June 19 Tofield Mercury

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Ryley Sports Day - pages 14 & 15

Your LOCAL Media since 1918!

VOLUME 106: ISSUE 42

www.tofieldmerc.com

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Bob Layton-Shane Blakely fundraiser brings in over $10,000 for Tofield of Dreams

Live auction winner, Blaine Soenen (centre) poses with Bob Layton (L) and Shane Blakely (R) as part of the Caribou Publishing donation package. The package, won with a $250 bid, included a Caribou Publishing duffle bag, a one-year subscription to the Tofield Mercury, and a heat-sensitive colour-changing mug, in addition to a front-page photo with radio great Bob Layton and legendary helicopter news pilot Shane Blakely. In a twist of fate, Soenen's wife, Marg Mitchell, not pictured, won the 50/50 draw at the end of the evening and took home over $500.

JANA SEMENIUK PHOTO Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter A fundraiser, held Wednesday, June 12 at the Tofield Community Hall, featured an evening of stories with radio great Bob Layton and legendary news helicopter pilot Shane Blakely. Tofield Golden Club treasurer Jim Robichaud said the nearly sold-out show brought in more than $10,000 for the Tofield Golden Club after event expenses. The Golden Club has been fundraising since last Nov. to support their ‘Tofield of Dreams,’ a building expansion that will double the size of their current facility and include a gymnasium. The project

is expected to cost $1.5 million.

Robichaud said the event was overwhelmed with support from the community, which included the donation of over 100 silent and live auction items from local businesses and organizations, in addition to the sale of 160 tickets for the event.

The evening included a taco bar where attendees built their own tacos, in addition to an ice cream and sundae bar nearby.

Camrose Constituency MLA Jackie Lovely also attended the event. She donated an air fryer for the auction and spoke to the crowd about her commitment in helping the Golden Club achieve their goal.

“This is going to happen. If you build it, they will come,” she said. “I am very supportive of this project and we will look to find a funding stream for you.

(You) have my promise and I will write a letter of support for you.”

Meanwhile, Layton, 80, was first to take the stage and shared stories around his early career in radio, including his heyday with 630 CHED in the 70s. He also shared heartbreaking stories he covered over the years, such as the four Mayerthorpe RCMP officers who were gunned down in 2005 by gunman James Roszko, and a father who lost his 11-year-old son, Story and more photos continued on page 8

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Page 2 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Victim Services holds memorial golf tournament fundraiser Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

Beaver County Victim Services (BVCS) held their annual Ron Robinson Memorial Golf tournament on Friday, June 14, at the Tofield Golf Course and Campground. This year 21 teams, consisting of 82 golfers, participated in the tournament, which is more than last year’s 14.

“It’s a little windy, we started off with some rain, but the sun’s out now,” said program coordinator Jaylynn Umphrey.

The golf tournament fundraiser has been held for over 25 years, and Ron Robinson, after whom the memorial tournament is named, was a strong supporter of Victim Services during his life.

“Ron Robinson was on the Board for Victim Services back in the day as the treasurer. He was a huge supporter of

BVCS held their annual Ron Robinson Memorial Golf tournament on Friday, June 14, at the Tofield Golf Course and Campground. This year 21 teams, consisting of 82 golfers, participated in the tournament. Pictured above are Team Fun, (L-R): Faye McConnell, Edna Dach, Bette Gray, Teddy Moline.

VSU (Victim Services Unit). He started the golf tournament, now known as the Ron Robinson Memorial Golf Tournament,” Umphrey said in an earlier interview.

Five food holes were set up throughout the course, and new this year was a cinnamon bun station.

“We have nachos and cheese, veggie cups, the burger bar, ice cream desserts, and the one that is different this year is

the cinnamon buns,” Umphrey said.

Victim Services has been switched to a regional model, but Umphrey said the funds raised from the tournament will be used by the current board, as they will remain a society despite the regionalization of Victim Services.

“The funds we’ve raised will go back into the program to support victims of crime and tragedy throughout Beaver County,” she said.

Pictured above (L-R): Dwain Carr, Marc Lochhead, Steve Mackey, Ty Yoder.

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - Page 3

Latest fundraiser brings Golden Club closer to goal Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter

With the Tofield Golden Club’s latest fundraiser, an evening with Bob Layton and Shane Blakely, bringing in over $10,000, treasurer Jim Robichaud said the club has almost reached 10 per cent of their $1.5 million project cost for the Tofield of Dreams. He said reaching at least 15 per cent is crucial for government grant funding.

“We have to provide a certain percentage of (the

funding) ourselves in order for the government to approve funding,” he said. “They want to see that the community is behind us.”

Robichaud said the club is also weeks away from attaining charitable designation status which will enable them to distribute tax receipts for donations.

Meanwhile, the community poured into the June 12 event to show their support, filling 160 of the 200 available seats.

Golden Club member Adele Miller said she was very happy with the outcome of the evening and felt fully

confident the club will see the building of the Tofield of Dreams come to fruition. “(The event) was amazing. I had no idea that it could grow to this,” she said. “With this kind of positive feedback from our community, and those that are living around our community, I don't think there's going to be any problem with getting the Tofield of Dreams to be the success we all hope it to be.”

The Tofield of Dreams is a planned expansion of the current Tofield Golden Club which will double the size of the building and include a gymnasium.

Busy B donates to 4-H

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Bonnie Ferguson, Busy B, recently presented a cheque to Seirre, Halla, and Bekka Spruyt of Tofield 4-H Beef and Multi Club. Funds are earmarked for mats for the arena fundraiser.

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Page 4 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Firefighters Ball generates big donation to local Food Bank

The Tofield Fire Department Society President Krystin Hoculak presents a large donation check to Tofield Ryley and Area Food Bank Volunteer Coordinator Sue McNabb on June 4.

Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter

Tofield Ryley and Area Food Bank (TRAFB) volunteers were thrilled earlier this month to receive a large donation from the Tofield Fire Department Society for $12,281.87. TRAFB Board Chair, Dawn Arnold, posted the news on social media and expressed her gratefulness.

“A thousand thank you’s to the men

and women who put their life on the line at every call-out. Your incredibly generous donation is so very much appreciated,” she said.

Kevin Moos, Tofield Fire Chief, said the donation encompassed proceeds from their Firefighter’s Ball that happened April 13. Moos said the event, which includes silent auction and ticket sales, is put together every three years with donations supporting a different charity each time. He said this is the

first time the proceeds have been given to the local food bank.

“The members of the fire dept like to support the community in a number of ways. Donating the proceeds back to the community is what the Tofield fire

department feels is important,” said Moos.

The check was presented on June 4 to TRAFB Volunteer Coordinator Sue McNabb from the President of the Fire Department Society Krystin Hoculak.

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - Page 5

Seniors in Beaver County celebrated with recent breakfast Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter

Senior’s week in Beaver County was celebrated with a special free breakfast June 7 at the Tofield Golden Club.

Several organizations took part to make the event a success, including Beaver County Victim Services, Town of Tofield, Beaver County, and Tofield/Beaver

County West Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) as well as the Tofield and Area Health Foundation. FCSS Executive Director Tracey Boast-Radley said at least 75 people came out for breakfast which was slightly more than last year.

“Last year we had 63 so we did pretty good (this year),” she said.

“We're glad (and) we're

happy to have the seniors out. This is a nice way to celebrate them and say thank you.”

Boast-Radley said Tofield councillor Brenda Chehade, who is also on the Health Foundation, helped out by picking up seniors with the Tofield bus to bring them to the breakfast.

Attendees enjoyed visiting with each other while having their break-

fast. The meal consisted of eggs, pancakes, sausages and bacon cooked outside the Golden Club by volunteers Tofield Chief Administrative Officer Cindy Neufeld, Tofield town councillor Brenda Chehade, Tofield Recreation Coordinator Vanita Eglauer, and Beaver County manager of external relations and special projects Aimee

Boese.

Tofield Golden Club social director Lynn Hryhirchuk said senior events are important to helping the seniors feel a part of the community.

“I think lots of seniors feel left out so much, because kids have so many activities, hockey and soccer and baseball. We (need to) know the sen-

iors are still important too. They like to be recognized,” she said.

Radley-Boast said another event took place at the Ryley Sunshine Club earlier in the week where seniors came to hear speakers from the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) talk about benefits, credits and fraud.

Tofield School invites our community to the

2024 Grades 5-8

Middle School Awards Tuesday, June 25th from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm in the Tofield School Gym

Volunteers worked hard on June 7 to cook up a free breakfast for seniors at the Tofield Golden Club to celebrate senior's week. L-R: Beaver County manager of external relations and special projects Aimee Boese, Tofield Chief Administrative Officer Cindy Neufeld, Tofield Recreation Coordinator Vanita Eglauer, and Tofield town councillor Brenda Chehade.

JANA SEMENIUK PHOTO

HELP WANTED Community Reporter The Tofield Mercury is seeking a Casual Community Reporter to cover news events that happen in Tofield, Ryley, Holden, and area on an as-needed basis.

Usually 3 to 4 items per week on average.

Coverage would include taking clear digital photographs, writing a summary of the event, and getting quotes when needed from participants and/or organizers afterwards to confirm outcome and any other important details.

Past journalism experience not necessary. Some general writing aptitude required, article must include a clear and accurate report of events.

Camera provided. Must have own car or ride to events.

Reporter will be paid per news item, plus any required mileage for out of town travel.

If interested, please apply with cover letter, resume, and references: in-person at The Tofield Mercury office in Tofield; by email to kamcjm@gmail.com; or by mail to Box 150, Tofield, AB T0B 4J0

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Page 6 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, June 19, 2024

OPINION

Want to have your say?

Write a Letter: news.tofield@gmail.com (all opinions must be signed to be published)

JOHN’S RANT Singh once again shows how low he can go This foreign interference material flowing out of Ottawa should be scaring most Canadians.

Sadly, that’s not the case. Most probably don’t care.

But when elected officials or senators can be bought and paid for by foreign government operatives, that should be worrying.

That several mainstream Canadian media outlets have been accepting promotional - let’s call them advertising features - from some Chinese outlets, yet passing them off to their readers as real news, that too, should be alarming.

And then we come to Jagmeet Singh and Elizabeth May. Both have read the top secret report, the unredacted version, which mentions the names of some of those ne’er do well MPs and Senators.

But under the Security of Information Act and the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Act, they can’t report anything they read. Not even to their caucuses using parliamentary privilege. The secrecy contract they’ve signed onto doesn’t allow it.

If they want to blurt out the names it could lead to jail sentences for them.

As one report described it it’s a Catch-22. It’s also a sad commentary on our Canadian democracy.

Although I do understand, by disclosing anything in the top secret report could damage Canada’s reputation in the eyes of our “five eyes” foreign intelligence community.

Now Elizabeth May said she saw nothing incriminating in the report. Maybe she meant she didn’t see her own name, so it’s all A-OK. Singh on the other hand stated he was quite concerned about the report. He did say he saw names, but no NDP parliamentarians.

“I am not relieved after reading this report. I am more concerned today than I was yesterday,” Singh told reporters later after viewing the documents.

“In short, there are a number of MPs who have knowingly provided help to foreign governments, some to the detriment of Canada and Canadians. There are also politicians at all levels of government who have benefited from foreign interference,” he said.

“Some of this behaviour absolutely appears to be criminal and should be prosecuted.”

When pressed he went so far as calling those MP’s, “indeed traitors to the country,” Singh said the evidence shows Justin Trudeau is willing to accept some level of foreign interference, which weakens democracy and undermines the confidence of Canadians.

A party spokesperson later said that Singh’s comments should not be taken as confirming or denying that the parliamentarians cited in the report are currently serving.

A spokesperson for the Opposition Conservatives said if Singh really has a concern about Trudeau failing to protect democracy, he must pull his support for the Liberals and let them face Canadians in an election.

But Singh signalled his party will not walk away from the confidence-and-supply deal that is keeping the minority government in power.

The NDP leader stated it’s a fallacy to suggest holding an election is a solution to election interference.

Or perhaps the real reason for not breaking his pact with the Trudeau Liberals is February 2025.

That is the month Singh becomes eligible for his parliamentary pension with a potential lifetime payout of $2.3 million.

I guess you can buy a new BMW and a couple of fresh bespoke suits with that kind of change. Just what is needed to represent the working man.

Heck, you can even throw in an upgraded Rolex watch.

Now, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has said he would eject any members of his caucus named in a bombshell NSICOP report.

The reason he won’t read it is a kind of legislative Catch-22 that Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet has previously referred to as a “dumb trap.”

If Poilievre gets the top-level security clearance required to read the report, he will henceforth be sworn to secrecy on what it contains.

“Agreeing to this security briefing means getting the information and the names. However, those who obtain the names are not allowed to disclose them, not allowed to talk about it and not allowed to act on this information,” was how Bloc Québécois MP Jean-Denis Garon explained the process in the House of Commons this week.

Poilievre’s refusal to read the report also provided a rare moment of agreement between himself and former NDP leader Tom Mulcair.

Mulcair said he never would have taken a deal that would have required him to be “hamstrung” on what he could say in regards to a major foreign interference scandal.

“I don’t want to be told that now that I’ve seen this I can’t say that,” said Mulcair, who was the Leader of the Official Opposition from 2012 to 2015.

The former NDP leader added, “I think that on this, Poilievre is completely right.”

It’s too bad Singh doesn’t have the same integrity as his predecessor.

JOHN MATHER

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - Page 7

LOOSE ENDS Flash and rumble

Carol Livingstone Tofield Mercury Columnist

The other evening I was wondering what complaints department I needed to call about the

poor choices of relaxing music on TV to drift off to. There are choices but they don’t change often enough. I like playing songs that I like – love even – but not the same ones night after night.

Lukas Nelson, Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill.

Maybe the quieter tunes

by Luke Combs or Chris Stapleton.

Something soothing that won’t keep me awake as I sing it in my head.

Then my search was

interrupted by flash and rumble outside the window where the spruce was doing the high wind herky-jerky and rain was thundering on the roof.

The kind of heavy gullywashing storm that often includes knocking out the lights, a situation that could put me in a pickle because Hubby was already in bed and snoring.

He always goes to bed before I do and zonks out as soon as his head finds his pillow, no soothing

music needed. So he wouldn’t hear me hollering about being stuck in my dump chair which uses electricity. I imagined being there all night or however long it took the power to come back on. Not able to see in the dark like a cat or an owl, I’m more like the things that go bump in the night. Alone in complete darkness is not on my Bucket List of places to visit before I die. After that I won’t care.

I quickly got out of my chair and pointed my walker in the direction of the hallway, hoping that the lights stayed on until I reached the bedroom.

They did so now I was safe, if a bit disoriented by the thundering deluge overhead, but if my nightie ended up inside out or backwards, so be it. And I can pee in the dark; I do it all the time when Nature calls in the middle of the night.

(Oops, TMI?)

However, the sudden silence of no rain, flash and rumble just as I was climbing into bed was even more discombobulating. Had I gone deaf? I lay there staring up at the ceiling. Hearing music, which was good because I wasn’t deaf after all, bad because it wasn’t my soothing in my head music. Oh boy. Maybe if I pull my duvet over my ears I can put off turning off the TV until morning…

RCMP Report Two suspects arrested and charged with assault in Ryley Tofield RCMP received 80 calls for service between June 1 and 15, 20 of which were related to traffic offences. Seven collisions including three in-

volving animals. Other calls were for erratic drivers or driving while distracted. A few violations tickets were issued.

Sixteen calls of suspi-

Strathcona County RCMP investigate bomb hoax at school On June 17, at 1:08 p.m., Strathcona County RCMP responded to a bomb threat at Bev Facey High School in Sherwood Park.

School administration received a phone call where a male stated, “I have a bomb,” and hung up.

The male caller did not provide any additional information.

The school immediately went into a hold and secure and called the police to attend.

Strathcona County RCMP General Duty members and School Resource Officers attended and searched the building.

Officers did not locate anything suspicious, and the call is believed to a hoax.

Strathcona County RCMP are continuing the

investigation into the source of the threat.

The school has advised they have resources and support available for anyone affected by this incident.

If anyone has any information regarding this crime, please contact the Strathcona County RCMP at 780-467-7741. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.

P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

Strathcona County RCMP

property fence. Nothing was taken, unknown if entry was made. This occurred near Twp Rd 511A and Rge Rd 185. No suspects or witnesses at this time.

June 11 - a report of break and enter into local business in Ryley on 52 street and 52 avenue.

Doors were pried open and a very small amount of cash was taken. No suspects at this time. If any one has any information they are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers.

June 13 - a report of

break and enter on Rge Rd 160 and Twp Rd 472 near Holden. Door was damaged. Small consumable goods were taken.

No suspects at this time.

To report emergencies or serious crimes in progress call 911.

To report incidents that require Tofield RCMP to investigate or assist call the 24 hour complaint line 780-662-3352.

Tofield RCMP

Real Estate costs around the country keep going up and up. Imagine being able to own a great

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cious persons or activities throughout Beaver County. Eight calls involving mental health and well being checks.

June 5 - a stolen truck was located in the ditch on Hwy 834 near Twp Rd 520. Vehicle was originally stolen out of Consort on May 17. No one was seen in area. No suspects at this time.

• Theft from a business in Ryley on 50 street and 50 Avenue. Some inventory was stolen. Investigation is ongoing.

• Assault in Ryley. Two

suspects were arrested and charged. File is in the court process.

June 8 - a report of break and enter into a business in Tofield. Nothing was taken. No suspects and no surveillance.

File has been concluded at this time.

• A truck was stolen from outside a business in Tofield on this date from 50 street and 50 Avenue. No suspects. Investigation is still ongoing.

June 10 - a report of mischief was made in regards to someone cutting

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Page 8 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, June 19, 2024 Story continued from front Hisaya Okumiya, in 1995 after he drowned in the Mill Creek Ravin.

Layton also entertained the crowd with one of his lesser-known talents, ventriloquism. Layton’s dummy, a cantankerous gruff-voiced 89-year-old man named ‘Henry’, told several jokes poking fun at his ‘wife’ Martha, to the delight of the audience.

Shane Blakely brought a ‘virtual tour’ to the evening, with video clips of the amazing sights he has captured over the years from his news helicopter. The dramatic footage included scenes such as a neighbourhood emergency landing of a hot air balloon, the setting up of the Heritage Classic hockey rink inside the Commonwealth Stadium, and watching fireworks from above the brilliant display.

Both Blakeley and Layton have published books that were available for purchase at the event.

As the evening concluded, Blakely said it was a pleasure for him to join Layton in Tofield.

“It was a fantastic evening. Great crowd, awesome food, it’s always nice to come out to events like this,” he said.

Layton said he was impressed with the Golden Club and how the evening unfolded.

“I was so surprised and impressed when I walked into this hall and saw how they had it decorated, how everything was organized. The tacos were great.

Somebody who set that thing up should be opening their own stand,” he said.

Layton added that he was looking forward to the Golden Club finally building their ‘Tofield of Dreams’.

“I want to play pickleball there,” he said.

Above left: In a twist of fate, Blaine Soenen's wife, Marg Mitchell, won the 50/50 draw at the end of the evening and took home over $500. Above right: Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely, posing for a photo with Bob Layton, holds up two of Layton's books he had for sale at the event. Below left: Beaver County Reeve Kevin Smook laughs with the crowd during Layton's performance. Below right: Bob Layton performs with 'Henry.'

JANA SEMENIUK PHOTOS

TOFIELD’S CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS Monday, July 1st, 2024 PANCAKE BREAKFAST: - 7:00 am – 10:00 am Mainstreet or inside

Ritchie Agencies Insurance Ltd is ...

Community Hall— RAIN OR SHINE! * For Gluten Free - call or text (780) 289-9601. Cost: $7.00—Adults, $4.00—Kids 4—10 yrs., Ages 3 & under are FREE. Proceeds to Bardo Lutheran Mission Fund.

Celebrating 45 years!

SUBWAY—COOKIE GIVEAWAY - 10:30 am — Mainstreet (across from Hall) TOFIELD SUBWAY RESTAURANT is proud to be a part of this

community, and is giving away Subway Cookies before the Parade!

PARADE: - 11:00 am Line-up at 10:00 am at Tofield School.

Theme: Salute to our Seniors! To enter, call the Town of Tofield at 780-662-3269. Parade Marshals: Tofield Fire Department.

FREE CAKE AND COFFEE at IGA immediately following Parade

Join us for a customer appreciation OXQFKHRQ DW RXU QHDUHVW RIŴFH ORFDWLRQ

at IGA Parking Lot.

TOFIELD VOLUNTEER FIRE DEP’T FUNDRAISING BBQ - after the parade at Fire Hall $7.00 - burger & pop/water. Proceeds to Alberta Lung Association. Information display and fun things for the kids!

BBQ LUNCH AVAILABLE AT TOFIELD LEGION - after the Parade.

FUN JACKPOT GYMKHANA - 1:00 pm at Outdoor Arena (Sportsgrounds) $25/rider (Pee Wee class exempt from fees). Register on site July 1st by 12:30 pm. High point rider in each category wins nominal purse.

INFLATABLES FOR THE KIDS - 1:00 – 4:00 pm on the Sportsgrounds. Facepainting on site from 1:00 — 3:00 pm.

TOFIELD MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE: - 1:00 – 5:00 pm FREE Admission! Museum located on the service Road. Coffee & cookies available. Everyone welcome!

FREE Family Movie: 7:00 pm at Community Hall. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Movie TBA. Loonie concession: popcorn, pop and candy.

Kids ages 9 & under must be accompanied by an adult.

Hosted by: Tofield/Beaver West FCSS.

FIREWORKS DISPLAY! at 11:00 pm TOFIELD

Thursday, June 20 12 to 2 p.m.

5103 50 St., Viking

Friday, June 21 12 to 2 p.m. $YH 7RŴHOG

All are welcome!

For more information, contact us at: 780-336-4000 ritchie_agencies_viking@cooperators.ca

B CCOUNTY SSEED CCLEANING CCOO --OP BBEAVER EAVER OUNTY EED LEANING O -OP OP EAVER C OUNTY S EED C LEANING C Sale: For September Sale:For Common Seed Oats, & October November Common Seed Oatsonly Pony and Barley Open byOats appointment

Serving all the farms, ranches, acreages and towns in Beaver County

Chronicle

Bruce, Holden, Kinsella Ryley, Tofield, Viking

Phone Phone780-688-3917 780-688-3917 •• Holden, Holden, AB AB Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB

The Beaver County

Hubert && Margaret Graham Hubert Margaret Graham Parts, Sales & Service Parts, Sales & Service Bus: 780-663-3759 Bus: 780-663-3759 Res: 780-662-2384 Res: 780-662-2384 Fax: 780-663-3799 Fax: 780-663-3799 ryalta@digitalweb.net ryalta@digitalweb.net

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

A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday, June 2024, Volume 17, Issue 25 Wednesday, November , 2023, Volume 16, Issue 46 Wednesday, May 19, 29,16 2024, Volume 17, Issue 22 Wednesday February 2022 Volume 15 Issue 7

Community public engagement session at Bruce deemed a success Patricia Harcourt A community engagement session between Beaver County and residents living in Bruce is being deemed a successful project.

That’s due to the uptick in the number of people who came out to provide their opinions on a variety of issues in the hamlet.

Beaver County has jurisdiction over the hamlets of Bruce and Kinsella within the county boundaries. The hamlets can have some of the same kinds of problems as those in the rural areas, but can also have more “urban” style issues as well.

The session was held the afternoon of Thursday, June 13, at the Bruce Community Centre. “We had a great turnout, lots of fantastic feedback and we enjoyed meeting so many of you,” reported the county’s Communications Officer Tracey Popick.

The residents were provided a unique opportunity and interactive way in which to express their opinions at various stations in the hall.

They ranged from choosing the top three things that make a community a nice place to live, to showing photos of various types of yards and asking

which were found unacceptable (most disliked the ‘natural yard’ using native plant species).

This was easy to discern due to all the stickers placed on this natural yard picture in this interactive style of communicating with the public.

The journey took participants through the room by following arrows on the floor and moving through the various stations.

At each station, there was information to read or something to do to express an opinion, such as placing stickers on choices provided.

Other questions involved the height grass should be before mowing, how much to mow county owned lots in the hamlet (costs $180/mo.), whether or not residents should be able to keep backyard chickens, and what kind of storage units should be allowed in the hamlet.

People were asked for their top three concerns regarding unsightly or nuisance properties, and what the main concern was for vehicle storage, including RVs on a property.

Other questions included what the top two noise concerns were, the number of dogs that should be allowed, and information on taxes collected in Bruce and costs to maintain services like roads

Members of Beaver County Council were on hand at the community engagement session in Bruce last Thursday afternoon, including from left: Division 4 Clr. Barry Bruce, Reeve and Division 1 Clr. Kevin Smook, Deputy Reeve and Division 3 Clr. Gene Hrabec and Division 2 Councillor Lionel Williams. Missing from photo: Division 5 Councillor Dale Pederson.

PATRICIA HARCOURT PHOTO and sidewalks.

Another station showed photos of gravel, Terra-Cem and paved roads and asked which was preferred. And there were questions on how the county should pay for increased service levels.

At the end of the stations and information sessions, people were able to

enjoy a snack and meet with the county councillors on hand.

“Your input is invaluable as we work together to improve our community,” Popick said. “We will be compiling the feedback and making it public in the coming weeks. Thanks again for your participation and enthusiasm.”

Tofield Lions Club members hand out Canada Day flags to local students Kari Janzen Tofield Lions Club members visited the two Grade 1 classes at the Tofield CW Sears Elementary School on Tuesday, June 11, to present each of the 46 students with a Canada flag and a certificate.

“This initiative is called Lions Project Pride and it's where we're helping instill some pride that we're Canadians and we live in Canada,” said Lions member Kevin Smook.

Every year children in grade one, in their first year as full-time students, are visited by the Lions Club near the end

of the school year.

“We've been doing this for many, many years, going to the grade one class and handing out a certificate about how great it is to be a Canadian or be in Canada, and also handing each and every grade one student their own Canada flag. We do it around Canada Day, at the end of the school year, because of the natural tie into Canada Day,” Smook said.

The Lions’ efforts are visible within the community, and they are able to point out and teach the students what the Lions are all about.

“It gives us a chance to interact with

the kids, to ask them some questions about Canada Day, and talk about the things that the Lions do in the community and they all identify with that, because they know the pump track, the toboggan hill, and the Lions playground beside the library, so we're telling them that that's is part of what we do, to raise money in the community to support projects like that,” Smook said.

“What's really cool is when we go to graduation and we see the same kids that we handed flags out to 12 years ago. It’s interesting because you get to Lions member Francis Van Engelen know these kids as they grow up.” hands out flags.

2 - Beaver County Chronicle, June 19, 2024

PROTECT OUR WETLANDS AND ROADS: A FRIENDLY REMINDER Did you know altering wetlands or natural streams without permission from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) is a no-go? It’s actually illegal. It's all about keeping our ecosystems thriving and preventing those pesky flooding issues. But hey, we get it, managing land can be tricky. Yet, ditching, trenching, or pumping without AEPA's green light could land you in hot water, including fines or orders to make things right.

Why should we care? Apart from the environmental love, illegal drainage can wreak havoc on our roads. Pooling water weakens road integrity, turning a minor puddle problem into a full-blown road repair headache.

That's why, if drainage do-overs affect our roads, we're on it—reporting to AEPA and giving a friendly heads-up to landowners to fix the flow.

But here's the silver lining: Preserving wetlands is akin to hitting an ecological jackpot. These areas are critical habitats for a myriad of species and act as natural drought guards by retaining soil moisture. Without proper care, the unchecked destruction of wetland habitats can lead to decreased moisture in adjacent soils, adversely affecting the productivity of nearby crops. Given the recent dry conditions, holding onto as much water on your land as possible could significantly mitigate the effects of drought.

Noticed more dry patches and troubled roads lately? It's a sign to champion our wetlands. Let's work together to preserve these natural treasures and keep our roads safe. After all, good neighbours and land stewards make Beaver County shine brighter.

2024 COUNTY CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE (SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

START DATE

EST. END DATE

Culvert Maintenance

Ongoing

Nov 1

Patching oil roads throughout the season

Ongoing

Sep 29

Twp 490 between Rge Rd 124 & Rge Rd 120 Phase 1 Complete

Ongoing

Jun 3

Rge Rd 120 from Twp 490 north for 1 KM

June 13

Jun 17

Holden Streets

Jun 18

Jun 27

Rge Rd 161A between Hwy 14 & Hwy 855

Jun 24

Jun 27

Rge Rd 200 between Hwy 630 & Blackfoot Grazing Reserve entrance

Jul 2

Jul 10

Rge Rd 202 between Twp 502 & Twp 504

Jul 23

Aug 2

Terra-Cem Constructed in the following phases: Phase 1 (Cement) Phase 2 (Chip Seal - 1st Lift) Phase 3 (Chip Seal - 2nd lift) Phase 4 (Final sweep of Chips)

Rechip 2 miles TBD (Contracted for late summer) Shoulder Pulls Shoulder pull Rge Rd 202 between Twp 502 & Twp 504

Jul 15

Jul 18

Backsloping (location TBD)

Oct 2

Nov 1

Gravelling

Mar 13

Dec 22 Complete

Dust Control- 1st Application Dust Control- 2nd Application

Aug 8

Aug 15

TBD - To be Determind

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES Landfill & Ryley Transfer Station: 50117 Rge Rd 173 (HWY 854) Box 322, Ryley, AB T0B 4A0 Weekdays 9:00am - 4:30pm; Saturdays / STATS 9:00am - 3:00pm; Closed Sundays NOTE: customers must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to closing; Administration building Mon to Fri 8:00am —4:00pm, Closed from 12:00 - 1:00pm Toll Free: 1.855.221.2038 Ph: 780.663.2038 Lindbrook Transfer Station: 51008 Rge Rd 201 Ph: 780.662.2704 Tues 10:30am - 5:30pm; Thurs 11:30am - 6:30pm; Sat 10:30am - 5:30pm Tofield Transfer Station: 51032 Rge Rd 191 Ph: 780.662.2731 Wed, Fri & Sat 10:30am - 5:30pm Viking Transfer Station: 12503 Twp Rd 480 Ph: 780.718.7956 Tues 10:30am - 5:30pm; Sat 10:30am - 5:30pm Kinsella Transfer Station: 46418 Rge Rd 113 Ph: 780.226.6802 Wed 11:00am - 5:00pm; Fri 11:00am - 5:00pm Please note: All transfer stations except for the Ryley Transfer Station are closed on Statutory holidays.

Township Road 490: The soil stabilizing for the road base with soil cement is now complete and will be receiving the first layer of chip seal, there may be delays as work crews’ direct traffic in order to work safely. There will be many loose rocks after the chip seal layer is applied and speed limits will be reduced on these roads once opened until the project is complete.

Range road 120: Over the next few weeks, Range road 120 from township road 490 north a mile, will be upgraded from an oiled surface to an all-weather hard surfaced road. This involves stabilizing the road base with soil cement before applying two coats of “chip seal”. While this process is much different from the process to pave a road with asphalt, the end result will seem similar to residents and the travelling public resulting in a road that is not dusty when it is dry, nor muddy when it is wet.

During this construction period, parts of the roads may be closed for crew safety. Please use alternative routes; detours will be clearly marked. If you must drive through construction zones, proceed with caution (local traffic only). Beaver County's goal is to provide a healthy, injury free work environment for all employees, contractors, visitors and general public. Already this year we have had people exceeding the posted speed limit through our construction zones, endangering staff, contractors and the public.

There are potential hazards to the public and vehicles during the construction process. This can include heavy machinery, dust or mud, road material such as gravel, asphalt coatings and rock chips.

We apologize for the inconvenience that road maintenance and upgrading causes, but the same roads that receive the most traffic also need the most maintenance. Thank-you for your patience and understanding during construction. If you have any questions, please call the Beaver County Service centre at 780-663-3730.

Beaver County | 5120 - 50th Street, Box 140, Ryley AB, T0B 4A0 | 780-663-3730 | beaver.ab.ca

Beaver County Chronicle, June 19, 2024 - 3

PROPERTY PROPERTY FOR FOR SALE SALEBY BYCOUNTY COUNTY Discover the perfect canvas for your dream home on this expansive 4.05-hectare property, located at 48208 Range Road 143 in Beaver County. This unique piece of land offers an exceptional opportunity for those looking to build a new residence in rural Alberta.

Find more info on the County Website > Business > RFPs, Tenders, Leases & Sales

IMPORTANT DATES June 19 9:30am - Regular Council Meeting 9:45am - Public Hearing for Proposed Bylaw #24-1152 June 27 2 - 4:30 PM - Ag Service Board Meeting

WHATS HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY Book Club Location: Ross Creek Community Hall, 531041 Rge Rd 191 Rural book club that meets the first Tuesday of each month. Meetings run from 7PM - 8PM, all ages welcome!

Tofield AA - Thursdays, 8 - 9 PM Basement of Bardo Lutheran Church, 4737 57 Ave, Tofield.

Viking AA - Wednesdays, 7:30 PM, Zoom option also available.

Golden Valley Lutheran Church, 5327 56 Ave, Viking. https://area78aa.org/meetings/147-3 Submit your event/s, meetings and/or gatherings to the events calendar on the website! Just head to the website, under the Explore menu click on County Region Events Calendar. We have partnered with Go East to share local events on our website!

DEVELOPMENT PERMITS The following Development Applications have been APPROVED (except where otherwise noted) by the Development Authority under the provisions of Land Use Bylaw No. 98-801, subject to the right of appeal to the relevant appeal body - Subdivision and Development Appeal Board or Land and Property Rights Tribunal.

APPEAL DEADLINE Appeal Body Application No. Applicant Location Development

JULY 17, 2024 LPRT 020020-24-D0037 Lemay, Serge and Laurie Plan 112 2201; Block 1; Lot 3 in NW 22-50-20-W4 Solar Collectors, Ground Mount (over 10m2 floor area)

Any person wishing to appeal an application may do so by serving written notice on the prescribed form (stating reasons for the appeal) to the relevant appeal body. For information on how to appeal can be found our our website under Services > Planning & Development > Appealing Planning Decisions Further information regarding the above decisions may be obtained from the County Office, Ryley, Alberta.

Hello r Summe

Summer is here!

Can someone please let mother nature know?

ENJOY YOUR SUMMER, KIDS! Adults, please keep an eye out for playing kids while driving. Let's keep everyone safe and have a fantastic summer!

Thank Thank you! you!

BRUCE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Community Peace Officer - Level 1 For more information, and details on how to apply, visit our website > Government > Careers

Stay S tay in in the loop! loop! the

Mailing list Get news, meeting highlights, the road construction schedule, the Chronicle, and more - direct to your inbox!

Social media

Website

Find us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Information on County programs and services can be found on our website, along with the latest news.

Beaver County | 5120 - 50th Street, Box 140, Ryley AB, T0B 4A0 | 780-663-3730 | beaver.ab.ca

4 - Beaver County Chronicle, June 19, 2024

Complacency a problem regarding railroad safety Kari Janzen Thursday, June 6, marked International Level Crossing Awareness Day, which is an initiative to raise awareness on the dangers of level crossings, which is where a railway line crosses a road at the same level, as opposed to a line that crosses over or under using an overpass or tunnel. Canadian National Railway (CN) Community Resource Officer Cst. Dean Solowan says complacency is a problem when it comes to railroad safety.

“Always assume when approaching a railway crossing that there might be a train approaching. We have a little slogan on the railway: see tracks, think train. Look, listen, and live. Some people think trains run on schedules, which they don't. Or, their mind is multitasking, they are using electronic devices, or distracted by other occupants, like a passenger or kids going to and from school,” he said.

Solowan said joint-force operations to combat complacency are set to occur on International Level Crossing Awareness Day, to observe traffic and inform road users of railroad safety.

“Railway services, as well as police services, target their resources, if available, around the railway to bring more attention to motorists, if they are doing things they shouldn't be doing,” he said.

“Trains come through your community several times a day, and there are people who don't seem to have the patience to wait for a train. Instead of waiting several minutes for that train to clear, they will actually accelerate or even disobey the rules of the road to beat that train, and that’s when life changing mistakes happen,” Solowan said.

Solowan described the two types of railroad crossings, which are active and passive crossings.

“An active crossing is when the lights start to flash and the bells start to ring, and that means that you have to safely stop at a railway crossing, and the gates will shortly thereafter, usually ten to 15 seconds, start to descend.

“A passive crossing is when there is just a stop sign and a crossbuck. This is a mandatory regulated stop sign; it has the same rules of the road as any other stop sign,” Solowan said. “If there is no train, and after stopping, you look left and right, you can proceed cautiously over. If there is a train present and in motion within 500 metres, you must wait for that train to clear the crossing before you proceed through. That's a thing a lot of people don't know,” he said.

Solowan compared the lights and bells at an active crossing to be the equivalent to when a traffic light turns yellow.

“The light turns yellow so you have time to get out of the intersection. It doesn't mean gun it to get through, no, it means slow down; it's going to

change to red. Based on the road conditions, for example, if somebody is approaching an active crossing and then the front of their vehicle is just within that area and the light start to flash, it's not realistic for them to slam on the brakes, and then back up. We don't want that; we want you to clear the intersection. But when the lights have been flashing for 12, 13 seconds, and people are still going through, they're going through to try to beat that train.

They're not attempting to stop,” Solowan said.

“When you try to beat a train, there’s only going to be one winner. The train always has the right of way, even over first responders, because they physically can't stop,” he said.

Another thing that motorists may not realize is that where there is a crossing with more than one track, like the crossing into Tofield on 51 St., there is a number between the lights indicating how many sets of tracks there are to cross. It is best practice to wait until the lights have stopped flashing before entering the crossing, to ensure there is not another train approaching.

“We always tell people to wait to cross until the lights have stopped flashing after the train has cleared the crossing, but they're impatient, many times.

If a motorist drives up to a crossing, a train goes by, they see the tail end of that train, and their focus is the tail end of that train. The lights are still flashing, but they're impatient, they want to go, so they start to proceed. However, it's multiple tracks, which means there could be multiple trains. And that's the catch, where now they look to the left, and they see three large lights coming at them and you don't have time to react. You've just made a life changing decision which is not in your favour,” Solowan said.

Solowan stressed the stopping distance from a railroad crossing be no closer than five metres away, and no further than 15 metres, because the danger of making contact with the train, or having your vision obscured, is more likely when those distances aren’t kept.

“If you park further than five metres away from a crossing, your sight lines down those railway tracks become tainted, especially where trees, buildings, or billboards block your view,” he said.

“In general, ensure you stop at least five metres from a railway crossing and when you go over, ensure you can clear the crossing completely so your tail end doesn't get clipped, because trains do overhang in excess of one metre on each side. It's not just the rail that you see, it's usually the rail, plus that rock ballast, that shows you the whole area that is encompassed and occupied by a train,” he said.

If ever an emergency occurs at a railroad crossing, or damage needs to be reported, every crossing throughout North America has a blue and white placard with crossing-specific informa-

tion.

“The placard has the emergency railway number, which is 1-800-465-9239. It also indicates a subdivision and a mileage point. If a pedestrian, motorist, or a concerned citizen wants to report damage to a crossing, or any type of rail-related concern, they can contact that number on that placard. When call and provide the information found on the placard, we know exactly which crossing they’re at, throughout North America. The railway is not identified by streets and avenues; it's identified by

mileage markers and different subdivisions,” Solowan said.

Solowan also said if there is an emergency and 9-1-1 is called, the dispatchers have an overlay to identify where the accident has occurred.

“The 9-1-1 dispatches have an overlay that goes over top of their map, so if somebody describe their location by range road and township road, the 9-11 dispatch is able to pull up our railway overlay and correspond where that would be,” he said.

Full-Time Permanent Job Opportunity:

Kitchen Service Manager

Town of Viking Carena Kitchen We are seeking a dedicated Food Service Manager to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for the food industry and providing exceptional customer service. This position offers an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to grow their career in the food service industry. If you possess these skills and are passionate about delivering exceptional service, we encourage you to apply for this role.

Skills: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Proven experience in managing food service operations, including staff management, inventory control and menu planning.

Strong understanding of food safety regulations and a record of maintaining high standards of cleanliness and sanitation.

A Safe Food Handling Certificate is required. (Certificate is an online course) Demonstrated ability to increase sales and control costs to improve the profitability of the food service establishment.

Excellent customer service skills with an ability to resolve conflicts and ensure customer satisfaction.

Capability to train and motivate staff to provide exceptional food quality and presentation consistently.

Demonstrate leadership qualities in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

Experience with Touch Bistro is an asset.

Duties: 1. Oversee food preparation and other kitchen operations.

2. Order food and beverages, equipment, and supplies.

3. Ensure that employees comply with health and food safety standards.

4. Ensure timely food service and quality control.

5. Address customer complaints or concerns.

6. Inspect supplies, equipment, and work areas.

7. Prepare daily/weekly/monthly reports.

8. Conduct interviews for potential new hires.

9. Evaluate performance and provide feedback.

10. Help to resolve employee issues and disputes.

Pay based on experience level, LAPP Pension and Health Benefits after three months.

The Town of Viking thanks all applicants for your interest, however only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Job will be posted until a suitable candidate is found!

Please complete the Application for Employment form on the website, www.viking.ca Applications can be submitted to: Doug Lefsrud, CAO Town of Viking Box 369 Viking, Alberta T0B 4N0 Email: info.account@viking.ca

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - Page 9

One week left for ‘Take a Year Off’ lottery Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

The cutoff for purchasing a ticket to help raise funds for Phase 2 of the Tofield Arena upgrades is soon approaching, with tickets sales ending at 4 p.m. on Monday, July 1.

Available online only on Rafflebox, tickets can be purchased for a chance to win the $52,000 grand prize and a 50/50 that was, at the press deadline, at $16,400.

The Take a Year Off Lottery and 50/50 opened on April 1 and, so far, over 600 tickets have been purchased. Tofield Agricultural Society (TAS) president Dave Berrecloth says there are about 1,400 tickets left.

“July 1, at 4 p.m. is the deadline to get your ticket and the grand prize of $52,000, plus seven additional prizes with only 2000 tickets printed. Also currently running is the add on of a 50/50 draw that you could win up to $45,000. Please buy your tickets on the two draws as the proceeds go towards Phase 2 of the Tofield Arena Project,” Berrecloth said.

Phase 2 will see the construction of a dedicated

Zamboni room, enhancements to the east dressing rooms, storage, and a dedicated area for referees. Phase 1 was completed in Fall 2022 and saw the replacement of the cement pad and the brine cooling lines.

“Phase 2 is currently underway and is anticipating having the final construction copies for review early July with the

tender package to follow immediately after. TAS is pushing towards having the shell of the addition to the Zamboni room, melt pit, referees room and storage sealed up before winter and construction continue into winter to have it ready for the 2025/2026 season,” Berrecloth said.

While work has begun, Berrecloth says the funds

that will be raised from the lottery and 50/50 are crucial to the Phase’s completion.

“The current fundraising with lottery and 50/50 is a vital and important part of our continuing drive towards improving the facility.

Tofield Agricultural Society is rich in culture, progressive change, and stands on both benefitting

SUMMER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY at the TOFIELD MUSEUM The Tofield Historical Society wishes to hire one young adult to work at the Tofield Museum/Beaverhill Lake Nature Centre for 10 weeks starting late June until the end of August.

Responsibilities include: • Greeting the public and aiding them with travel information, museum tours, and helping them access information regarding family history, etc.

• Aiding our curator with accessioning artifacts and archiving materials in our museum.

• Data entry and light cleaning.

• Candidate must be able to work unsupervised.

• Be available June, July and August.

Applicant is to email resume to Lorraine McNeely Email address is: lorrainemcneely2@gmail.com Phone Lorraine: 780-999-9951 if you want more information.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

and giving back to the community as a whole.

Without the support and exceptional generosity of the community, we would not have been able to complete Phase 1 and move onto Phase 2,” he said.

Berrecloth said a new sign has been set up inside the Tofield Arena that lists the donors who contributed to the com-

pletion of Phase 1.

“TAS has recently installed a sign that will hang in the Tofield Arena with the families, businesses, and municipalities that donated to Phase 1. If any families, businesses, or organizations would like to make a contribution to the second Phase, please contact Tofield Agricultural Society,” said Berrecloth.

OBITUARIES OGONOSKI, Emily Emily Ogonoski (nee.

Shanley) from Tofield, Alberta, formerly of Holden, Alberta, passed away on May 31, 2024 at the age of 99 years.

Emily is survived by her son, Dennis (Gwen) Ogonoski, daughter, Donna Ogonoski, son, Robert (Debbie) Ogonoski, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and her brother John (Gail) Shanley.

She was predeceased by her husband John and numerous siblings.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Charity of one's choice.

Weber Funeral Home 780-662-3959 www.weberfuneralhome.ca

Church Directory Bardo Lutheran Church Salem Mennonite Church

Worship: Sundays at 10:30 AM 49232 Rge Rd 184 Tofield, AB Pastor Calvin Andringa Sunday Worship Services:

In Person – 10:00 AM Streaming – 10:00 AM Livestream available at: tofieldalliancechurch.com

We find joy and hope when we are joined to and rooted in Christ!

Pastor Mark Loewen 780-662-2365

Pr. Peter Beckman www.bardolutheranchurch.ca 780-662-2762 • 5907 - 49 Street 5609 48th St. - 780-662-3411

Sunday School for all ages at 9:45 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am

TOFIELD COMMUNITY CHURCH

St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Parish

4619 - 57 Ave

(780) 662-3 3166

Sunday Worship Service 10:30am www.tofieldchurch.com Lead Pastor:

Jon Stewart Children/Youth Pastor:

Nathan Nichols

Tofield United Church 4832 - 53 Ave, Tofield

Sunday Worship Service @ 10 am in person or via zoom/phone

for more information call 780.662.3471 or email tofieldunited@gmail.com

Pastor: Fr. Jim Corrigan Sunday Mass @ 11 A.M. 5523 - 50 st. Tofield, Ab.

Coffee and snacks after Mass, everyone welcome!

Contact Wendy @ 780-232-5300

Page 10 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Business & Professional Services Directory

adsmercury@gmail.com 780-662-4046

Affordable Weekly Advertising! Sizes range from $50-160 per month

Automotive

Tofield Autobody *COLLISION REPAIR SPECIALISTS *WINDSHIELD REPAIRED & REPLACED

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GOLISH CONSTRUCTION LTD. CELL: 780-385-4179 JOHN GOLISH

• Siding, Soffits & Facias • Windows, Doors & Capping • Decks, Railings & Ramps • Shingles & Metal Roofing • Overhead Doors • Concrete Repair • Basement Development

• Bathroom Remodeling • Kitchen upgrades • Foundation Repair • Drywall Board & Tape • Paint & Texturing • Flooring & Tiling • Garages & Additions

• Tofield 780-662-0165

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• Mundare 780-764-2238

Commercial • Farm Auto • Home Recreational • Hail

No job too small, call to book your project!

For your automotive, farm and industrial supplies

780-662-3212

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After hours: 780-914-8576

For your vehicle parts needs FREE vehicle removal Cash paid for some Please call ahead for appointment confirmation Vehicle Removal: Weekdays AM Saturdays PM

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P RIMARY C ONNECTIONS M ASSAGE T HERAPY Registered Massage Therapy “Masseuse Caboose” 5024-53 Ave.

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Patios Pattern/ Exposed Concrete

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780-467-2122 112-85 Cranford Way, Sherwood Park, AB,T8H 0H9 BrokerLink.ca

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Basements Snow Removal Garages

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We find insurance that works for you.

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Meat Packers 5020 - 50 Ave., Tofield, AB HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

SLAUGHTER DAY IS EVERY WEDNESDAY

Phone 780-662-4842 for Appt.

Phone 662-4842 for Appt Fresh Meat & Sausage Counter

THE TOFIELD MERCURY SELLS

PRINTER PAPER $8.95 ONLY PER PACKAGE!

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - Page 11

REMEMBER WHEN Ryleyʼs Royalty Ryley crowned a Sports Day Queen on Saturday, to climax a perfect dayʼs entertainment. Carol Anderson (centre) wears the tiara and ribbon proclaiming her to be the winner, while Princesses Judy Burnstad (left) and Lola Stensrud (right) are her attendants.

This photo appeared in the Tofield Mercury on June 26, 1969.

Business & Professional Services Directory Affordable Weekly Advertising! Sizes range from $50-160 per month

Painting

Real Estate

ML P A I N T I N G & C O N T R A C T I N G

Kevin Smook

QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE.

780-662-4623

TOFIELD & SURROUNDING AREA’ S PAINTER FOR 25 YEARS.

Services Giving back to the community

REALTOR ®

MARCEL: 780-975-7354 marcel@mlpain t. ca

Celebrating 25 years of serving our Community!

Plumbing & Heating

www.home-time.net

P LUMBING & D RAIN C LEANING

RED’S

Roofing

Garnet Malin - Tofield, AB

John Daoust Shingle Co.

•Boilers •New Homes • Renovations • Repairs •Distillers Ph: (780) 662-7237 Cell: (780) 238-7429

adsmercury@gmail.com 780-662-4046

Donations appreciated!

Please send to: Box 1155 Tofield, AB T0B 4J0

Box 576, Tofield Cedar shingles & shakes, EE S FR ATE Asphalt, Repairs, Barns, Churches TIM ES John Daoust 780-662-4901 John Daoust 662-4901

JOHN BERRY 780-996-3450 WE’RE BACK FOR ANOTHER SEASON TO PROVIDE YOU WITH A TOP QUALITY ROOF.

CALL THE TOFIELD MERCURY 780-662-4046 TO ADVERTISING!

FREE ESTIMATES

BIGJOHNSROOFING.CA INFO@BIGJOHNSROOFING.CA

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL SHINGLES CEDAR SHAKES

CALL THE TOFIELD MERCURY TO BOOK THIS SPACE 780-662-4046

Page 12 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, June 19, 2024

L

THE LAMONT

Affordable Advertising with

The

Classifieds

CLASSIFIED AD RATES

$20 minimum for first 35 words, 45¢ per word thereafter (G.S.T. not included) PICTURE $10

BOLD $5

Go into The Community Press for an extra $5 ALL CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PREPAID BEFORE INSERTION unless customer has an account in good standing. All advertising subject to the approval of the Publisher.

WEEKLY REVIEW 780-336-3422

adsmercury@gmail.com

LAMONT LEADER 780-895-2780 lmtleader@gmail.com

____________________ CARD OF OF THANKS CARD THANKS The family of the late Joshua Melney would like to extend a sincere thank you to each person, church and group who gave flowers and cards, sent food, made donations and attended his funeral. Your kindness, hugs and especially, prayers have lifted our hearts during this time of loss.

Special thank you to Pastor Peter for the heartfelt service and graveside tribute. Also, special thanks to Weber Funeral Home and shout out to Tyler for seamlessly assembling all the details and walking us through the unknowns.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to Bardo Lutheran Church who became family to our Josh and loved him dearly.

God bless you all.

TM25P

Lamont

county

3 papers for the price of 1!

CARD OF OF THANKS THANKS CARD

GARAGE SALE GARAGE SALE

HELP WANTED WANTED HELP

SERVICE SERVICES

The Family of Ruby McMullen would like to thank Dr. Hagen and the Viking Extendicare Staff for all of the care given to Mom. We would like to thank everyone for the kind messages of sympathy, flowers, memorial donations, and sympathy cards.

Thanks to Past Steven Te Velde for his comforting words, all the Pallbearers and Mary Hanson for playing the piano. Thanks to Darlene Albrecht and Elaine Kallal (nieces of Ruby) for the Eulogy.

Thanks to Viking Funeral Services (Rose Mae and Staff) for taking care of all of the funeral arrangements. Also, thanks to Food With Flair for the lovely lunch.

AVON sell-off. Ladies clothes (L, XL), books, misc.

4414 57A Ave, Tofield, AB. Sat June 22, 9 - 4, Sun June 23, 10 - 3.

TM25P

Town & Country Guardian Drugs - Killam

Thank you and God Bless, Kelvin Larry & Elaine Merle & Shirley and all of Ruby's Family

1920-2001 Beautiful memories are treasured forever of the happy times we spent together.

In our hearts you hold a place, no one can ever fill.

The memories, jokes, and stories, Are warmly lingering still.

Medical Office Assistant/ Receptionist Position for Yula Medical Clinic We are looking for personable individuals to join our team. Successful applicant(s) would be required to welcome patients, answer phone calls, schedule patient appointments, arrange referrals, ensure proper update of patients' information in the electronic medical records software (Health Quest).

Applicants must be computer literate with basic working knowledge of MS office.

Previous experience in the advertised position/ health care services and the use of Health Quest EMR is considered a plus. Individuals with non-MOA/ Receptionist experience may apply as adequate training would be provided.

Positions are for part-time and casual employment. If you are interested in this position, simply send letter and resume via email to db@yulamedicalelinic.ca with the title MOA Application or mail to P.O, Box 721 Lamont, AB TOB 2RO

vikingreview@gmail.com

TOFIELD MERCURY 780-662-4046

EADER

Serving

ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS Brians Upick fruits berries and veggies will not be opening in 2024. It is officially closed as of June 7. Only be for personal use. We apologise for the inconvenience. We were looking forward to a good year and a good turnout.

24/25p FOR SALE FOR SALE 2022 Chev Blazer R.S. Black, 21” wheels. P.W., P.S., Sunroof, AC, Loaded SUV 90,000 kms Has extended warranty to 120,000 kms $41,500 or best Offer One owner call 780-781-6593 ________________________ •Pepper Plants - $3.50 each •Celery Plants - $1 each 780-678-0053 LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK FOR SALE SALE FOR Registered Red & Black Angus bulls for sale. Call 780-986-9088

MEMORIAL MEMORIAL MOM and DAD TOGETHER AGAIN Olga CHOMIK 1929-2022 Stan CHOMIK

Forever Loved and Dearly Missed.

Love your Children, Grandchildren, and Great-Grandchildren

XOXO REMEMBRANCE REMEMBRANCE GATHERING GATHERING There will be a Remembrance Gathering for MICHAEL CHUBATY. Sunday, June 23, 1-5 pm at the Tofield Legion. Join the family and friends for lunch and refreshments, as we share our thoughts and feelings, and pay our last respects to Mike.

TM25P EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT WANTED WANTED Local retired man looking for employment during the haying season and harvest. Call Gary at 250-826-4279. Thank You. 25/26p

SERVICE 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! I also do ceiling textures.

Flagstaff Taping & Texturing Murray Cholowsky Call or text at 780-385-1251 ________________________ RJM Electrical.

Ron Malowany, Mundare. ronmalowany@yahoo.com.

780-888-1130 ________________________ Roy's Handyman Services.

Flooring, Trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work. Call 780-2323097

We have: •a Kodak picture maker.

•a colour/b&w photocopier.

•cold pop and fresh snacks.

•a great selection of candles, giftware, and fragrances. toys, games,and plush animals.

•plastic gift cards •vitamins, minerals, and herbals.

•free gift wrapping.

•prescription service Open 6 days a week. ________________________ Painting Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749 ________________________ Need to re-order: •Company Forms?

•Invoices?

•Envelopes?

•Business Cards?

•Posters?

•Bookmarks?

•Magnets?

•Score Cards?

•Stamps?

•Certificates?

•Menus?

•Receipts?

•Letterheads?

•Invitations?

•Calendars?

And more!

Contact Your Local Paper for Orders and More Information!

WEEKLY REVIEW 780-336-3422 vikingreview@gmail.com TOFIELD MERCURY 780-662-4046 adsmercury@gmail.com LAMONT LEADER 780-895-2780 lmtleader@gmail.com

Caught You Looking!

Advertise in the Classifieds today!

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - Page 13

ANSWERS ACROSS: 1. BABAR 6. PIER 10. ARAD 14. ALULA 15. STREETCAR 17. WANAMAKER TROPHY 19.

LET 20. ROM 21. RANTS 22. VAV 23. WISE 24. SODS 26. HEEDED 29. ABAS 31. REVS 32. PAC 34. DABS 35.

SMOTE 37. CEBU 38. OBI 39. ANEW 40. TEAL 41. ENAMOR 43. SANS 45. TARE 46. AAH 47. PLONK 49. ASL 50.

AOT 53. GO UNDER THE KNIFE 57. UNREALITY 58. IRATE 59. IDES 60. SOU 61. TAKEN ANSWERS DOWN: 1. BAWL 2. ALAE 3. BUNT 4. ALA 5. RAM 6. PSKOV 7. ITEM 8. ERR 9. RETRIEVE 10. ATONED 11. RCPT 12. AAHS 13. DRY 16. ERASES 18. ARAS 22. VD 23. WHET 24. SABIN 25. OSS 27. EPEES 28. DABA 29. ADO 30. BABE 31. ROW 33. CUL 35. SNORKELS 36. MERE 37. CTN 39. AMANDA 42. ATONES 43. SALE 44.

AH 46. ASKY 47. POND 48. LURE 49. ATTU 50. KAIAK 51. OFTE 52. TEEN 53. GUI 54. RIO 55. KIT 56. NRA

Blanket Alberta Ads take approximately 10 days to process COMING EVENTS COMING EVENTS FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2024 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: TollFree 1-800-694-2609, Email Us at sales@switzersauction.com or Visit Us www.switzersauction.com. _____________________ FEEDAND AND SEED FEED SEED WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN Heated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed....Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola.

"On Farm Pickup".

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Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning.

Vac Rental. 1-888-4838789.

_____________________ HEALTH HEALTH

_____________________ SERVICES SERVICES

FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc.

Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942. _____________________ FOR SALE SALE FOR

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. _____________________ LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK FOR SALE SALE FOR

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss?

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Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 18 0 0 - 3 4 7 - 2 5 4 0 . www.accesslegalmjf.com. _____________________ WANTED WANTE

BLANKET the province with a classified ad. Only $269/wk (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 80 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details.

1-800-282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com.

35. Struck down 37. Central Philippine Island 38. Japanese sash 39. Afresh 40. Bluish green 41. Inspire with love 43. Without (French) 45. Counterbalance container to obtain net weight 46. Express pleasure 47. Cheap wine (Br.) 49. Signing 50. ___ compilation, compiling computer language 53. Have surgery 57. Being trompe-l’oeil 58. Extremely mad 59. Day 60. Small coin (French) 61. Snatched

CLUES DOWN 1. Cry 2. Wings 3. Baseball play 4. Flower petals 5. Drive against 6. Velikaya River city 7. A single unit in a collection 8. Stray 9. Bring back 10. Repented 11. Receipt (abbr.)

12. Expresses pleasure 13. Not wet 16. In a way, takes off 18. Macaws genus 22. “Fast Five” star’s initials 23. Sharpen a knife 24. Oral polio vaccine developer 25. Former CIA 27. Fencing swords 28. Aba ____ Honeymoon 29. Bustle

30. Minor 31. Propel a boat 33. Passage with access only at one end 35. Underwater airways 36. Small, slight 37. Box (abbr.)

39. __ Blake, actress 42. Repents 43. Merchandising 44. Exclamation of surprise 46. With fireplace residue 47. A small lake 48. Bait 49. Tip of Aleutian Islands 50. K____: watercraft (alt. sp.)

51. Norse variant of “often” 52. Adolescent 53.

Visual metaphor (Computers) 54. River in Spanish 55. Cowboy Carson 56. Powerful gun lobby

These blanket classified ads are produced through a joint agreement by The Community Press, Viking Weekly Review, Lamont Leader, Tofield Mercury and Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association (AWNA).

These ads appear in all AWNA member papers (120 papers) for the cost of $269.00 (+gst) for the first 25 words, $8.00 per word over 25. To place a blanket classified, call a CARIBOU PUBLISHING representative at 780-385-6693 or email ads@thecommunitypress.com.

_____________________ FEEDAND AND SEED FEED SEED

WHITE SPRUCE TREES: 5’ average $50. Installation ONLY $19. Includes: hole augered, Wurzel Dip enzyme injection, bark mulch application, staking.

Minimum order 25. Onetime fuel charge: $150 200. Crystal Springs. 403820-0961. Quality guarant e e d . albertasprucetrees.com. _____________________ FOR SALE FOR SALE

CLUES ACROSS 1. Elephant’s name 6. Support 10. Mures River city 14. Bastard wing 15. One was named Desire 17. PGA Tournament prize 19. A way to leave unchanged 20. Unchangeable computer memory 21. Harangues 22. 6th Hebrew letter 23. Well informed 24. Turfs 26. In a way, obeyed 29. Lawyers group 31. Increases motor speed 32. Political action committee 34. Light pokes

"RANGE BULLS. Two year olds and yearlings.

Angus hybrids formally Beefbooster M1.

Performance and Grow Safe tested. Ultra sound data and EPD's available.

Reasonably priced. For information call: Jim Lynch-Staunton @ 403628-2020 or cell: 403-6276770 or Hugh LynchStaunton @ 403-6282420."

PLEASE RECYCLE

COLLECTOR/ ENTREPRENEUR PURCHASING COINS & COLLECTIONS! CASH PAID! ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, collections, rare & old coins, silver & gold coins, jewelry, nuggets, bullion, sterling, gold & silver! 306-7742420..

SUDOKU

ANSWERS

Page 14 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Mayor gets dunked during Ryley Sports Day Kari Janzen Staff Reporter The Village of Ryley held their annual Sports Day celebration over the weekend, on Saturday, June 15. A day full of events was kicked off by a complimentary breakfast, prepared and served by the Village of Ryley staff and council members and Ryley Citizens on Patrol.

“Last year we did the hot dog lunch, and this year we had breakfast. We prepared for 300,” said Village of Ryley finance manager Samantha Mockford.

The pancakes, breakfast sausages, scrambled eggs, juice, and coffee was served at no charge, and Mockford said it was made possible because of a donation from council.

“They made a contribution to support the community, as they wanted to have a free meal for everybody,” she said.

The Tofield RCMP led the parade, which included several local businesses and organizations, and the blaring sirens of four Ryley volunteer fire department trucks, accompanied by Sparky the Fire Dog, brought up the rear.

Following the parade, everyone made their way to the Festival Zone, where kids and families could play on the bouncy castles, test their skills with the inflatable axe throwing, Velcro archery, dunk their friends, Mayor Lyndie Knockleby, or Chief Administrative Officer Glen Hamilton-Brown in the dunk tank, play mini golf, race around on Balanz bikes, and visit the vendors.

Pickleball games were held in the curling rink during the afternoon, and a budget-friendly supper was held at the Resource Centre, hosted by Ryley Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and 3 Kings Hub. A Ryley Reunion roast beef dinner and dance was held at the Community

Centre, which Ryley Pool Manager Susie Williams said was combined with the Beaver Heritage and Agricultural Society’s dinner they usually hold on Sports Day. “Treva (Schultz) decided she was going to hold a Ryley reunion and we always have a supper every Sports Day, so we just worked as a group together.

Treva went to work, invited people, and we have a really good turnout,” Williams said.

Anyone who lives or had lived in Ryley in the past was invited to RSVP to the dinner, which also raised money for the pool.

“They were really very gracious to let me tag along on with them,” Schultz said. “Anyone who lived in Ryley was invited to come, and 218 replied, and then there are always those who show up, so we expected and planned for 250 people,” she said.

People were invited to bring memorabilia to display, and there were many photos and a few yearbooks available to thumb through.

“We’re grateful for those who were able to come and support the pool, and it’s really nice to see a lot of the people that lived here, or went to school here.

We’ve got a really good response and positive feedback. They’ve appreciated the opportunity to come back and visit with everybody,” Williams said.

The Ryley School was opened for two hours in the afternoon, allowing former students to return to their high school and roam the halls once again.

To end the night, a fireworks show lasting ten minutes entertained those who came to watch, with many kinds of fireworks, including loud screamers and ones that swirled about in the sky.

The Village of Ryley held their annual Sports Day celebration over the weekend, on Saturday, June 15. Pictured here, the Village of Ryley float goes by during the parade.

The complimentary breakfast was prepared and served by the Village of Ryley staff and council members and Ryley Citizens on Patrol. Pictured L-R: Councillor Stephanie Dennis, Tony Floros, Deputy Mayor Brian Ducherer, Councillor Kim Murphy, CAO Glen Hamilton-Brown, Finance Manager Samantha Mockford, Mayor Lyndie Knockleby, kneeling: Dan De Brabandere.

Following the parade, everyone made their way to the Festival Zone, where kids and families could play on the bouncy castles, test their skills with the inflatable axe throwing, Velcro archery, play mini golf, race around on Balanz bikes, and visit the vendors.

A Ryley Reunion roast beef dinner and dance with a live band was held at the Community Centre, which was combined with the Beaver Heritage and Ag Societyʼs dinner they usually hold on Sports Day.

Kids could dunk their friends, Mayor Lyndie Knockleby, or CAO Glen HamiltonBrown in the dunk tank.

KARI JANZEN PHOTOS

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - Page 15

Ryley Sports Day photos continued

FEATURED PROPERTIES FOR SALE LAMONT COUNTY

• 4712 51 St Lamont 5,800 sq ft shop with office and sales space. Shop was used for agricultural machinery repair. Price: $450,000 • W4-20-55-27-SE Plan 1023701 Block 1 Lot 1A Lamont County.

138.09 acres in the Lamont Heartland for industrial use. Located North of Highway 15 on Range Road 202. Price: $2,990,000 • W4-18-53-24-SW Plan 0826481 Block 2 Lot 1 a mile North of HWY 16 on RR 181. 5.02 acres yard site in Lamont County.

Utilities at the property line. Price: $40,000

VILLAGE OF CHIPMAN • W4-18-54-29-NE N 54466 A RR184 Village of Chipman 38.75 acres 25± acres in hay. Double car garage, power, septic, and well nice building site. Price: $289,900

STRATHCONA COUNTY • SW Part of NW –23 –53 –23 –W4 40.55 acres North of Highway 16 on Range Road 232 in proposed medium industrial zoning with CP rail line at the border of the property.

Price: $7,200,000 • Parts of SW and SE -7-53-22-W4 located at Highway 21 and Lakeland drive 63.62 acres of development land with Highway 21 exposure. The property is within the Bremner and local Employment Area ACP with expected future use of industrial.

Price: $5,100,000

THORHILD COUNTY • NW 1/4 -14-58-22-W4 and NE ¼ -14-58-22-W4 Plan 1720793 Block 3 Lot 222 acres game farm with page wire 100 acres could be cultivated. 4 mile North of Redwater. Good HWY 28 access. Price: $690,000

Norman Hill

Pickleball games were played in the afternoon in the curling rink.

780-449-5622 | nhill01@telus.net www.hillrealty.ca

Steven Hill

Lauren Hill

Page 16 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Nootka Cadets hold annual ceremony and awards

Vanessa Poitras The 56 Nootka RCSCC had their yearly Ceremony on June 13. Master of Ceremonies was CI Cinzia Cappella.

She began by introducing all members of the Nootka Cadets. The cadets all par-

ticipated in a parade into the hall.

President 56 Nootka Navy League Amber Meyn was the reviewing officer for the evening, and reviewed all members and gave a speech celebrating the cadets and their achievements through the year.

Tofield Council chooses July 1 parade theme Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

At the second regular Tofield council meeting for the month of May, held Monday, May 27, Council decided to name the theme for the Canada Day parade floats as Salute to the Seniors.

There were several ideas tossed back and forth, and Councillor Norm Martineau suggested, with Western Days being the next big event for the Town soon after July 1, the theme could be

tied in with that.

Mayor Deb Dueck agreed, and expanded on that idea, saying it wouldn’t have to be just Western Days, but a theme relating to any local event.

Chief Administrative Officer Cindy Neufeld nodded in the direction of the Tofield Golden Club and suggested the theme all councillors agreed on, a Salute to the Seniors.

Last year the theme was Community Activities and Sports.

"To the cadets especially, thank you guys for your hard work and dedication.

It is truly shown this year, you should all be proud of yourselves and all of your fellow cadets,” said Meyn.

Lieutenant A. Braim added: “We are a youth group, non profit, there is no cost to what we do,” she said, going on to explain the trips involved, the rope work training, drills with rifles, music involved in all training, and camps that the cadets attend to work on all of these skills.

“We are teaching, aiming on physical fitness, making the cadets, or youth, good role models and developing them into young adults,” said Lt(N) A. Braim.

The ceremony was held to celebrate and award the cadets on their hard work, dedication, great attendance to the program, congeniality, improvement, enthusiasm, proficiency, and leadership.

Awards were distributed and promotions in the program were given as well.

Many thanks were given to the parents, staff, officers, and cadets.

The ceremony was brought to a close

by A. Braim giving a speech thanking everyone involved, this showed her passion and commitment to excellence in the cadet program.

The cadets did a final parade and the attendants were dismissed.

Pictured above: Back Row: Biglow, Bremner, Manning, Hall E., Hall G., Hill W., Hill L., Russell, Godin and Torpe. Front Row: CV Boos S., CV Fischer, Capt.

Boos C., Lt(N) Braim, CI Cappella and CI Cowan

Take a Year Off & 50/50 Cash Raffle presented by Tofield Agricultural Society

Plus 7 additional prizes: 2nd draw: $5,000 3rd Draw: $3,000 4th Draw: $2,000 5th Draw: $1,000 6th Draw: $1,000 7th Draw: $500 8th Draw: $500

S U L P

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You could win over $45,000 or half of the total ticket sales!

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Proceeds support Phase 2: Tofield Arena Renovation Project.

Raffle License: #683747

Purchase tickets: www.tofieldagsociety.ca

Purchase tickets: www.tofieldagsociety.ca

FORESTBURG, ALBERTA