of pesticides and rodenticides around barns and homes, as they can be fatal if ingested by pets. Additionally, contaminated feed, such as hay containing botulinum toxins from decaying organic matter, can lead to severe neurological damage in horses. Symptoms of poisoning in horses vary widely but may include colic, muscle tremors, incoordination, or sudden behavioral changes.

As we move into the warmer months, concerns about blue-green algae become more prevalent. This toxic algae can bloom in stagnant or slow-moving water, such as dugouts, ponds, and lakes, posing a significant health threat to dogs, cats, and horses. Dogs are especially vulnerable due to their tendency to swim and drink from natural water sources. Horses can be exposed when drinking from contaminated troughs or bodies of water.

Blue-green algae produce toxins that affect multiple organ systems, causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea,

muscle tremors, seizures, liver failure, and even sudden death. If exposure is suspected, immediate veterinary attention is crucial.

“The most common error is waiting too long before seeking veterinary advice,” says Dr. Carroll.

Quick action can mean the difference between life and death. If poisoning is suspected, owners should immediately contact their veterinarian or an emergency poison control hotline, such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Centre or the Pet Poison Helpline, both available 24/7. Note that consultation fees may apply.

Prevention is the best defense against poisoning. Pet owners should store all medications, chemicals, and toxic foods safely out of reach. Regularly inspecting pastures for harmful plants, securing feed and supplements, and avoiding exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and toxic algae can help protect horses. Being mindful of potential hazards around the home, barn, and farm can go a long way in ensuring the health and safety of all animals.

This spring, take the time to assess your environment and make any necessary changes to keep your pets and livestock safe from harm.

community

Mayor Dueck and Council

• 4712 51 St Lamont 5,800 sq ft shop with office and sales space. Shop was used for agricultural machinery repair. Price: $450,000

LAMONT COUNTY

• HWY 834 between HWY 16 and TWP RD 530 Lamont County 19.48 acres with power and a holding tank. Nice building site. Price: $215,000.00

• 5317-50 Ave Andrew. An 18,000 sq. ft. manufacturing shop with office and storage space on 2.3 acres of land Price: $1,700,000

STRATHCONA COUNTY

• Parts of SW and SE-7-53-22-W4 located at Highway 21 and Lakeland drive 63.62 acres of development land with Highway 21exposure. The property is within the Bremner and local Employment Area ACP with expected future use of industrial. Price: $5,100,000 We’re Always Looking For New Farm Listings!! Give us a Call, We’d Love To Sell Your Property!

Leslie Cholowsky

Alberta Agriculture reports that the period between the melting of snow and the emergence of fresh grass and leaves creates the highest risk for spring wildfires.

Last year Alberta’s Agricultural Service Boards released a shelter in place tool meant for municipalities as they prepared for an upcoming fire season.

The document had good advice for making a plan to shelter livestock in place in case of emergency, but also includes advice based on basic FireSmart principles to be applied to every building found on a farm or acreage.

One of the first things to do this spring is to assess your property and outbuildings. Storing items like piles of firewood, construction materials (or deconstruction materials), patio furniture, and other combustibles against or near a building can be a major fire hazard, according to FireSmart Canada.

Combustible mulch can ignite, producing embers that could ignite other combustible materials in your yard, increasing the chance of flames spreading to outbuildings or your home.

FireSmart guidelines recommend that evergreen trees, with cones and needles, not be within 10 m of a home or outbuilding.

FireSmart suggests you plan a 1.5 metre area around your outbuildings that is a non-combustible surface, to reduce the chance of wind-borne embers starting a fire.

Materials like gravel, brick, or concrete fit the bill perfectly, while woody shrubs, trees, and tree branches should be avoided. Well-mown grass is also suitable for this zone. A mown lawn is a fireresistant lawn, according to FireSmart guidelines. Grass shorter than 10 cm (around 4”) is less likely to burn.

Plant only fire-resistant plants and shrubs within a 10 m radius, and avoid using bark or pine needle mulches within 10 m of a building. Gravel mulch and decorative crushed rock can significantly reduce your risk of fire.

Regularly clean up accu-

mulations of fallen branches, dry grass, and pine needles from the ground to eliminate surface fuels. Remove all branches to a height of two metres from the ground on evergreens within 30 metres of your buildings.

FireSmart guidelines say that reducing the risk of a surface fire on your farmland includes managing

vegetation around fence lines, corral lines, and ditches. A buildup of grass, weeds, and brush make excellent fuel for wildfires.

Reducing vegetation around buildings lowers the risk of wildfire, same as old corrals and unused corners of the yard.

FireSmart rules around feed storage say that dry bales are a magnet for

sparks and embers. Once ignited, they cause fires that can quickly spread and be difficult to put out. Store bales a good distance away from outbuildings. Clean up old hay and straw from broken bales.

Being prepared for a wildfire may help decrease the chances of a grass or wildland fire causing damages to your buildings.

Province says it’s investing $330M over

to improve rural health

Anna Smith

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Budget 2025s new Rural Hospital Enhancement Program would invest about $330 million over three years to support health capital projects in communities across the province.

If passed, Budget 2025 will provide $15 million to support project planning in rural communities, which includes conducting facility and functional assessments of rural hospitals to determine what capital planning solutions and services are required to maximize each facilitys potential, said the province.

Rural Albertans should be able to access the health-care services they need close to home.

The new Rural Hospital Enhancement Program will ensure we are continuing to make data-driven decisions, and that resources are

being appropriately deployed to address the areas with the greatest need, said Minister of Health Adriana Lagrange.

Once project plans for each facility are developed, they will be used to inform future capital planning discussions and funding decisions for new projects, expediting the time between planning and construction.

Alberta’s government is also supporting existing capital programs and projects that will maximize the potential of rural health-care facilities.

The province says these investments aim to ensure that rural patients can receive care in the communities where they reside, reducing the need for long-distance travel to urban centres for essential medical services, reducing the pressure on major centres and support the wellbeing of

rural Albertans.

”As an MLA from rural Alberta, I know first-hand how important it is to have access to high-quality health care facilities close to home,” said Minister of Infrastructure Martin Long in a statement.

“This investment in projects in rural communities across Alberta will enhance care and strengthen our communities. I cannot wait to get to work on these critical projects.”

Support for Ag needed over China tariffs

George Lee Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A reignited trade war the one with China has made federal action essential to protect Alberta farmers and agrifood industries, UCP members and ministers said last week.

On March 20 China imposed 100 per cent tariffs on canola oil, canola meal and peas from Canada, along with 25 per cent tariffs on fish, other aquatic products and pork. The move followed Canadas tariffs launched last October of 100 per cent on Chinas electric cars and 25 per cent on its aluminum and steel.

But Chinese allegations and actions affecting Canadian canola go back at least to 2019. Thats when the worlds most populous country restricted Canadian canola for three years, claiming pests were found in the major Prairies product.

We are pressing Ottawa for urgent support, including compensation, market diversification efforts and a stronger focus on trade negotiations, Agriculture and Irrigation Minister R.J. Sigurdson told the legislature.

It’s very clear that due to the scope and scale of the impacts of this trade war (with China), the only institution that can compensate our farmers enough is the federal government. We need them to come to the table, and we need them to deal with this and support our farmers right now, said the minister.

A trade restriction blocked canola shipped by two major Canadian players between March 2019 and May 2022, with China alleging pests were detected in shipments.

Pundits speculated, however, that the restriction was a reaction to Canadas arrest of the chief financial officer of Chinese tech giant Huawei. Detained in Vancouver over U.S. charges of bank and wire fraud that were eventually dismissed, Meng Wanzhou returned to

China in 2021 after she was released from house arrest.

Then came Canadian tariffs announced last year on electric cars, steel and aluminum from China, and the trade war was on again. Almost immediately, in September, China announced an antidumping investigation against Canada. This year years tariffs of canola, peas, pork and aquatic food followed.

Matt Jones, the minister of jobs, economy and trade, said: “The uncertainty these tariffs create for business disrupts supply chains and reduces market confidence, but were committed to working with federal and international partners to protect our economy, diversify trade and maintain global market access.”

“A $30-billion industry in Canada, canola supports thousands of goodpaying jobs,” Jones said.

Alberta Treasury Branch reporting says that in 2024 Alberta exported over $408 million

in canola oil and meal and over $138 million in dried peas to China.

Alberta government data pegs the value of all 2020 exports to China at $4.5 billion. That number had grown by nearly half to $6.7 billion by 2024.

Said Jones, “the member for Calgary-South East, We need to ensure that these new tariffs dont slow down our momentum.”

Canada followed the lead of the U.S. under Joe Biden last year in instituting an electric car tariff to protect the North American industry from the communist superpowers subsidies.

The earlier dispute had already cost the canola industry between $1.54 billion and $2.35 billion in lost sales and lower prices between March 2019 and August 2020, reported the Canola Council of Canada.

China is Canadas largest canola seed destination, with more than 4.5 million tonnes worth $3.8 billion exported in

Continued on Ag Page 22

Viking Meats

Southern Alberta irrigation: the deep expense of expansion

Cal Braid

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Historically, the productivity coming out of an irrigated parcel of land is significantly higher than dry land. It also has the security of having a productive crop year over year because it’s not completely weather dependent on rainfall. However, there’s a catch: It ain’t cheap.

As general manager of Canada’s largest irrigation district, David Westwood knows the business of supplying water to thirsty farmland. Westwood’s St. Mary River Irrigation District has upwards of 500,000 acres under irrigation after amalgamating with the Taber Irrigation District in 2022.

While irrigation is a more surefire ticket to crop success than dry land, Westwood said it involves a lot more than buying pivots for one’s land. The overall cost includes the pump, power source, pipeline, controls, and in-

stallation fees, and that’s just the hardware for a functional system. A quarter section pivot could cost $160K to $175K factoring in the components and setup.

“It’s a significant capital investment, and it’s not just putting in the pivots,” Westwood said. “For example, if that land now becomes a potato crop, you’re going to be looking at having to then build storage to be able to handle the potatoes, because based on your contracts, they ship all year round. You’ve got to store them in the off-season when it’s not growing season, all those kinds of things. It’s almost always much more than just the investment in the actual irrigation infrastructure of the pivot; it’s all the ancillary things of what you need to do on your farm to be able to grow that product, store that product, and then ship that product.”

Fuel and truck costs are an added consideration, too. Farmers require trucks

or in some cases, a fleet of trucks and drivers to haul loads of crops to elevators or processing facilities.

In 2022, SMRID increased its expansion limit acres. The District’s modeling indicated that between the pipeline modernization project savings plus the extra storage from the planned Chin Reservoir expansion, it would be able to service up to 80,000 more acres.

“We had a lottery for the first 15,000 acres and we’re doing these in very di-

gestible (increments) over many, many years. Those now have been fully subscribed for and by this irrigation season coming up, those new 15,000 acres are now potentially coming into production.”

Some farmers will be irrigating on previously held dry land, and some are expanding upon preexisting irrigation.

“Some are just putting irrigation acres on a parcel of land that did not have irrigation acres on it before, but a part of that par-

cel did so,” Westwood explained. “A classic example would be they had enough irrigation acres under the circle pivot, but in the past had never chosen to have irrigation acres in the four dry corners of a circle pivot. But now they’ve chosen to put irrigation acres on all those corners, and it gives them

the flexibility they may want to do a corner arm system, or they just may want the water that comes along with those acres.”

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Warnings from prairie farmers about carbon capture risks

Poitras Staff Reporter

In a recent release from National Farmers Union (NFU), the organization explains that prairie farmers are expressing their concerns about the dangers of carbon capture and storage (CCS).

“CCS projects pose a number of risks to human, animal, and environmental health.

Pipeline ruptures pose asphyxiation risks from CO2, as well as contamination risks from toxic chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide, which is carried alongside CO2. Concerns also have been raised about CCS storage facilities leaking and leading to dissolution of CO2 into groundwater. The dissolution of CO2 in water creates carbonic acid, which is unsafe for both humans and livestock” NFU says.

The goal of CCS is to cut carbon emissions to

limit the rise of global temperatures. As defined on the Shell Canada website, “carbon capture and storage is a combination of technologies that capture and release carbon dioxide (CO2) deep underground, preventing its release into the atmosphere.”

“At Shell, we believe that CCS will be essential for helping society to achieve net-zero emissions,” Shell Canada’s website says.

In a meeting on the carbon capture project held in October of last year in Viking, concerns were raised about the usage of good farmland during the process of CCS.

“We are not looking for areas where there is good farmland (to use). The work is mainly underground,” geophysicist Alexa Tomlinson explained.

However, NFU board member Glenn Norman, of Red Deer County, says CCS is not the answer.

“Geological carbon cap-

ture and so-called ‘storage’ is no solution at all to climate change. Nearly all attempts to date have failed and leaked to the surface, contaminating both ground and surface water,” Norman said.

“The NFU, in collaboration with other groups, is focusing its attention on the Cold Lake CCS Project,” NFU says.

“Carbon Capture aids and abets the priorities of the oil and gas sector, which prioritizes unsustainable extraction and exploitation. In solidarity with farmers and the Indigenous peoples affected by the Cold Lake CCS Project we must understand that is not in their interests. When we make connections to what Albertans have endured: the droughts, the wildfires, the smoke and poor yields, to the risks of CCS, it is clear that the Cold Lake Project does not benefit us,” NFU youth president Adama

Bundu, of Edmonton, said.

There is currently a running facility, Quest CCS, operated by Shell Canada on behalf of the Athabasca Oil Sands Project located at the Scotford Upgrader northeast of Edmonton.

“Shell opened the refinery and styrene plant at Scotford in 1984. A monoethylene glycol plant was added in 2000. The Shelloperated Scotford Upgrader opened in 2003 and it was expanded in 2011. The Shell-operated Quest CCS facility was added to capture CO2 from the three hydrogen manufacturing units within the upgrader in 2015,” Shell’s website says.

In June 2024 Shell announced the Final Investment Decision for Polaris, the carbon capture project at Scotford, as well as the Atlas Carbon Storage Hub in partnership with ATCO EnPower.

“The Atlas Carbon Storage Hub from Shell

and ATCO EnPower intends to store CO2 emissions generated in the Alberta Industrial Heartland region. The first phase of Atlas will store CO2 emissions captured by Shell’s Polaris carbon capture project. CO2 emissions captured by Polaris will be sent to the Atlas Carbon Storage Hub via an approximately 22-kilometre pipelineto two storage wells located in Strathcona County. CO2 will be stored approximately two kilometres underground in the Basal Cambrian Sands, the same formation used to successfully store CO2 from the Quest CCS facil-

ity currently operating at Shell Scotford,” Shell Canada Community Relations Advisor Janine King said in a previous interview with the Tofield Mercury.

“Polaris and Atlas will build on the success of the Quest carbon capture and storage facility at Scotford, which has safely captured and stored more than nine million tonnes of CO2 from the Scotford upgrader since 2015 that would otherwise have been released into the atmosphere. Both projects are expected to begin operations toward the end of 2028,” she said.

Vanessa

By Sylvain Charlebois (Troy Media)

Canada has started a trade war with China, yet few in Ottawa seem willing to acknowledge the consequences.

Unlike the United States, which often imposes tariffs as a bargaining chip only to later negotiate, China takes a far more calculated and punitive approach. When Beijing retaliates, it targets industries with both economic and symbolic significance, ensuring maximum pressure on its adversary.

In Canada’s case, that means agricultural exports—particularly canola, known globally as “Canada oil,” and Atlantic lobster, both of which have now become collateral damage in this escalating dispute.

The fallout is already being felt. Starting March 20, Canadian grain farmers, hog producers and seafood harvesters face 100 per cent tariffs when exporting to China, a critical market for these sectors.

Canola, which generated $3.72 billion in exports in recent years, is now under anti-dumping investigations, while rapeseed oil—a major processed product—is being hit with prohibitive tariffs. Pork exports, once thriving, have dwindled as China tightens import restrictions, and the billion-dol-

lar seafood industry, led by lobster and crab, is now facing similar uncertainty.

This crisis was set in motion by Ottawa’s decision last October to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and batteries, mirroring a move by the United States. Then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sought to align with U.S. President Joe Biden, aiming to shield North American manufacturing from an influx of cheap Chinese imports.

But now, with both leaders gone, Prime Minister Mark Carney has made it clear he has no intention of reversing course.

China’s retaliation follows a familiar pattern. When Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Vancouver in 2018 at the request of the U.S., Beijing didn’t retaliate against Washington—it went after Canadian farmers, restricting key agricultural exports.

The same playbook is being used now, yet Ottawa appears either oblivious or unwilling to acknowledge how much damage this is causing to its own producers.

At the core of this conflict is Canada’s high-stakes bet on electric vehicles and battery manufacturing. The federal government has commit-

ted nearly $50 billion to develop the sector, funding projects like Stellantis and LG’s battery plant in Windsor, Volkswagen’s gigafactory in St. Thomas, Ont., and Northvolt’s facility in Quebec—despite Northvolt’s financial struggles and reports that its parent company is on the verge of bankruptcy.

Additional billions have gone to Ford and other automakers as part of

Canada’s strategy to become a global battery hub. While these subsidies are intended to create jobs and secure supply chains, they come with immense financial and economic risks. There is no guarantee that Canada’s EV industry will be globally competitive or that these government-backed projects will deliver on their promised returns.

Continued on Page

BULLARAMA

Alberta organization seeks to improve farm mental health services

Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

AgKnow, providing an Alberta approach to farm mental health, seeks to provide better access and use of the mental health services currently available, and works to ensure those services align with the needs of farmers.

“The work that resulted in AgKnow began in 2021 when the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation responded to a resolution from the Agricultural Service Boards asking for farm specific mental health resources and services,” AgKnow program director Linda Hunt said.

“The initial ask was for Agriculture Research and Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA) to adapt some mental health resources for agriculture industry. To do that we needed to know which resources and who needed them, which resulted in the project becoming a needs assessment, and then a quest to answer the question, What does a made for Alberta Farm Mental Health program need to be?” Hunt said.

AgKnow is working to increase the capacity of mental health providers in the agriculture industry to address to growing concerns about farmer mental health.

“Research in Canada is showing that farmers have higher rates of suicidal ideation, anxiety, and depression than the general public, and in the US they found farmers are twice as likely to die by suicide than the general public. But what should or can be done about it? There are programs asking this question across Canada, and some exciting new supports that are becoming available.

“But what would work for farmers here? We discovered that there are places in the province that mental health services are underutilized and the providers are unsure what is preventing farmers from accessing them. In other places the services either don’t exist or are overburdened with demand. So, since 2021 AgKnow has been connecting with farmers, farm associations, and professionals that work in agriculture, health care programs, and researchers to work out how to increase the capacity of our health and mental health providers and our agriculture industry to support farmers, their families, and veterinarians,” Hunt said.

AgKnow is undergoing many projects and initiatives, including funding research, pilot programs, working with industry groups, attending events to speak with farmers, providing online webinars, and conducting surveys.

“We seed funded research in Alberta so we can get a good handle on what is happening now, and continue to con-

nect and encourage new projects that make discoveries or validate methods of outreach. We pilot programs like our farm informed counselling network, and workshops on resiliency, suicide prevention, and mental health literacy.

“We work with industry groups to incorporate mental health content into publications where farmers are already engaged, like the calving resources at the Beef Cattle Research Council (www.beefresearch.ca/blog/how-to-prepareyourself-and-your-beef-operation-for-calving-season/).

“We also attend events with farmers and talk about the struggles on farm for their feedback and insights. We provide online webinars designed to encourage deeper understanding of topics that farmers have identified as important. We conduct surveys and take the results to program and service providers in hopes we can encourage the development of services that meet the needs of farm families. It is important to us that we are meeting the needs of farmers and a benefit to their farming operation,” Hunt said.

In order to operate, AgKnow applies for grant funding, but that does not cover all costs associated with running the organization.

“Funding has been a big challenge for us. Even though the province has been very supportive, project grants do not cover all of our costs, so we need to leverage the grant investment with nongrant funds. Last year our one-year grant finished and the four-year grant application was delayed so we ended up working with our stakeholders to keep things moving. The support from industry has rolled in in small bits and has been keeping us afloat but not providing the stability required to keep employees.

“These are the growing pains that many worthwhile initiatives go through and the outpouring of support from rural municipalities, farmers, and farm associations gives me optimism that things can get better,” Hunt said.

If individuals or businesses are interested, AgKnow has a donation link on their website and Hunt said they are always open for sponsorship conversations.

“We are working on an agreement that will give us charitable status so we can issue charitable receipts, and in the meantime a number of partners have provided funding to keep things moving. I am very grateful to ATB, Results Driven Ag Research, PorchLight society, rural municipalities, and individual donors that have contributed financially and with in-kind support.

Continued to page Continued on Ag Page 18

Ottawa has essentially chosen to apply a supply management-style approach to an emerging sector—limiting competition, inflating costs and betting taxpayer money on an industry that is far from proven. As history has shown, when markets are heavily managed, consumers end up with higher prices, lower quality and fewer choices.

In prioritizing Ontario and Quebec’s manufacturing jobs, Ottawa has knowingly sacrificed the interests of Canadian farmers and seafood harvesters. Yet, rather than acknowledging this trade-off or offering support, the federal government has remained largely silent.

The absence of a response from new Agriculture Minister Kody Blois is particularly troubling. With farmers already struggling due to rising costs and declining margins, the imposition of 100 per cent tariffs on critical exports

is a major blow.

If Minister Blois does not act swiftly to defend Canada’s agricultural sector, farmers and seafood harvesters will be left to bear the full weight of Ottawa’s geopolitical gamble.

Canada’s handling of this trade war has been reckless. Instead of mitigating risks, the government has gone all in on an industry that remains untested while turning its back on agricultural sectors that have long been pillars of the Canadian economy.

If Minister Blois and the government fail to intervene, the economic consequences for Canadian farmers and seafood producers will be severe. Ottawa may have been willing to make this gamble, but it’s the agricultural sector that will ultimately pay the price.

What a mess.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Canadian professor and researcher in food distribution and policy. He is senior director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University and co-host of The Food Professor Podcast. He is frequently cited in the media for his insights on food prices, agricultural trends, and the global food supply chain.

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This has been the hardest and yet most rewarding project I have every worked on,” she said.

When asked what questions people usually have in relation to AgKnow, Hunt said most ask how they can help.

“It’s not a hard sell, as the last few years have been very difficult for the health care system in Alberta, and for rural residents it has felt like a centralization of services in the urban areas. So much change in how or if services are available,

and at the same time some new services being rolled out that blanket the province, like Counselling Alberta which offers no wait time, long and short-term counselling services, virtually everywhere in the province, and, in some places, in person, on a sliding scale thanks to funding from the new Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions.

We are excited to be partnering with them and increasing the number of farm informed counsellors in their network so

that every farm family has affordable access,” she said.

Hunt said that AgKnow has been funded as a discovery project, but with the huge need, they are working with the ARECA board to work out how to move from a short-term discovery project to a long-term initiative.

“We have an updated report with recommendations that is being published on our website right now as well as some videos from our stakeholder engagement ses-

sions that anyone interested can watch and provide feedback through an online form. It’s really helpful to us to hear from farmers from all types of farms, and all areas of Alberta so we can really speak with their voice when advocating for services and ensure the services will actually meet real needs in the industry,” she said.

Hunt said the best way for people to stay in touch and find out what the organization is up to, is through the website, AgKnow.ca and by sub-

scribing to their newsletter.

“Getting farmers to participate in our surveys and engagements helps us stay on track to make a real difference for the community. Right now, we have a survey about farm transition that is helping us dive deeper into the “farm family dynamics” that are a main driver of farm families to reach out for counselling support,” she said.

Battle River Railway a Central Alberta success story

Leslie Cholowsky

The Battle River Railway New Generation Co-op (BRR NGC) was started in 2010 with local investors, many of whom were farmers, to purchase a shortline railway that serviced the communities of Kelsey, Rosalind, Forestburg, Heisler, Galahad, and Alliance.

The Co-op has different types of shares

In all, it’s 52 miles of straight railway, the longest straight section of railway in Alberta, they say.

BRR General Manager Matt Enright says the original model for the railway was under the single-desk model, and was a sure-fire way to get producer cars to clients/shareholders in an age of big crops and small rail capacity.

A lot has changed since then.

BRR has experienced a lot of growth, and now has multiple revenue streams. That includes rail freight, shipping grain, fertilizer, and fly ash. Enright says a new contract will soon also bring bentonite clay hauling. BRR is also now doing grain merchandising.

Revenue also comes from rail car storage and switching, transloading, and even tourism, although the latter is a break-even at best.

In 2020, BRR purchased existing grain elevators in Rosalind, Heisler, and Alliance, and added transloading to its revenue streams.

In about 2021, BRR added some track at Forestburg to substantially reduce the amount of switching required, also reducing the impact of operating across public crossings.

In 2024 BRR got rid of three 70-yearold timber bridges on the line, replacing them with concrete ‘box culverts.’ Not only was this time efficient, with less than a week per bridge, it was also cost efficient, with an expected lifespan of 100 years. The new culverts are also able to handle flood runoff more efficiently and safely.

Enright says this project was funded by the federal Rail Safety Improvement Program with a grant for $2.9 million.

In 2022, BRR applied for grant funding under the National Trade Corridors Fund, part of that was meant to cover the bridge upgrades, and part to extend a spur line into the Forestburg Industrial Park that is currently under development.

After two years, news of that grant’s approval came, after the Rail Safety Improvement Grant had been received; luckily the two were stackable.

This grant was for $5.7 million but a lot had changed since the application went in. With this additional funding, instead of bridge improvements, BRR was able to do bridge replacement, with most of that cost covered by the two grants.

A revised project list for the NTCF grant has been approved, which includes building the track out in Alliance this year, as well as adding five times the existing storage capabilities, with five 900-tonne bins and also adding a

third track. This will provide the ability to load 100 cars.

“That represents a lot of growth and room to grow a grain business. We feel like there is a lot of potential in Alliance, they are close to a lot of acres.”

Enright says in Forestburg the plan for construction season 2027 is hopefully to put a rail spur in as well. “We would like to see a tenant in place by then.”

Enright says all projects under the Continued on Ag Page 32

The Battle River Railway New Gen Co-op owns the shortline raiway that runs from just east of Highway 53 to Alliance, and is based out of Forestburg, shown here. At the bottom of the photo is the two-track locomotive house. The upper right corner shows a corner of the new industrial park in Forestburg where a rail spur could be built to accomodate an industrial tenant needing rail access.

Municipalities want end to oil and gas property tax loopholes

Brett McKay Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) says its members are facing an unpaid oil and gas property tax burden of $253.9 million. As new arrears are added each year, the chance of recovering these unpaid millions is shrinking, and municipalities are calling on the province fix well-known loopholes that let debtor companies off the hook.

In 2024, the unpaid oil and gas property taxes owed to rural municipalities grew by $67.8 million, more than 50 per cent higher than the outstanding taxes owed in 2023, according to a survey of RMA members.

The portion of this debt owed by insolvent companies is now over 60 per cent, leaving municipalities with little

choice but to accept their losses and write off the debt.

“When these companies are put up for sale or transferred, there is no opportunity for municipalities to attach that unpaid property tax portion to the resale or to try and get any of the value back,” said RMA President Kara Westerlund.

“There is no mechanism, whether legislation or within the (Alberta Energy Regulator), that allows us to be a creditor.”

The fact that municipalities are powerless to compel tax payment is well known within the oil and gas industry, Westerlund said.

The recent spike in the number of insolvent companies suggests several non-viable companies continued operating, and not paying taxes, in 2023 before going under last year,

according to RMA.

The growing issue of insolvency highlights the need for the AER to “adopt a more effective approach to ensure that the oil and gas industry meets its tax obligations to municipalities while still operating,” the RMA said in a its 2024 report on unpaid oil and gas taxes.

Rural municipalities are owed over $100 million by operational companies. Though hundreds of oil and gas companies currently have unpaid property taxes, a handful of bad actors are responsible for a huge portion of the debt. The ten worst offenders owe a combined $67 million, and a single company owes over $27 million to 19 municipalities.

“The attempts in the last several years to put

a stop to this type of behaviour in the industry are not working. RMA is willing to work through the solutions.

Westerlund said RMA is hoping to meet with officials from Municipal Affairs and Energy and Minerals to create a

“We're willing to come to the table. But enough is enough,” Westerlund said.

bility strategy and implement solutions to strengthen enforcement and eliminate the unpaid property tax problem.

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China Tariffs

Continued from Page 7

2023, the federal government published in a September statement.

The UCPs Glenn van Dijken, the member for Athabasca-BarrheadWestlock, said last week: “Alongside the energy sector, Alberta’s economy rests on the health and prosperity of our agricultural sector. It supports thousands of jobs and contributes billions to our provinces economy.

“Canadian farmers and food producers now face serious economic uncertainty thanks to China and their retaliative tariffs on Canadian agricultural products.”

Grant Hunter, the UCP member for TaberWarner, said: “This escalation in trade tensions has already significantly impacted bilateral trade and will continue to do so while these tariffs remain in place.”

Sigurdson, the Agriculture Minister, called the situation ”very complex” and said its full impact remains unknown.

“Our province, of course, has a long history of standing up for its economic interests, and thats exactly what were doing,” added Sig-

urdson, the member for Highwood.

The legislatures discussion of trade with China takes place as the Trump effect continues shaking the foundation of geopolitics and geoeconomics.

Since his inauguration in January, President

Donald Trump has posted and postured about using tariffs in a way he claims will amp up homeland industries and create a golden age in the U.S.

The levels and broad brush of his U.S. tariffs are unprecedented in post-Second World War

trade, and most economists say they wont achieve what Trump says they will.

Although Trumps tariffs against Canada have been on-again, offagain, some level of implementation supposedly happens this week.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Canada will have to adapt to a new era of its trade relationship with the U.S. A federal election in

Canada on April 28 further complicates matters, as leaders for the three major parties crisscross the country on the campaign trail.

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Organic Alberta holds conference to equip farmers with information

Kelsey Witham Staff Reporter

Established in 2004 and originally named Going Organic Network of Alberta, Organic Alberta represents over 660 organic producers and processors in Alberta, along with over 100 businesses across the organic community with the mission to represent, support, and grow Alberta’s entire organic industry. The organization holds training and informational workshops regularly across the province.

A recent conference was held in Nisku, running from Friday, February 28 to Sunday,

March 2.

“Organic Alberta has hosted this Annual Conference and Tradeshow since 2015. It brings together over 200 attendees, including farmers and ranchers, industry professionals, organic experts, and key stakeholders in the organic sector,” Small Farm Canada’s website said in promotion of the event.

“In 2025, we are delighted to collaborate with the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association to launch the Agri-tourism 2035 Growth Strategy. With over 25 speakers and multiple break-out sessions, the annual Organic

Alberta conference offers a fantastic opportunity to equip farmers, producers, U-pick berry growers and agritourism operations with the information they need to succeed while fostering valuable connections within the industry,” the website said.

The conference included Member of Parliamentfor the Edmonton Riverbend riding, Matt Jeneroux, who spoke on mental health awareness, along with the impact of tariffs, counter-tariffs and a team Alberta approach presented by Bianca Parsons, the Executive Director of the Alberta Food Processors Association.

Both Organic Alberta and Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association held their AGM during the Nisku conference, covering topics to be explored in the upcoming year. Currently, less than 25 per cent of domestic demand for organic vegetables at retail is filled by Canadian producers. With the growing desire for organic products, more than 20 million Canadians are buying organic products weekly, Organic Alberta’s website says. There are nearly 5,000 certified organic farms in Canada and the number is rising as there is an increase in research and funding that is being distrib-

uted to the organic sector.

To help encourage new farmers to enter organic farming, Organic Alberta launched the program ‘Young Agrarians’ in 2015, funded by Peavey Mart’s Agricultural Community Grant. The program has been a successful initiative that helps grow the next generation of ecological farmers in Alberta who are looking to gain skills and knowledge by helping them navigate the opportunities and challenges of starting a farm. Farmer-to-farmer relationships begin to develop by networking at workshops and farm tours put on by the Young Agrarian program.

Tofield Ag

Busy B Bargains

Mundare farming family legacy honoured with provincial award

Mundare farming family legacy honoured with award

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Michael Zeleny was in his 20s when he first immigrated to Canada in search of a new life during the early 1900s.

After first arriving in Vancouver, he eventually purchased 160 acres of land near Mundare for $3,700 in 1920. Soon after, he met and married his bride, Eva.

Little did he realize that over 100 years later, his descendants would not only still be working the land and calling it home, but the Zeleny name would be forever chiseled into history with an Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award from the provincial government.

Last month Zeleny’s son, Clarence, 88, along with his wife Norma and their family were presented with the Alberta Century Farm and Ranch award at their home by Fort SaskatchewanVegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk.

The award recognizes farms whose families have owned and operated the same land for 100 years or more.

Robb Zeleny, Clarence’s son, said he’s very proud of his family’s farming history being recognized with the award.

“It’s a proud feeling. Not too many farms can farm on the same quarter for that many years and live there too. Grandpa lived there, dad lived there, that’s (huge),” he said. “I think (dad) was happy about it. He didn't show too much emotion, but I'm sure he was proud of it.”

Zeleny said his grandfather was one of the first in the area to have power installed, and he farmed until 1961 when Zeleny’s father Clarence took over. Zeleny said his father introduced cattle to the farm in 1963 which had, up until then, been raising pigs, chickens and grain.

He said over time, the farm which had once encompassed 160 acres, grew at it’s peak to over 3,400 acres.

Zeleny’s memories of growing up on the farm with his two sisters Arlette and Shauna, include having egg fights with old eggs found forgotten in the barn, spending time with the family dog Rex, and feeding newborn cattle.

“Living on the farm was truly the best life a person could ever ask for,” wrote Zeleny’s sister Shauna in a letter.

“There are so many memories we had growing up that made us who we are today.”

Shauna shared a heartwarming memory in her letter of the special care she gave to the many cats who lived on the farm.

“One of my jobs was to pick eggs from the chicken coop after school, but we also had probably 20 cats on the farm which I loved.

There were days when there weren’t enough leftovers to feed those cats, so I decided they couldn’t go hungry. I made a decision to take the profit from the eggs and feed a few dozen a day to the cats,” she said.

“Dad couldn’t figure out why the chickens stopped producing, but I think he knows now.”

Zeleny’s other sister Arlette described how her parents encouraged each of the three children to raise a calf of their own and once it was time to sell, put the

money into their bank accounts. She said her parents also passed

down the life lessons to their grandchildren.

“Dad and mom

looked after all nine grandchildren. All of them were instilled with life long learning lessons which we are all grateful for,” she said.

Meanwhile, Zeleny credits his son, Kyler, for the award happening at all.

“Kyler, my son, did all the paperwork. He's the one that got all the wheels going, did paperwork, phoned the city, phoned Jackie and got the wheels going,” he said.“

Continued on Page

Robb Zeleny tosses some grain into the air for a fun photo with his father, Clarence, standing nearby in 2014. The image was captured by Zeleny's son, photographer Kyler Zeleny.

RCMP arrest teenager with $15K in drugs

On March 19, the Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team executed a search warrant on a residence in the Rosedale neighbourhood of Red Deer. As a result of the search warrant, police have seized approximately 800 grams of cocaine, packing materials, a digital scale and approximately $14,495 of Canadian currency.

A youth, aged 16, was arrested on scene and was found in possession of 16 pre-packaged bags of cocaine and two spitballs of cocaine.

The youth, who cannot be named under Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with the following offences:

• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking

• Proceeds of crime over $5,000

• Illegal possession of government documents

The youth was taken before a Justice of the Peace and was released on a Release Order with conditions.

They are scheduled to appear in court on April 3, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer.

“This arrest is part of our ongoing efforts to disrupt street level drug trafficking within Red Deer. Drug trafficking poses a threat to the safety and well-being of everyone, and we are committed to holding those involved responsible,” said Sgt. Robert Daisley. "We encourage anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it. If you see something, say something”

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Mundare farmers

two quarters of dad’s,” he said adding there is still interest in farming from his sister’s families.

Continued from

Continued from Page 24

“He wanted it for Christmas, but Jackie just couldn't get there in time, so we gave it to (mom and dad) just a few weeks ago. I really appreciate Kyler doing this, because if it wasn't for him, we would have never have had this award.”

Kyler, a photographer and story-teller, has published three books so far on his small-town rural observations, and last Aug., Maclean’s magazine wrote an article on Kyler’s 2023 anthology ‘Bury Me in the Back Forty’.

The book chronicles small-town Mundare through photos taken by Kyler over a nine-year period.

Today, Zeleny said his dad was still farming with him up until last year. He said his father, who by nature is a gogetter, is starting to slow down.

“Dad was farming with me as of last year, no problem, 88 years old, and then all sudden, his knee (gave out) and he can't move around. It's bothering him, because he's a type of person that's got to go out and feed the cats and get the mail and whatnot, and he can't do that,” he said.

As far as the future of the Zeleny farm goes, Zeleny said his part may end when he retires.

“At peak time, we were farming 3,400 acres, and we had 300 animals in the yard, but we don't do that now, because we're slowing down. Dad sold his cattle, I sold my cattle, and now I am farming 1500 acres with

“It’s a proud feeling. I mean you’ve got three generations of Zelenys farming on the same quarter. I have a son, but his interests are not in the farm so it’s probably going to stop when I retire. It was a pleasure farming with my dad all of these years.”

The farm’s original owners, Mike and Eva Zeleny, both passed away months apart in 1972; Eva first at the age of 77 on Feb. 4 and Mike on May 19 at the age of 82.

According to the province’s website, the Century Farm and Family Award program began in 1992 and more than 1960 family farms have been recognized since its inception over 30 years ago.

The Zeleny children, Robb, Shauna (red pants) and Arlette with their father Clarence enjoying time with a newborn calf and the family dog, Rex, in 1974

Photo: Robb Zeleny

Clarence and Norma Zeleny sit proudly at their home with their Alberta Century Farm and Ranch award last month. Photo: Robb Zeleny

Bees

Joe Konecny Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Government of Canada’s 2023 Statistical Overview of the Canadian Honey and Bee Industry illustrates the size and impact of bee farming.

“Beekeeping is an important agricultural industry in Canada, producing honey and other hive products, and delivering valuable pollination services to farmers of orchard fruits, many berries, vegetables, forage, and the production of hybrid canola seed,” according to the report.

In 2021, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) estimated that the total annual economic contribution of honeybee

pollination was about $3.18 billion. When honeybee pollination of hybrid canola seed is also considered, the total estimated contribution is $7 billion per year.

The number of hives across the country increased in 2023 to 794,341, about 3.6 percent more than the previous year, consistent with the previous four years.

The volume of honey produced in Canada in 2023 increased 23.4 percent from a year earlier to 91.8 million pounds. The total value of the national harvest increased 8.2 percent over the previous year to $277 million, about 22 percent higher than the average of the previous four years.

About 64 percent of Canadian honeybee

colonies are in the Prairie provinces – Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta – however the majority (59 percent) of beekeepers with one or more honeybee colonies operate in Ontario and British Columbia.

Ontario and B.C. beekeepers manage 23 percent of colonies in Canada, however, the Prairie beekeepers accounted for 81 percent of national honey production in 2023, totaling 74,222 thousand pounds. Nationwide, 91,807 pounds were produced.

NTCF grant funding must by completed by March 2028 for reporting.

“Our main goal in Forestburg is to have the site development-ready,” Enright says, adding that the Village is a great partner in that by providing road access.

“We’ve got two years to market that development. Different clients have different needs, and might want a different configuration for a rail line. We are optimistic about rail accessibility bringing customers to the Forestburg development.

“We are on that stage of growth where we can be seen as a safe place to invest with successful partners.”

Enright says BRR’s expansion of services really follows the Federated Coop model, where diversification enhances profit for shareholders. “We are owned by our members, so our profit goes back primarily to those who invested in the short line, and those who use it.

“The shortline industry has passed the ‘prove it’ stage into established business and growth stage.”

That’s where BRR has an advantage over other shortlines, in that the rail quality in this shortline is superior to many other branch lines.

And growth has been very important to BRR and its members, he says. “In 2015 we started moving oil and grain, then oil stopped and there was a poor grain crop. Trying to reduce costs and manage through that was a lot less fun than figuring out how to grow and bring on new employees and new customers.

“We’ve had very committed shareholders. The vast majority of money put in were through investment shares. But we have committed shareholders, who feel proud to receive dividends and support a local business.”

vest locally.

“To have an avenue here where locals can invest locally turns into people who today are very proud to be shareholders.”

Overall, Enright says,

“The sooner the grain is on rail, the better it is for road authorities throughout the province,” he says.

“The Province spends a whole lot of money building and maintaining roads and almost zero money supporting rail.”

Enright says agreements with the Province put the entire cost of maintaining crossings on BRR’s shoulders. That includes four lighted crossings on Secondary Highway 855, and Highways 36 and 53, and the old 36 near Galahad, along with 53 uncontrolled crossings.

He says the Province’s Locomotive Fuel Tax went up March 1, some-

thing that hits a shortline harder than the big players.

BRR also supports the Friends of the Battle River Railway, who own a passenger car and open air car and run different tourism excursions throughout the year.

At Christmas, BRR partners with them to run local excursions by donation which they then donate to the local Food Banks. “We see that as a positive local interaction.”

P.O. Box 123, Lougheed, AB T0B 2V0 Manager: Jeremy Simpson Phone: 780-386-3771

Email: lscp@xplornet.com Website: lougheedprocessing.ca

He says, “The new generation co-op model works very well in rural Alberta,” he says.

“In general we don’t lack capital or investment, we lack the ability to in-

Alliance Rail facility.

Rosalind Rail facility.

Heisler Rail facility.