May 22 Tofield Mercury

$1 including gst

Claystone sells first load of compost. Page 7

Your LOCAL Media since 1918!

Volume 106 Issue 38

www.tofieldmerc.com

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Open house addresses street light installation Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

The Town of Tofield and FortisAlberta held an open house on Wednesday, May 15, in the Town Office Council Chambers to hear and discuss resident’s support for and concerns with the installation of 98 street lights within the town. A map indicating the locations of the existing street lights and poles, and the proposed street light locations was set up as an aid in visualizing what the project entails.

Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Edwards said more people attended the open house than was expected, both coming with positive feedback and concerns they have with the project. From this point on, Edwards says the next step in the project will be a reevaluation.

“If the project is going forward, it will need a complete review, to see if 98 lights would still be the same amount that would be going in, or if that needs to be reduced,” he said.

FortisAlberta Stakeholder Relations Manager Kayla Law, who was present at the open house, said once the Town approves a final design, the next step will be staking and flagging areas again.

“We will reevaluate the design to make any changes that have been suggested by the Town and then propose that back to the Town. Once the Town signs on any other changes, then we will be going into surveying,” Law said.

One of the common concerns residents have includes the removal of their trees in order to make room for the street lights. Edwards and the Fortis Continued on Page 18

5PţFME 4USFFU -JHIU 1SPQPTFE -PDBUJPOT

N

Existing street light

CLOVERLOD CLO E LOD ER DGE STA TA AMP MPPEDE

SSA A ATUR ATURD AT DAY A & SU UNDAY UND DAY Y, JUNE 8 & 9 SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Existing pole

Proposed new street light location

SUNDAY SUND AY, JUN NE 9

IIEESS T I T I V SL ACK PERFORMAN NCE 9am I PANCAKE BREAKFAS A T 9-11am V TTI C C A A KKIIDDSS CHRISTIAN CO OWBOY PARADE 1pm p DD O O O O F F Register with Murie el SERVICE 11am NNSS E E D rose egarlandwelsh@hotm mail.com D R GGAAR R ROD DEO PERFORMA ANCE 1pm R E E E E RODEO O PERFORMAN NCE 4pm BB

Loc Located Loc Lo ca atte ted jus ju ust st nort norrtth h of of tth he h V Viking ik king Golf Gollff Cour Cours Course rrs se in tth he h NE NE c corner orn or rrner ner of of V Viking ik king

Page 2 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Holden Museum holds season opening for summer Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

The Holden Historical Society held the museum’s season opening on Saturday, May 18. This year’s theme centred around the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). This year an aircraft identification test in the form of a seek and find game will be an interactive activity that museum goers can attempt, with photos of numerous aircrafts placed around the museum to be found and recorded on a ‘Passport to the Past.’

Also part of the RCAF theme, the museum has a working 1964 arcade game called the Jaycopter. The actual helicopter simulator itself was invented and patented by uncles of Holden Historical Society president, Dave Maruszeczka, Peter and Leopold Jacobs.

“The real life one was built in response to knowing the US Army was having trouble with crashing helicopters. They were looking for something that they could use to train pilots, like a simulator. So that's when my uncles got the idea. They got some investors, made a prototype, and they built a couple of versions of it,” Maruszeczka said.

“Jacobs felt that his invention would help in reducing helicopter training costs,” the Alberta Aviation Museum’s website says, “as it duplicated the movements of a real helicopter with its sensitive controls and aerodynamic features. In August 1963, an agreement was signed to place a 16-passenger Jaycopter at the New York World’s Fair in the USA during 1964 and 1965 along with Baby Jay coin operated amusement games.”

And one of the Baby Jay coin operated games is at the Holden Museum.

“In our particular case, my cousin, a son of one of the uncles, had squirreled this thing away in his basement. I didn't know at the time, but then I found out that he had it, and I went to visit him and he said we could take it. And it still works,” Maruszeczka said.

As sales slowed, the Jaycopter company eventually went out of business.

“They thought they were on a real roll. But this is getting close to the 70s, and the US Army no longer was looking for something real. Computers started to come into play, so they could build some simulators with computers themselves,” Maruszeczka said.

Over 10 people came to the museum’s

season opening, but Maruszeczka said the openings and closings used to be much more popular.

“To be honest, I didn't expect there were going to be many people who

would come today. Those days seem to have gone by. We used to get 30 or 40 people who would show up for the season opening and closing, but now we're lucky to get 10,” he said.

The Holden Historical Society held the museum’s season opening on Saturday, May 18. This year’s theme centred around the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Over 10 people came, but Society president Dave Maruszeczka said the openings and closings used to be much more popular.

5118 50 St., Tofield, AB 780-918-9300 • www.lorenzteam.com

49502 RGE RD 180 Ryley

$177,500

$259,900

4740 56 Ave. Tofield

29 Beaverhill Drive Tofield • 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • Fenced backyard • Single detached garage

• 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms • Huge sunroom • Close to Schools

• 1,367 SQFT 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home.

• 1925 1.5 Storey home.

• New furnace, open living roomkitchen concept.

• 40 x 80 shop.

$375,000

4335 53 Ave. Tofield • 2,200 SQFT 2 Storey 1979 home.

• 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom.

• Family room has wood burning fireplace.

• Main floor laundry.

$309,900

780-662-4623 www.home-time.net

Kevin Smook - REALTOR®

Celebrating 25 years of serving our Community!

$259,900

$399,900

#4,5202 58 Ave., Tofield

21, 52210 RR 192

• 50+ adult condo community • 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • Main floor laundry

• 19.3 acres in El Greco Estates • 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms • Walkout basement

Greg Litwin, Real Estate Associate greg@lorenzteam.com

4920 55 Ave. Tofield

4319 54 Ave. Tofield

• 1,456 SQFT 1951 bungalow.

• 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom.

• Large double lot (100ft x 140ft).

• Fenced back yard and detached garage with front access.

• 1,461 SQFT 1990 bungalow.

• 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom.

• Kitchen has a garden door leading to a raised deck.

• Main floor laundry.

$275,000

$295,000

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - Page 3

Successful Mother’s Day at Spilstead Your LOCAL Media since 1918!

We’re Hiring!

• 1-2 part-time community reporters. Must live within Beaver County.

On May 12, 2024 the Spilstead Hall members had their annual Mother's Day pancake breakfast.

The men were busy cooking pancakes, ham, and eggs for all that attended.

When any mothers arrived at the door, hall member Doug Coleman would give them a carnation, as well mothers ate for free. Hall members said the breakfast was well attended, and had more people than last year. Pictured above (L R): Mike Van Sickle, Landon Van Sickle, John Schmidt, Dwaine Van Sickle, and Tim Schmidt.

Right: Coleman with the bucket of carnations.

• No experience necessary if you have some comprehension and writing skills.

Requirements • Successful candidates must have a drivers licence, vehicle, computer & smart phone.

• Must be able to type, gather information accurately, and write at an average+ level.

• Must be friendly and polite.

• We pay mileage to and from events plus $ per story depending on experience and quality.

• Must be able to take instructions from editor and publisher.

• Attend events, write from home and submit articles and photos by email.

• Must be available day and evenings, weekdays and weekends for scheduled work.

• Starting soon, send your resumes to: Publisher kamcjm@gmail.com

• 3-5 stories will be assigned by editor weekly.

in Your Own Backyard

May 21st to June 14th Tofield and Area Health Foundation has partnered with Tofield Packers for this years Canada Day Fundraiser. order forms available at tofield town office, ryley village office or online at

www.TofieldHealthFoundation.ca Choose from Burgers (4oz or 6oz), Smokies, Wieners, Kubie Burgers and Breakfast Sausages.

Proceeds go to the purchase of wheelchair power assists. pickup june 25th 9am - 4pm @ tofield packers

Page 4 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Beaver County family establishes grocery delivery service Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

Jordyn and Miles Pennington of Beaver County have recently started their new business called Grocery Delivery, serving Tofield and the surrounding area.

“I am currently working as a substitute teacher and Miles works in Edmonton as an industrial insulator. I already order our groceries from Superstore in Edmonton and Miles brings them home after work, so I figured why not help others do the same?” Pennington said.

Pennington was raised in the Tofield area, growing up on a grain farm and attending CW Sears and Tofield School before furthering her education to become an elementary teacher. She and her husband have recently moved back to the area and bought a hobby farm between Tofield and Ryley.

Currently, grocery delivery day is Tuesday, with Sunday evenings being the weekly order cutoff. People can order their groceries by sending screenshots to Pennington through Facebook.

“They go on the PC app and add items to the cart as if they were checking out themselves. They then take screenshots of the items that they want, send them to me through Facebook Messenger, and then I place their order and confirm a total. They send an etransfer to hold those groceries, and we don't accept that etransfer until the groceries are delivered,” said Pennington.

Each grocery order must reach a $100 minimum, and comes with a pickup fee which is 10 per cent of the total order, up to a maximum of $25. If the groceries are being delivered to a location or home outside of the town of Tofield or village of Ryley, a delivery fee, calculated in distance from the Pennington home, is added.

“Depending on where they live we also confirm the delivery cost. If they live in town or choose Tofield or Ryley as their pickup location, there's no delivery fee. If we’re delivering outside of Tofield, in the country or even as far as Holden, we’ll add a delivery cost, the distance from our house,” she said.

Pennington said this business venture is a very new idea, having only thought about doing it herself about six months ago.

“I have a girlfriend who is running something very similar between Hinton and Edson.

It was the same thing: her husband works in Edson, but they live in Hinton and they don't have a large option in regards to groceries,” she said.

“But I do want people to know that

we don't want to be in competition with IGA. I am a huge supporter of IGA, I go in there almost every day, myself, but unfortunately, I have three kids under six and we know that inflation is crazy and some of those bigger grocery hauls just can't happen at a smaller grocery store.

“We are not trying to take away business from IGA. We're just trying to supplement the options that people have for larger grocery hauls, especially because orders have to be a minimum of $100,” said Pennington.

This is the family’s sixth week of deliveries, and Pennington said more people are hearing about the service they offer.

“I think people are starting to learn about us, and also beginning to think about placing an order. It doesn't have to be a consistent, every week thing that they order from us. Order, take six weeks off, it doesn't matter, I just want people to know that we're in the community and we're here to help them if they want,” she said.

Monthly promotions are also run, with the most recent being a weekly draw for a PC gift card.

“For the month of May, anybody who orders gets entered into a draw to win a $25 PC gift card that they can use toward their groceries ordering through us. For the month of April, pickup fees were waived. We'll change it up every month to keep things different,” she said.

Pennington also said in regards to substitutions with online ordering, all orders are set to no substitutions, and the money will be deducted off the customer’s next order.

“Normally, when you do a PC Express they offer substitutions if an item you’re looking for is unavailable. We set it so there are no substitutions for anybody. We credit them back that item cost, and deduct it off their next order,” she said.

But groceries are not all that the Pennington’s have and are able to deliver.

Most recently, they’ve picked up and delivered goat panels for a Beaver County family.

“We’ve actually done a pickup for one family, and delivered goat panels.

They have just recently moved to the area and didn't have the means of getting those goat panels.

“We own a farm, so we have that equipment. So, it was the same thing except Miles just took the truck that day.

We have the option and the means to deliver other items if people need other things from the city. We're open to delivering most anything.”

Miles and Jordyn Pennington, along with their three children Cardin, Tayla, and Layken, have recently begun a grocery delivery service for Tofield and the surrounding area.

Hummingbird Landscaping and Concrete Ltd. Concrete Work • Shop floors • Garage floors • Patios • Sidewalks Call Ernest Rudy 780-632-1792

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - Page 5

LOOSE ENDS

Community - Wide Garage Sale Weekend

Van Lifing

Carol Livingstone Tofield Mercury Columnist

Just recently I was made aware of something called vanlife. Van-

lifers are people who, surprise, live in vans, but not factory-converted vans with everything you’d need or desire, with open floor space, a place for it all and everything in its place, including a small but completely usable bathroom. These conversions are the DIY kind, their owners tossing in a mattress, probably not new, and a camp stove, adding a couple of duffle bags as

Busy B Bargains donates to upcoming event

Brian Schultz, of the upcoming event Wild Oats and Notes, recently accepted a donation from Debby Mosby, Busy B Bargains Treasurer.

a closet and some plastic bins and baskets for kitchen stuff, raingear, books and hobby equipment, and a small cooler for beer and foods that you don’t want to spoil.

Some said they’d kill for a Big Mac, which I didn’t understand because they are mobile and quite often park in large mall or box store parking lots where they have access to bathrooms and very likely some sort of fast food outlet.

Despite complaints about the absence of bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and the need for constant cleaning they weren’t interested in reverting back to regular living. Their van was where they’d chosen to live, it was their home. And hey, they have the freedom to pursue their passion for photography, painting, rock collecting, or knitting tea cozies. It’s possible in many cases to make a few bucks to pay for food and other necessities by selling what they create, like when the painters used their skills to paint rocks they then sold.

I grew envious of their freedom to come and go

NOTICE Camrose County 2024 Assessment/Tax Notices Have Been Mailed In accordance with the provisions of Section 311(1) of the Municipal Government Act, and amendments, notice is hereby given that the assessment roll of Camrose County has been fully prepared, and Assessment/Tax notices have been mailed to all assessed persons on May 15, 2024.

As per Section 337 of the Municipal Government Act, all Assessment/Tax Notices are deemed to have been received seven days after they have been sent.

Dated at Camrose, Alberta, May 15, 2024 Teresa Gratrix County Administrator Camrose County 3755 43 Ave Camrose, Alberta T4V 3S8

as they pleased, to live a nomadic vs stationary life, no bosses to satisfy or monthly bills to pay.

But they stressed that although there are similarities to camping, vanlifing is not vacationing. Campers don’t usually poop in the woods or pee in a bottle. About then my interest in the ‘carefree’ lifestyle wobbled.

We always enjoyed spending a weekend or longer communing with nature at a campground but it was great returning home to our private shower and comfortable seats in front of the TV, out of the rain and away from the mosquitoes, where we knew our neighbours.

We also have spouses and children, both very much absent in vanlife.

These lifers were single, one to a van. Two might have fitted in, if they were small, not claustrophobic or the ‘I love you but get out of my space’ or ‘don’t touch my stuff’ types. They don’t make vans big enough for them.

Make sure they know you want your vehicle brought to

TOFIELD AUTOBODY You can choose where your vehicle is taken for repair unless: • Your vehicle is impounded • You’re unable to express your wishes or • You don’t have written emergency instructions

• Complete collision service • Windshield Repair & Replacement • All Insurance Companies • Guaranteed Workmanship

780-662-3432 4908 - 52 Ave.

Friday, May 24th Saturday, May 25th and Sunday May 26th Maps of Garage Sale locations will be available at: the Town of Tofield, Tofield Library, and IGA.

CERTIFIED SEED FOR SALE Wheat: CWRS - AAC Brandon - Improved Rated MR for FHB resistance - Most widely grown CWRS variety in Western Canada for 5 years CWRS - AAC Wheatland VB -Wheat Midge tolerant - Very good lodging resistance CWSWS - AC Andrew - Great silage option -In demand by milling and ethanol industries Yellow Peas: CDC Canary - Improved standability -Early maturity -Higher Yielding Faba Beans: CDC 219-16 - Zero Tannin - Seed is smaller than Snowbird, larger than CDC Snowdrop 6-Row Feed Barley: AB Advantage - Improved plump and bushel weight - Smooth awned -High grain and forage yield 2-Row Malt Barley: CDC Copeland - Strong demand by malting companies.

Pioneer Hi-Bred Canola Dealer!

CALL TODAY FOR PRICES!

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

Page 6 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 22, 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

Inept decisions by inept leaders gives credence to provincial policy I’ve stated in this opinion piece recently that the Province’s Bill 20 was overreach on their part.

While telling the Federal government to butt out of Provincial jurisdiction on one hand, while then turning around to meddle in municipal affairs struck me as hypocritical on the part of the Danielle Smith led UCP. But sometimes things occur to make me to pause and think, “that’s why they're doing it.”

Let’s take the controversial zoning bylaw that was passed in Calgary last week.

Now, Cowtown appears to have a municipal government completely run by unqualified people. The Mayor isn’t popular and many of her fellow councillors aren’t far behind.

I put this down in part to voter apathy which allows unpopular and somewhat unqualified people to gain mediocre support and become electable because not many people turn out to vote.

The other, something I’ve advocated for a long time, is mandatory voting.

Many have chosen to live in a democracy, while others were fortunate to be born in one. As a citizen of a democracy you should have to vote. There should be a law on the books making it mandatory for people to vote at all levels of government whether it be municipal, provincial, federal or the local school boards.

Just not caring allows the governments to potentially be run by totally unqualified, not necessarily honest people.

So let’s get back to the zoning bylaw of Calgary.

For a couple of weeks, prior to the council vote, there were public hearings, the most extensive and lengthy in the city’s history.

A total of 736 speakers and 238 panels participated in the public meetings.

There were 6,010 written submissions and more than 50,000 people watched the live stream coverage of the proceedings.

Councillors were told at the end of the hearings, 458 of the speakers opposed the changes, and 88 per cent of the written submissions also opposed the changes.

The changes proposed generally eliminated single-family residential zoning in favour of duplexes and townhomes.

In the end with a few tweaks, council passed the zoning bylaw by a 9-6 vote.

The vote was led by Mayor Jyoti Gondek, who once again failed to pay attention to the voters, and eight of her left leaning minion councillors.

OK. The council ignored the wishes of a large number of Calgarians. In a city of more than a million residents, the arguments didn’t favour a majority yet having the numbers opposed speak up or write were astounding for any public hearing and certainly sent a strong message from the community.

So why would council pass it?

Because they will get a massive amount of federal money for construction of new homes to the tune of $228million.

As part of the agreement, the city will be required to build an additional 6,825 housing units by 2027, and 35,950 new units by 2033.

Housing Minister Sean Fraser confirmed the city will need to abide by a set of conditions and reach certain milestones to receive the full allotment of funding, though he didn’t say what those milestones were at the time of the 2023 funding agreement.

But it led to this one size fits all zoning bylaw.

So we have Federal interference into municipal politics by stipulating conditions.

The UCP brought in Bill 18 to counter these intrusions, stating it was another case of the Laurentian elite who run the Federal government telling the colonies how to proceed.

They should have just granted the money with no strings attached. You see that is something they have done with their preferred Province of Quebec.

Now problems with Calgary zoning change. The city wanted the money, so eagerly jumped in the pool to get it.

But they never studied the facts. There aren’t enough construction workers in Calgary to build the number of dwellings required.

That’s a problem.

The city argued it would provide for more affordable housing.

For years I’ve had a problem with this term “affordable housing.”

I asked a realtor friend several years ago what “affordable housing” was and he told me it represented what you can afford.

Pretty simple.

If you can afford a $750,000 home and have a good job, or two, and can make those payments to service the debt, then you can afford it.

But, those who don’t work can’t afford that. Nor a $150,000 home if there were such a place.

Social agencies and social handout organizations all want more affordable housing but then who is going to pay?

Affordable housing shouldn’t mean free housing.

Problem two.

If you increase the density of singlefamily dwelling neighbourhoods, adding duplexes and townhouses to the mix, how are you going to provide services?

Sewer and water infrastructure will have to be increased. Roads may have to be upgraded, or plowed more often in

the winter.

Emergency services will have to have increased personnel to handle the density increases.

How do you pay for that without hiking taxes to the extreme, something our large cities are already doing?

Then there’s our future as envisioned by our green Feds, and their municipal and provincial buddies.

Stephen Guilbeault wants everyone to be tooling around in electric cars in 10 to 15 years. Where’s that infrastructure for charging these vehicles going to come when you add parking density to narrow suburban streets?

Will the townhouse and duplexes all have to have garages with built-in chargers to handle this need?

Is the overall power grid going to be able to handle this and will this make these homes “affordable.”

Will the city want to demand more bike lanes in front of these new developments so the need for charging units might be eliminated if people stop purchasing electric vehicles?

After all, electric vehicles aren’t so affordable for those living in low income residences, which the one-typefits-all neighbourhood zoning bylaw encourages.

It just seems little thought has gone into the long term effects of making such a general type of zoning.

That’s the fault of Calgary planners, bureaucrats and a council put in place by a small number of voters.

The consequence of inaction by one group leads to missteps by another.

Perhaps Smith is right then. Until future issues can be worked out in advance, maybe the Province should retain the right to veto bad legislation by inept leaders.

JOHN MATHER

SUBSCRIPTION REQUEST FORM Name: ___________________________________ Address: _________________________________ Town: ________________ Prov: _______________ Postal Code: __________ Phone: _____________

Published & Distributed every week at Tofield, Alberta

P.O. Box 150, Tofield, Alberta T0B 4J0 Phone 780-662-4046 E-mail: (Advertising): adsmercury@gmail.com, (News): news.tofield@gmail.com Funded by the Government of Canada

Rates for a one year subscription are:

Within Canada: $35.18

Kerry Anderson

Lisa Kuflay

Crystal Moren

John Mather

Jana Semeniuk

Kari Janzen

Publisher

Manager

Production

Kate Priestley

Office Assistant

(Prices include G.S.T.)

Send payment to:

Box 150, Tofield, AB. T0B 4J0

or pay online anytime at tofieldmerc.com

Reporter

Reporter

Reporter

Michelle Anderson

Payroll Administrator

Disclaimer: Advertisements designed, set, and produced by The Tofield Mercury, as well as pictures, news, editorial content, and other printed material are protected by copyright laws and may not be used or reproduced without the expressed and signed written consent of The Tofield Mercury. In addition, we reserve the right to edit, delay, and/or refuse any and all letters and other material submitted to us without notice.

**Submitted Letters to the Editor and Opinion columns reflect the exclusive thoughts and opinions of the article’s author, and do not necessarily represent the views of this publication or its staff.**

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - Page 7

Claystone Waste sells first load of compost Kari Janzen

Staff Reporter

Claystone Organic Waste sold their very first load of compost to Beaver County Division 3 Councillor and Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec on Monday, May 13. The compost facility began up and running in July of 2023 and, throughout the process, now has compost available for sale.

“This is our very first sale, our first load of our first ever mix. Gene Hrabec has asked to purchase the first bucket, and he's paying Claystone $50. With that, Claystone will make a $50 donation to the food bank and Gene is going to match that donation, so the food bank will get $100, though split between Viking and Tofield food banks,” said Claystone Communications Manager Anne Ruzicka.

“After that, Lionel Williams (Beaver County Division 2 Councillor) is buying the first, ‘official load.’ So, we've got Beaver County folks buying first,” Ruzicka said.

As for the processes surrounding the final product of compost, Janet Tecklenborg, Claystone Director of Facilities, described the steps in detail.

“We receive our source-separated organics (SSO), which is mostly picked up in the greater Edmonton region. Various companies process the material to remove contaminants, and then we receive that organic material, and blend with wood chips, which provide aeration and a carbon source,” she said.

The organic material is broken down by bacterial microbes. Successful composting is accomplished by creating a suitable environment for the microbes to thrive. They require oxygen and carbon to be successful at breaking down the organic matter.

“The wood chips provide porosity, Acting as a bulking agent, so that air

can get through. We have 20 rows of aerated static pile. There are large pipes that run the length of the pile, which are 30 metres long, and we put it on the piles and let the air go through it for about two weeks. After that, we re-wet the material and flip it, to get the microbes reinvigorated, and then we continue to aerate and monitor for one to two weeks.

“Now the majority of the organic material degradation is completed, it just needs to cure. Based on the guidelines, the material needs to stay on the cure pad for a minimum of 21 days. Then we screen the material to take those wood chips out, so that we can reuse them, and then we also want to remove any plastics or foreign matter that we don't want in our final product. Then we get a finished category A compost,” Tecklenborg said.

Samples are sent for testing, to ensure the compost has reached its final state of maturity.

“We send samples to an accredited laboratory in Ottawa for testing. There are only two accredited labs in Canada for measuring compost and both are in Ontario. We also do surrogate testing here. We have certain tests that we can do with our compost, like determining how much CO2 or ammonia is coming off the compost,” said Tecklenborg.

“In order to break down the pathogens we maintain a certain temperature for three days. In terms of pathogen kill, we want to make sure that we eliminate the coliform bacteria and viruses in the material. What we need to reach is what's called PFRP (process to further reduce pathogens), which means we kill off an appropriate number of pathogens, and so we need to reach 55 degrees Celsius for three days,” she said.

The product Claystone is producing is known as Category A compost, which

Pictured L-R: Beaver County Division 2 councillor Lionel Williams, Claystone Director of Facilities Janet Tecklenborg, Beaver County Division 3 councillor and Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec, and Claystone Engineer In Training Puneet Jain.

is safe for home use.

“We don't use biosolids. To meet certain requirements, under the guidelines for making compost. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) has Category A and Category B compost. We're aiming to produce Category A compost, which means that it has little to no containments, and can be used for agriculture, horticulture, residential gardens, and industrial applications,” Tecklenborg said.

Tecklenborg warned though, the compost is meant to be a high-quality soil amendment and cannot be used as a soil unto itself.

“It's a soil amendment to be mixed in, to replace carbon and nutrients in the soil. It also provides nitrogen and phosphorus. We're continuing to expand our knowledge and efficiencies of composting. It's a work in progress this year as we continue to grow, and the process does take time. We have material that's ready today, but we are still working on receiving additional materials so there'll be more category A compost available as time goes on,” Tecklenborg said.

“The current landfill operating approval allows for a compost facility for

Claystone Organic Waste sold its very first load of compost on Monday, May 13. Part of the compost-making process includes these pipes, which run the length of the 30 metre long piles, aerating the compost.

up to 40,000 tonnes annually,” says Claystone’s website.

Listed under the frequently asked questions, the website outlines the concern residents may have in regards to the compost operation giving off an unfavourable smell.

“Odour is perhaps the most common problem associated with composting, and the failure to adequately address it can lead to complaints and the closure of facilities. Fortunately, odours can be controlled through facility design, proper management, and operational controls. Ensuring that there is enough oxygen in the compost pile is the most important component to minimizing the risk of microbes producing odours.

In addition to providing enough oxygen, Claystone Organic Waste covers the piles with 15 centimetres of a biocover layer. This material is either coarse wood chips or finished compost.

The microbes in this layer absorb and decompose the odour compounds that may come up from the composting material underneath.

These design considerations and techniques have proven successful in mitigating odour issues before they occur,” the website says.

Page 8 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Niko’s Dance Team performs for seniors

GREAT NORTHERN GRAIN Terminals Ltd.

STEFAN CLOUTIER MANAGER

OFFICE: (780) 385-3622 FAX: (780) 385-2247 CELL: (780) 385-0668 E-MAIL: scloutier@syban.net

P.O Box 35 Killam, AB T0B 2L0

Kari Janzen

Save Time Save Money

Staff Reporter

Niko’s Dance Team performed for the residents of the Holden Lodge, the Tofield Lodge, and the Sunshine Villa on three evenings in the last two weeks, showcasing several different genres of dance including tap, jazz, lyrical, and Ukrainian dance.

“We try to perform at the local seniors homes every year, but it doesn’t always work with schedules. We do love performing for the seniors,” said Niko’s office administrator Amber Carson.

As the dance season is coming to a close, Niko’s Dance Team will be holding their year end show on Friday, May 24 in Camrose.

“We will be having our year end show at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre in Camrose.

“We are always looking for new people to join our team. All ages are welcome. If anyone is interested in a fun class or highly competitive group we have a structured class for you, with our staff fully certified to fit all needs in your dance adventure. Registration for our next season opens June 1, with our season beginning September 9,” Carson said.

Find out how easy it is to book an ad in the local paper!

Niko's Dance Team performed for the residents of the Sunshine Villa on Wednesday, May 15. Genres of dance included Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, and Ukrainian dance.

Dr. and Mrs. Andries and Martha Niemann

THE TOFIELD MERCURY

Appreciation Evening

Just Email: adsmercury@gmail.com Call/Text: 780-662-4046 or Stop by our office in Tofield Mon thru Fri!

at Daysland Community Hall

Friday, May 31

Cash Bar - Cocktails 6 pm Dinner 7 pm

Tickets $35/person Available at: Daysland Pharmacy & Rusty Daisy Gift Co.

Sponsored by the Daysland Hospital Foundation and the Town of Daysland

WANTED

Church Directory

GOLD Unused or unwanted chains,

Bardo Lutheran Church Salem Mennonite Church Worship: Sundays at 10:30 AM 49232 Rge Rd 184 Tofield, AB

rings, jewelry, coins, bars.

SILVER $

$

$

Pre-1968 silver coins, rolls, bags or boxes, Royal Can. Mint sets, silver bars.

Turn your GOLD & SILVER into Spendable Cash

$

$$

PAYING HIGHEST PRICES To arrange a free, discreet in-home visit

Call Joy or Ted 825-966-4373

Canadian Prairie Pickers Bonded since 1967

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!

Pr. Peter Beckman www.bardolutheranchurch.ca 780-662-2762 • 5907 - 49 Street 5609 48th St. - 780-662-3411 TOFIELD COMMUNITY CHURCH Sunday Worship Service 10:30am

Tofield United Church

www.tofieldchurch.com

4832 - 53 Ave, Tofield

4619 - 57 Ave

(780) 662-3 3166

Lead Pastor:

Jon Stewart Children/Youth Pastor:

Nathan Nichols

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

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

Pastor Mark Loewen 780-662-2365 Sunday School for all ages at 9:45 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am

St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Parish 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

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - Page 9

2024 Grads

Rayanne Ligard

Lane Baraniuk

Hunter Gordey

Alex Harris

Shaylom Magneson

Ren Maclaren

Tyson Patrie

Congratulations to the 2024 graduating class of Holden Rural Academy!

Angelo Veloso

Grayson Zemlak

Congratulations to the graduating class of Holden Rural Academy!

(780) 663-3828 www.cleanharbors.com

Ryley, AB

Holden Country Bottle Depot

Congratulations from the Staff at Holden Hotel 780-782-8055

5012 48 Ave., Holden 780-688-3378 • 780-632-9313

Congratulations to the Holden Rural Academy Graduates and we wish them all the best!

from:

& the Weekly Review

Page 10 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 22, 2024

HOLDEN RURAL ACADEMY CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HRA Grad Class!!

VMJ Custodial Services 780-603-0710

Wiishing all of the graduates a bright future! www.claystonewaste.com

780-663-2038

Happy Graduation to the HRA graduating class!

We wish you continued success as you turn the page to an exciting new chapter!

Good luck, and best wishes!

From the Village of Holden Mayor, Council, and Staff

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, November , 2023, Volume 16, Issue Wednesday, May 22,16 2024, Volume 17, Issue 2146 Wednesday February 2022 Volume 15 Issue 7

Community Standards meeting coming to Bruce in June Patricia Harcourt Residents of the Hamlet of Bruce and surrounding area of Beaver County will get an opportunity to speak about community standards with representatives of the county, including councillors, at a community engagement meeting on June 13.

The meeting will be held at the Bruce Community Centre from

3 p.m. to. 7 p.m.

The gathering is described as inter-active in nature, and the topic of discussion will be community standards.

This will be a “come and go” style rather than one of a sit down nature where everyone is focused on a single speaker.

Instead, community members can speak one on one with county representatives. There will

be question panels provided by the county that those dropping in can read through as they work their way around the displays.

The county will be prepared to hear feedback from those who do attend concerning what community standards mean to them, and how the current situation is impacting them.

The county has also announced that property

tax notices are in the process of being sent out as of mid-May. The message being given is to “keep an eye on your mailbox.” Every year, there are situations where persons do not receive their tax notice, or miss the delivery of it, for various reasons including address issues.

Ratepayers need to keep their heads up and their eyes open for their tax notice and, if not

received in a timely manner, be proactive and contact the county for followup.

After holding an open house for the public on the Equity Industrial Park’s Area Structure Plan at the Ryley Legion, the county is now proceeding with a public hearing on the issue to take place Wednesday of this week in County Council Chambers in Ryley starting at 9:45

a.m.

This update of the Area Structure Plan for the industrial park is separate from the initiative the county is also undertaking to update the Land Use Bylaw and the Municipal Development Plan.

Both initiatives require public hearings and the LUB and MDP update will also have a public hearing in the future.

County to address need for short-term drought management plan Patricia Harcourt The county is addressing its short-term drought management plan this week during its May 22 meeting of council.

Aimee Boese, manager of external relations and special projects, asks that council accept both a short-term agriculture and fire suppression plan for its drought management program.

The need for this sprang from an April 3 Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC) meet-

ing.

“Administration provided an update on the Water Viability Project, which included a summary of potential options to addressing concerns about water viability,” stated Boese, in her report to council. “The committee provided feedback to investigate short-term options to mitigate potential drought impacts this year as well as long-term future state options.”

Short-term options include a 2024 Drought Response Plan with short-

term solutions for agriculture producers and support for fire suppression.

The information came in the form of an Attachment A in the agenda package.

“Administration has continued to investigate long-term drought mitigation options,” said Boese. “Some of these options are already part of other initiatives and are outlined in Attachment B.” She added that council could also complete a basic Water Shortage Response Plan as outlined

by the Rural Municipalities of Alberta in Attachment C of the county’s agenda.

She noted that such an RMA Water Shortage Response Plan could help the county understand operational issues including physical assets and water rights.

The response plan could also help the county “appreciate the risks of water shortage including its potential likelihood and severity,” and “identify and evaluate opportunities to address water sup-

ply risks.”

The response plan could also define processes for implementing water risk management steps during times of shortage.

“Another option that council could consider is to advocate to the Government of Alberta to revise the requirements for a temporary diversion license for specific uses, such as agriculture, when it has been identified that there are water shortages within the province,” she said.

But she added that, “parameters would be needed for the timing and location of the water use.”

Boese said this “could mean that producers could access water in a more timely fashion.”

Council was being invited at the May 22 regular council meeting to direct administration to begin the process for the completion of a Water Shortage Response Plan.

The information will be further discussed at council before making a decision.

County to consider new councillor remuneration policy Patricia Harcourt The county could have a new Councillor Remuneration Policy in place after its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 22.

The council will consider deleting Policy #CCL-003 effective June 20 of this year, and replacing it with Policy

#GOV-006 Councillor Remuneration and A c c o m p a n y i n g Administrative Procedure.

The changes in policy were introduced by Margaret Jones, manager of Legislative Srivces for the county.

She states: “In conjunction with the employee compensation review,

council directed administration to conduct a survey amongst Alberta’s rural municipalities with respect to councillor remuneration.”

The results were provided to the county’s Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC), which resulted in the committee reccommending a new policy to

reflect “a hybrid model” for remuneration purposes.

The new policy would have five categories of remuneration, including remuneration for basic meetings, committee meetings, meeting preparation, public relations and advocacy events, and resident responses.

Basic meetings would

be set at a fixed amount of $2,750 per month, or $33,000 a year.

Committee meetings would be recompensed at the per meeting rate of $275,50 for a full day.

“Councillors may claim the per meeting rate for time required to prepare for meetings and respond to resident inquiries,” stated Jones.

Going to events and advocacy work would be payed out at a fixed amount of $300 per month or $3,600 a year.

Missed meetings will not be compensated.

This proposal for a new remuneration policy will be considered at this week’s county council meeting.

2 - Beaver County Chronicle, May 22, 2024

Holden is hiring!

Public Works Foreman/Equipment & Systems Operator Join our community-focused team in a fulfilling role that keeps our village running smoothly! If you're a self-motivated individual who is mechanically minded, loves solving problems and working independently outdoors, this is your chance to shine!

Key Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience with heavy equipment operation (e.g., grader, Bobcat).

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Strong attention to detail and capacity to work independently.

Additional Requirements: Willingness to obtain small system wastewater certificate.

Equipment operator certifications.

Prepared to undergo Incident Command System training to the 300 level.

Embrace a role where your skills directly impact the community. Apply now and bring your expertise to where it counts!

Full details: www.holden.ca or email your cover letter & resume to cao@holden.ca

2024 COUNTY CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE (Schedule is subject to change)

START DATE

EST. END DATE

Culvert Maintenance

Apr 1

Nov 1

Patching oil roads throughout the season

May 1

Sep 29

Twp 490 between Rge Rd 124 & Rge Rd 120

May 20

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

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

Spring

LARGE ITEM PICK UP

Jul 15

Jul 18

Backsloping (location TBD)

Oct 2

Nov 1

Gravelling

Mar 13

Dec 22

Dust Control- 1st Application

May 1

May 19

Dust Control- 2nd Application

Aug 8

Aug 15

TBD - To be Determind

Monday, May 20 to Thursday, May 23 – Village of Holden No curbside collection. Bring your items to the large bins located at: • Empty lot at 5024 – 50 St • Gazebo Park entrance located on 51 St • On east side of 48 St • West side of Public Works shop – 4920 – 48 Ave

Thursday, May 30—Town of Viking Curbside pick up, large items must be on the street—not on your lawn or driveway. If the items have not been picked by June 4, please call our office at 780.663.2038 extension 133 and speak with someone in the Collections Department.

If you are unable to get your large items to one of the collection bins, please reach out to our Collections Department (780.663.2038, extension 133) for assistance. They will arrange to pick the large item up directly from your front yard. Please note that Claystone employees will not enter a private residence to collect large items.

NOTE: Fridges, freezers, water coolers and window air conditioning units are acceptable, however there is a $25 charge for Freon removal. Urban residents will need to pay for the Freon removal at the local Town/Village office. Once payment has been made, a sticker will be provided that needs to be placed on either the front or side of the appliance.

Items acceptable for collection in this Program include mattresses, sofas, recliners, white goods (stove, washing machine, etc.) and appliances, tires and propane tanks.

Items that are unacceptable for the collection program include grass clippings, trees, tree branches, bags of household garbage, small items that would fit into the neighbourhood waste bin, and cardboard boxes. These items can be broken down and placed in the bin in the alley.

Electronic waste should be taken to a transfer station. Chunks of concrete or cement must be taken directly to the landfill site in Ryley.

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 CONSTRUCTION UPDATE Over the next few weeks, Township Road 490 from range road 124 to range road 120, will be upgraded from a gravelled surface to an allweather 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 road 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.

Help Help Shape Shape Sh p

BRUCE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Your Your u Community C mm Co mmun t

IN FROM 3-7 PM AT BRUCE COMMUNITY CENTRE JUNE 13 DROP Take a stroll through the interactive question panels, give us your feedback on the community standards that affect all residents.

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

Beaver County Chronicle, May 22, 2024 - 3

PROPERTY FOR SALE BY 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

HAS YOUR MAILING ADDRESS CHANGED? If your MAILING address has changed and you have not notified Beaver County, you may not receive your Tax Notice, however you are still responsible for payment of your property taxes. It is your responsibility to advise Beaver County of your new mailing address. The County is NOT responsible for any returned tax notices due to incorrect postal addresses.

Please email your mailing address change to accounts@beaver.ab.ca

IMPORTANT DATES May 22 9:30 AM - Regular Council Meeting 9:45 AM - Public Hearing: Equity Industrial Park Area Structure Plan June 5 Governance and Priorities Meeting

VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF CRIME COMMUNITY CONFERENCE:

THE POWER OF CONNECTION Would you like to better understand the systems that assist individuals who are impacted by family violence, and be better prepared to help loved ones connect to resources? Please join us for this community session, featuring keynote speakers and representatives from local helping organizations.

JUNE 1, 2024 ~ 10 A.M. - 2 P.M. VIKING FCSS OFFICE (4924 53 AVENUE, VIKING)

NOTICE Beaver County, under Section 311 of the Municipal Government Act, chapter M-26.1, and this publication, advise that the property assessment notices of the municipality have been sent. All assessed persons are deemed to have received their Combined Property Assessment and Tax Notice as a result of this publication.

As per chapter M-26.1, Section 336 of the Municipal Government Act, I do hereby certify that the Combined Property Assessment and Tax Notices for Beaver County were sent on May 15, 2024.

Kayleena Spiess Chief Administrative Officer

DEVELOPMENT PERMITS

FREE OF CHARGE, LUNCH PROVIDED!

SPEAKERS: Mary J. Schalla AUTHOR, ESCAPING MY PREDATOR A survivor of domestic violence, Mary J. Schalla shares her harrowing experience of recognizing abuse in her relationship, fleeing with her children, and her subsequent struggles dealing with harassment, stalking, and navigating the court system. Mary has since dedicated much of her time to sharing her story with others as a means of education and support to those still living in similar situations.

Patricia Hankinson CROWN PROSECUTOR

None this week

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/ Beaver District 4-H Fundraiser - Saturday June 1 at the Holden Complex. Burger Supper 6-7pm, Line Dancing Instruction 7-8 Pm, Dance 8-11pm, Mechanical Bull, Axe Throwing, Popcorn Pull.

Tickets $25 6 & under free. For more information call Kari Cameron 780-781-3545

The primary interest of the Crown Prosecutor’s office is the pursuit of justice and representation of the public interest. As such, they are not lawyers for the police, victims, or accused. Patricia will provide insight into her role, and how Crown Prosecutor’s work towards justice.

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED. PLEASE CONTACT VBFCSS AT 780-336-4024 TO REGISTER. Brought to you in partnership by:

Administrative Assistant - Summer Student

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!

For more information, and details on how to apply, visit our website > Government > Careers

Ryley Museum is hiring!

Beaver County is currently accepting submissions for the following: Request for Proposal: Planning Services Closing date: Noon, May 24, 2024 Please find complete information for all requests on our website > Business > Requests for Proposals & Quotes

Stay S t in in the loop! loop! the

Mailing list

Part Time Summer Position The Ryley Museum Society is currently looking for a part time employee for the months of July & August as well as June 14 & 15 during Sports Day. The hours are Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00-5:00 pm.

We are looking for a historically minded and energetic individual to help operate, organize, catalogue and maintain our museum as well as help our visitors get the most out of their visit.

We pay $16.00/hr, and training will be provided.

Please send email responses to Donna Pope at ryleymuseum@yahoo.ca

by June 3, 2024.

Only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

For more Information call Willis at 780-886-8144

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, May 22, 2024

Assembly Lines: a regular report on the Alberta Legislature George Lee Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Province Channels Newcomers to Rural Careers Using immigration to plug labour gaps – it’s not just a big city thing, the legislative assembly heard May 6.

“Our government is committed to the economic growth of our province by attracting skilled workers and entrepreneurs to every corner of this province, as Alberta remains the land of opportunity for us,” said Muhammad Yaseen, the minister of immigration and multiculturalism Within and beyond major centres, the federal government is holding back Alberta in its immigration efforts because it did not increase nominations in 2024, Yasseen said. Last year, the province successfully secured a 50 per cent increase to 9,750 nomination.

Published reports have the actual total at more than 10,000 immigrants to Alberta in 2023, falling within an administrative buffer zone under the program.

Alberta will keep pushing for more nominations to meet economic growth, Yasseen said. “The lack of increase this year is unacceptable.”

A National Post story earlier this year quoted a statement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada about how it decides on provincial nomination allocations. “Provinces regularly request allocation increases, and these requests are one factor that is considered in determining allocations,” said the statement.

Andrew Boitchenko, the UCP member for Drayton Valley-Devon, spoke of coming to Alberta from Ukraine to attend NAIT and find work, eventually settling in Parkland County about 20 years ago.

But the rural life is often not the first choice for immigrants, Boitchenko said, even though constituencies like his have job vacan-

cies that need filling.

“How is the government of Alberta working to make newcomers aware of the opportunities in rural Alberta?”

Boitchenko asked of his own party during question period.

Yasseen, the member for Calgary-North, singled out two new immigration streams for jobs beyond the bright city lights: rural renewal and rural entrepreneur. These join a pre-existing farm stream, Yasseen said.

“Rural communities are a critical part of Alberta and its economy,” he said.

Controversial Bills Entrenching Provincial Powers Continue to Prompt Sparring on Assembly Floor The back-and-forth on two bills that critics classify as costly and unnecessary power grabs gained intensity in the Alberta legislature, last week.

The bills – one involving provincial oversight of federal funding arrangements, the other involving provincial regulation of municipal governance and elections – are “bad for business at every level,” said the NDP’s David Shepherd on May 9.

“When you have a premier, a government, bent on pursuing power, driven by ideology; when the only thing anyone else can trust is that they’ll always put their own ideological interests ahead of anything else: well, that’s about as unattractive for investment as it gets,” said Shepherd, the member for Edmonton-Centre.

Responded Matt Jones, the minister of jobs, economy and trade: “You know what’s was bad for investment? The NDP government from 2015 to 2019.”

The NDP were antienergy and anti-business, resulting in “tens of billions of dollars of capital” leaving the province and the loss of 183,000 jobs, said Jones, the member for Calgary-South East.

That spar was just among literally dozens of exchanges and statements on the two bills during the legislature’s week that

was.

Bill 18, the Provincial Priorities Act, 2024, would require entities under the province’s purview to get its approval for new or renewed agreements with the federal government. It would apply to amendments and extensions, too.

The UCP considers it a way to defend Alberta’s priorities and prevent the feds and other agencies from sidestepping the province.

But the NDP and representatives of municipalities and educational institutions call Bill 18 expensive red-tape. They say the bill would circumvent independence and drive funding out of the province – funding that would otherwise go towards housing, research and more.

The government expects that the legislature will pass Bill 18 before the summer break.

Consultations are planned for the summer before regulations are finalized, and the legislation would then come into force in early 2025.

Bill 20, meanwhile, would “enhance integrity and maintain public trust” in local elections and councils, the government’s website says.

Among its provisions are allowing political parties in municipal elections, after the idea is piloted in Edmonton and Calgary.

Other changes include eliminating automated voting equipment, allowing the provincial cabinet to remove councillors in the public interest, and enabling cabinet to amend or repeal bylaws.

Provisions are also included to speed up housing development, including a full exemption from property taxation for non-profit, subsidized affordable housing.

The government says it will “engage municipalities and other partners” in coming months and develop regulations.

UCP Ministers Appeal to Ottawa for Renewables, Traditional Energy Support Critics routinely charge that many of the Alberta

government’s policies amount to fighting words with Ottawa over constitutional and government powers and turfs.

But much of verbal action on the legislative floor could be characterized by the words “a little help here, please,” when it comes to the UCP’s messaging about a Liberal government it regularly disparages.

To wit: traditional energy development and carbon capture, utilization and storage, or CCUS. “Alberta is reducing emissions while growing the economy and powering the world,” Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz said May 6. “We could be doing even more if the federal government would start helping and stop holding us back.”

Schulz, the member for Calgary-Shaw, estimated that a CCUS Genesee project recently canceled

by Capital Power would have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 3million tonnes per year.

“But instead of helping, the federal government has rushed to layer on costly rules and regulations while slow-walking the incentives needed for emissions reduction projects in Alberta. They

could support us in industry, but instead they delay and scare away the true investments that we need,” she said.

Angela Pitt, the UCP member for Airdrie-East, said the loss of the Capital Power project is disappointing.

“The emissions reduction potential. . .was enormous, so it is a shame to see it not go forward because of Ottawa.”

Capital Power said the project was technically but not economically viable. Published reports said the federal government continues to be committed to CCUS as a contributor to a net-zero carbon Canada.

Meanwhile, Minister of Energy and Minerals Brian Jean said the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion and Coastal GasLink are positives for Alberta and Canada’s ability to market energy around the globe.

But they are not enough, said Jean, the member for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche.

“We need the federal government to come to the table with Alberta, sit down, and let’s talk about solutions on making sure that we have a regulatory process and a capital investment climate that the world comes to,” he

told the legislature May 6.

“Alberta is ready.”

Scott Sinclair, the member for Lesser Slave Lake, pointed his UCP colleague towards Canada’s role in leveraging international energy partnerships to export oil and gas. He noted that Alberta ships more energy resources to the U.S. than Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Iraq combined.

Jean responded that more Alberta oil and gas delivered to more places is good for the world.

“Canada has many trading partners that are thirsty for our energy products,” he said.

“The world is better with more Alberta energy.”

In October 2023, the Supreme Court of Canada struck down Ottawa’s Impact Assessment Act, dubbed

by Alberta critics the “no pipelines act.” The court said parts of the law are unconstitutional.

The federal government intends to keep the law but amend it to address the court’s issues.

Also highlighted during the Jean-Sinclair exchange in the legislature were the development of hydrogen, carbon capture and modular nuclear reactors.

Viking Legion gets upgrade with new handrails

The Viking Legion had hand rails installed outside the building with the help of Ken Johnston and Brian White who generously donated their time to get the project completed.

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - Page 11

Students from Tofield School receive grant funding for Fall Festival Kate Priestley Student Reporter

In late spring of 2023, some Tofield/Beaver County West FCSS received a SOARING grant through AHS for youthled initiatives to help youth live healthy, safe and active lives.

Earlier on in 2023, some students joined together to brainstorm some ideas that could bring Tofield School together. The original plan was to have a Summer Festival for the entire school at the Fairgrounds in Tofield, however, that idea was scratched as exams were soon after and the group lost their main Grade 12 student (as she graduated that year).

The following year another idea was struck; having a back-to-school festival, but again, that idea was scratched due to the earliness of the fest.

The final decision was to have a Fall Fest in midOctober at K3 farms. Activities included a petting zoo, go karts, corn maze, hay slide, and hay bales.

“The trip was a one day

event where students got the opportunity to travel to K3, do the activities provided, and just have fun. It’s good for them to get out of school for a bit—even just an hour or so, which is what we provided them with an hour or so per grade,” said Calliegh Lester, one of the students who organized the trip.

Although the trip to K3 farms took up a lot of the money, there was still some left over. So, for Anti-Bullying Day on February 28, the same students who organized the K3 trip (Calliegh Lester, Madison Zemlak, Kate Priestley and Taylor Charlesworth), made Pink Cream Soda floats and brought informational “Bullying Sucks” lollipops.

They were provided to the entire school (Grades 5-12) and alternatives were provided for people with lactose intolerance, diabetes, and any other allergy that a student had.

“The youth benefitted by getting outside and playing together at K3, helping the students lead

healthy, safe and active lives. Although it was difficult to organize at times, I’m glad that the students had fun and enjoyed the floats,” Zemlak mentioned.

Principal Lazaruik also stated, “we are thankful that Tofield/Beaver County FCSS Tracey Boast-Radley applied for the Alberta Health Services Youth Mental Health Soaring Grant and included students from

Tofield School to lead the project. Mental and physical health are equally important for a healthy individual.”

“We are also thankful to the three bus drivers, Bob, Gary and Heather who took time out of their day to drive the students to and from K3 Farms; and all the staff and parent volunteers that came out to help. None of it could’ve been possible without their help!”

Priestley stated.

On March 28, these four students (Lester, Zemlak, Priestley and Charlesworth) were provided the opportunity to showcase the work they did, going to The Battle River School Division (BRSD) new Head Office in Camrose and giving a presentation to The Board of Trustees. They were commended on their work and were happy about what they did.

On May 8, they did yet another presentation to the FCSS Board. Along with seven other schools including ones from Daysland, Vermillion, Wetaskiwin, and even Medicine Hat. The grant was a success to say the least and these four students, along with Principal Lazaruik and many others are proud to say that they put in the work to make the grant so rewarding.

HOLDEN RURAL ACADEMY We wish you all the best!

of Holden Rural Academy!

Well done and 5031 53 Ave, Tofield, AB (780) 662-3003

BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP Phone 780-688-3917

congratulations to the Holden Rural Academy graduates!

Congratulations to the HRA grads!

We wish you all the best in your futures!

Hummingbird Landscaping and Concrete Ltd.

780-632-1792

Congratulations to the Holden Rural Academy graduates on your achievement!

Congratulations graduates on your big day!

Page 12 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Tofield honours Ruzicka

WOELK, Kay Sept. 7, 1939 - May 9, 2024

Prior to the start of the Town of Tofield's regular council meeting on Monday, May 13, Mayor Deb Dueck (right) and Council presented Claystone Communications Manager Anne Ruzicka (left) with a gift and best wishes towards her retirement.

Golden Club hosts a Mother’s Day High Tea

The Tofield Golden Club held a Mother's Day High Tea on Saturday, May 11, at the Golden Club. Attendees were served tea and sandwiches, as well as various desserts and treats.

Lovely hands out scrolls

Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely was at the Tofield Graduation ceremony last week, Friday, May 10, to present each graduate with a scroll of congratulations, here pictured with Tofield School principal Zenovia Lazaruik and graduate Kayden Strilchuk.

Kay was born on September 7th, 1939, to Gerhard and Tina Dirks, the 12th of 17 children. She loved to share stories of her childhood on the family farm in Namaka, Alberta, and with that many siblings, there was always something interesting going on.

In 1960 she captured the heart of a young man named Ed Woelk when he overheard her singing in a trio one Sunday morning, at Highland Mennonite Church in Calgary, Alberta. They married on October 6th, 1962 and enjoyed 61 wonderful years of marriage. She was proud to have been an elementary school teacher, and her love of children was apparent whenever little ones were around.

Music played a central role in her life; she was the organist for Highland Mennonite Church for years, and in 1996 when they moved to their acreage just outside of Tofield, Alberta, she began conducting The Tofield Men’s Chorus.

Later, after they’d moved into Tofield proper, she enjoyed directing the Lamplighters. They were blessed with two daughters, Jennifer in 1963, and Shannon in 1970, who both deeply loved and admired her for her great kindness and generous spirit.

Kay’s faith in the Lord was a cornerstone of her life. She found solace and strength in her belief, and her faith was an inspiration to those around her. She passed away suddenly on the evening of Thursday, May 9th, 2024, in Tofield, at the age of 84. Kay leaves to mourn; her loving husband, Ed, daughter Shannon (Ken) Matson and their children, Kai and Beck; grandson Cody (Tammy) Reid and their son Ares; granddaughters Jessica Reid and Taylor Reid; great-grandson Calen Jackins; three sisters; two brothers, and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Jennifer, her parents, eight brothers, four sisters, and several inlaws, nieces and nephews.

Kay was a loving light in this world, and she will be truly and deeply missed.

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

Dr. Alfred Riediger Oct. 18, 1942 - May 8, 2024 Alfred Jacob Riediger was born on October 18, 1942 in Coaldale, Alberta, near Vauxhall where his parents farmed. The family moved to Pincher Creek in 1948 and then to Tofield in 1952. Al graduated from Tofield High School in 1960 and from Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alberta in 1964. This was followed by studies at the University of Alberta.

In 1966 he married Elvira Siemens and two daughters, Lisa Justina and Kalyn Suzanne were born. The marriage ended in 1973.

In 1979, Al graduated from the University of Alberta with his doctorate in Psychology. As a Registered Psychologist, he embarked on a 40 year career, working in a variety of settings including: child guidance clinic, mental hospital, employee assistance program, community forensic services, community mental health clinic, and Aboriginal communities before co-founding ARCH Psychological Services where he was in private practice for over 30 years. He offered intensive psychological therapy and provided objective psycho-legal assessments in civil and criminal cases. He served as President of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta Board from 1997-1998.

Dr. Riediger loved his work and despite increasing health challenges, pushed himself to stay physically strong and mentally alert. When, no longer able to race "hell bent for leather" through the river valley on his bicycle, Al pushed himself in work-outs on his stationary bike, climbing stairs and walking. Even after a heart attack in 2023 and the diagnosis of MDS, a bone marrow disease, he was determined to overcome his increasing weakness. With a "can do" attitude, when asked how he was doing, he would often reply in his native Low German, "Kodrich, bot Lostich" (Ragged around the edges, but full of life.) Despite his positive attitude, determination and hard work, at the age of 80 he reluctantly accepted that, not only his work life, but his physical life was coming to an end. He died on May 8, 2024 at the age of 81 years.

He will be missed by his beloved companion Nida (Leonida) Chiong, daughters Lisa Ryder and Kalyn (David) Falk: grandchildren Misha (Simon) Pensato, Noah Falk, Ty Cohen and Daniel Cohen, siblings: Hilda (Ernie) Dueck, Lois Collins, Edwin (Bev) Riediger, Victor Riediger, Joanne (Thorsten) Duebel, sister-in-law Glenda Riediger, relatives, colleagues, clients and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents: Jacob and Sarah (Bergen) Riediger, sisters Linda Sukkau, Marilyn Gould, brother, Walter Riediger, brotherin-law Donald Collins and nephew, Malcolm Dueck.

Al will be fondly remembered for his passion in helping emotionally wounded individuals, for his pride in his family, for his tenacity in overcoming obstacles and for his fight to live. The Riediger family thanks Nida Chiong for her devoted, loving care of Al during his final year.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to an informal celebration of Al's life on May 25, 2024 at 1:00 - 3:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall at the Lendrum Mennonite Church (11210 59 Ave., Edmonton. AB).

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - Page 13

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 BOLD $10 $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 vikingreview@gmail.com

TOFIELD MERCURY 780-662-4046 adsmercury@gmail.com

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

COMING EVENTS COMING EVENTS Bardo Cemetery Clean Up. Saturday, June 1 Clean up at 10 a.m. and annual meeting to follow.

Bring your own lunch.

Contact Lawrence Rude 780-679-7315 TM21-22c ________________________ Lake Oliva Cemetery AGM and NO work get together.

June 2 (Sunday) @ 1:00pm Come out for an afternoon of meeting, updates and visiting.

Bring a lawn chair.

Hotdog lunch and treats will be served to all attending.

Contact: Bart @ 403-801-9832 Greg @ 780-887-3791 Justin @ 780-385-5431

COMING EVENTS COMING EVENTS

Lorendale Cemetery Clean up 1 p.m.

June 1 Meeting to follow ________________________ Viking Healthcare Auxiliary Is holding a SPRING STRAWBERRY TEA On Thursday, May 23, 2024 From 2 to 5 pm At Viking Legion Hall $5.00 tea, cake, Strawberries ________________________ Come and Listen to the Teachings of Jesus from the Bible.

All are welcome.

Sundays, May 26 at 4 p.m. at the Killam Legion Hall.

5117-51 ave Killam, AB. For further inquiries, call Becky at 403-815-9045 ________________________ Lamont High School 1950-1965 Alumni Reunion.

Sunday, June 2, 2024.

Register with Rose @ 780-988-5634 before May 18th.

FOR SALE SALE Priced to Sell Electric Wheel Chair Wayne Cumming, Viking 780-336-3599 20/21p ________________________ Doepker Super-B Bale Trailer.

Cliff Potter. Ph 780-888-1100 ________________________ Swath Grazing, Green Feed, Silage, Oats, Barley & Triticale variety seed available.Call Bill at 780-764-3966 ________________________ -Cub Cadet Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor LTX 1050KW 50" Deck 23hp -21" Push Lawnmower 159cc Powermore -Tilt-Deck Trailer, 8' Long by 7' wide (5'7" between fenders) Hitch length 50". Tires P185/80 R13 905 Call 780-385-8534. ________________________ 14' DD seed drill International 6200 with packers, 14' HD noble disc, bin sweep (hydraulic) like new, and 100 gallon Tidy Tank. Call 780-916-8719

LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK FOR SALE SALE FOR

Registered Red & Black Angus bulls for sale. Call 780986-9088 REAL ESTATE ESTATE REAL 891 sq.ft end unit, front & back door (patio), infloor heating & garage, 2 bedroom, full bathroom. Condo fee includes yard maintenance/water/gas. All appliances included (laundry room), one floor, no stairs, backs onto arena across road.

Asking $205,000. Contact Darlene Martin 780-910-3587, darmkjos@yahoo.ca TM20P SERVICES SERVICES Roy's Handyman Services.

Flooring, Trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work. Call 780-2323097 ________________________ LS Construction Specializing in Small Home & Office Renovations Inter-Provincial Carpenter "No job too small we'll do what the big companies won't!"

780-385-4455 21p

EADER

Serving

Lamont

county

3 papers for the price of 1!

SERVICES SERVICES

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 ________________________ Town & Country Guardian Drugs - Killam

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!

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.

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 tfnp

Page 14 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 22, 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

780-662-3432

Construction LICENSED INSURED

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

No job too small, call to book your project!

For your automotive, farm and industrial supplies

780-662-3212 FREE vehicle removal Cash paid for some Please call ahead for appointment confirmation Vehicle Removal: Weekdays AM Saturdays PM

• Tofield 780-662-0165

KC

• Mundare 780-764-2238

Commercial • Farm Auto • Home Recreational • Hail

Electrical

After hours: 780-914-8576

For your vehicle parts needs

Insurance

Ritchie Agencies Insurance Ltd $YH _ 7RŴHOG

• Farm • Residential • Commercial • 24 hour service

780-662-3833

FRRSHUDWRUV FD ORFDO ULWFKLH DJHQFLHV

780-662-2403 662-2403

Authorized Provider of

Health & Beauty Concrete

KJE Concrete LTD Custom Concrete

Driveways Sidewalks Shop Floors

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

780-662-4498 662-4498

Patios Pattern/ Exposed Concrete

Kelly Eccleston 780.977.0983 kjeconcrete@gmail.com

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

Rhona Lawson R.M.T/M.T.A.A.

Basements Snow Removal Garages

Free Estimates Available COMMERCIAL. FARM. RESIDENTIAL

We find insurance that works for you.

Call us for a free quote.

Heavy Duty Mechanic

Meat Packers 5020 - 50 Ave., Tofield, AB HOURS:

Construction

LICENSED HEAVY DUTY MECHANIC ~ MOBILE & SHOP ~ • AGRICULTURE • CONSTRUCTION • TRACTOR/TRAILER • SKIDSTEERS

780-686-6344

780-385-8652

ROAD BUILDING RECLAMATION LEASE BUILDING LANDSCAPING GGRADING RADING LANDSCAPING SSNOW NOW RREMOVAL EMOVAL PIPELINE CLEANUP DRAINAGE SITE PREPARATION SCHUURMANSEARTHWORKS@ SCHUURMANSEARTHWORKS@GMAIL.COM

GAVIN J. SCHUURMAN

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, May 22, 2024 - Page 15

REMEMBER WHEN Tofield badminton players compete at Provincials after winning Zones Zone competitors (L-R), Michael Smook, Cole McCartney, and Sarah Demberger.

Smook won Sr. Boys, Demberger won Int. Girls, and McCartney won fourth in Jr. Boys Singles in Red Deer. McCartney and Demberger competed in Provincials.

This photo appeared in the Tofield Mercury on May 5, 2009.

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

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

Canada Day BBQ Meat sale fundraiser.

Order forms are available at: tofieldhealthfoundation.ca

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 16 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 22, 2024

ANSWERS ACROSS: 1. SEIS 5. SBIC 9. SCARAB 11. HORNED 13. PARETIC 15. SEMIDRY 16. ALM 17.

INOPERATIVE 19. REAM 21. SPIRE 22. GID 23. DRAM 25. TAIS 26. POX 27. KNEE 29. SEIZES 31. INNS 33. SEES 34. SOUGHT 36. SETS 38. PAC 39. IRAK 41. SETA 43. OEM 44. NAMEA 46. RATS 48. GEORGE WENDT 52. MOP 53. RIVALED 54. SARDINE 56. ENAMOR 57. RAINED 58. GRAB 59. PEAS ANSWERS DOWN: 1. SCALED 2. EARMARK 3. IRE 4. SATI 5. SOMA 6. BRIT 7. INDIGOS 8. CERVIX 9.

SPAR 10. BINS 11. HERESIES 12. DYED 14. COPT 15. SERIES 18. PIAS 20. MANIOC 24. MENU 26.

PESTER 28. ENGINEER 30. ZEES 32. SHREWD 34. SAMOVAR 35. TAME 37. STAMINA 38. PEEING 40.

KENS 42. ATONES 43. OGRE 45. ADAR 47. SPED 49. RAMA 50. GLOB 51. TRAP 55. DIE

Blanket Alberta Ads take approximately 10 days to process _____________________ FEEDAND AND SEED FEED SEED

_____________________ FEED AND AND SEED FEED SEED

_____________________ HEALTH HEALTH

ONLINE AUCTION. Unreserved Real Estate Commercial Building, 3.8 Acres. Redwater, AB. Bidding Starts June 24, 2024. www.mirterra.com.

780-784-2999. _____________________ COMING EVENTS COMING EVENTS

BARLEY – * NEW-AB Standswell* Smooth AWN, High Yielding, Grain and Forage Great Lodging Resistance. 1st NITROGEN USE EFFICIENT CEREAL IN CANADA. OTHER BARLEY: Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Esma, Sundre.

WHEAT – Pintail, Forage or Grain.

OATS – AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, CDC S01 Super Oat. PEAS – Very Early Yellow Pea Forage Peas.

ALSO AVAILABLE: Polish Canola & Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403-556-2609. _____________________ 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.

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN - Heated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed....Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola.

"On Farm Pickup".

Westcan Feed & Grain 1877-250-5252. _____________________ FOR SALE FOR SALE

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. _____________________ WANTED WANTED

ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains.

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

Vac Rental. 1-888-4838789.

Deadline for Blanket Classifieds is Wednesday at 3 p.m.

31. Places to stay 33. Witnesses 34. Looked for 36. Arranges 38. Political action committee 39. Middle eastern nation (alt. sp.)

41. Hair-like structure 43. Parts producer 44. Greek city 46. Subway dwellers 48. Norm from “Cheers” 52. Clean a floor 53. Vied for 54. Canned fish 56. Inspire with love 57. Sent down moisture 58. Wrest 59. Partner to carrots

CLUES DOWN 1. Mounted 2. Assign 3. Wrath 4. Self-immolation by fire ritual 5. Parts of an organism 6. Person from England 7. Tropical plants of the pea family 8. Body part 9. Practice boxing 10. Containers 11. Contrary beliefs 12. Bleached 14. Pre-Islamic Egyptian 15. A group of similar things ordered one after another 18. Innermost spinal cord membranes 20. Cassava 24. A restaurant's list of

offerings 26. Annoy constantly 28. Orchestrate 30. Z Z Z 32. Astute 34. Highly decorated tea urn 35. Teach to behave 37. Endurance 38. Urinating 40. Barbie friend dolls 42. Repents 43. Man-eating giant 45. Jewish calendar month 47. Accelerated 49. Husband of Sita in Hindu 50. Lump of semiliquid substance 51. Lying in wait 55. Cease to exist

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.

_____________________ AUCTIONS AUCTIONS

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

CLUES ACROSS 1. Six (Spanish) 5. Invests in little enterprises 9. Large dung beetle 11. Gored 13. Partially paralyzed 15. Still a little wet 16. Legal field media company 17. Not working 19. 500 sheets of paper 21. Church structure 22. Sheep disease 23. Small drink of whiskey 25. Weaving tradition 26. Pestilence 27. Body part 29. Nabs

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 guaranteed. _____________________ SERVICES SERVICES CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment /licensing loss? Travel /business opportunities? Be embarrassed?

Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf.com.

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.

Put your ad in

120 Alberta Newspapers Starting at just

$269 +gst

SUDOKU

ANSWERS

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - Page 17

Rabbit raising builds fraternity of friendship John Mather Staff Reporter

Savanah Fischer from Saskatchewan and Whitney Touesnard from Edmonton didn’t know each other a few years ago but the breeding of Dutch rabbits has brought them together.

Touesnard only started raising rabbits about three years ago.

“My best friend had Hollands and I got two of them as pets,” she said. “I started looking at other breeds and I really liked the way the Dutch looked so I started breeding them.”

As a city resident, Touesnard raises the rabbits in her basement.

“They are spoiled rotten,” she said.

The two said they trade up with each other and co-breed.

“I like their temperament and personalities,” added Touesnard.

For Fischer, 23, she has been raising or involved with rabbits all her life.

“I’ve been raising them all my life,” she said. “I got into them when I was wee little, got out of them

for a while and then got back into showing them about three years ago.”

She said the Wildrose Classic was her favourite show and she made a point to come to it every year.

She said while she lives on a family farm, she alone raise the rabbits, but she also raises chickens, horses, and some sheep.

“I’m an animal lover at heart,” she said.

“I love showing, the competition and the bettering of the breed.”

Fischer said being based out of Saskatchewan she has to drive quite a bit, but she still tries to get to at least four shows a year.

The two friends say the rabbit breeding community is a very tight knit fraternity.

“Dutch is special and with our breed we all be-

come family,” said Fischer. “Tomorrow there'll be more girls showing their rabbits and we will swap stories, discuss problems we may have, help each other exchange rabbits back and forth.”

“As a result we build a better breed of rabbit.”

She said the Dutch breed is a three and half pound to five pound show rabbit.

“Back in the day they were a meat breed, but now they are primarily a show breed,” added ‘Fischer. “They’re like fancy pets.”

She said there is some cost to raising rabbits but on the farm she grows her own oats and sunflower seeds which help keep the costs down.

While Touesnard raises her rabbits in her basement, Fischer has a large 12-stall barn where her rabbits are raised.

“That’s the life of luxury,” jokes Touesnard.

LAST CHANCE!

FOR ALL YOUR PRINT NEEDS!

For the month of May, Advertise in all 4 of our Company Newspapers for a MASSIVE DISCOUNT. SAME DAY: • photocopying • poster printing • flyer printing ORDER WITH US: • business cards • invoice books • raffle tickets • menus & so much more!

We can design/customize what you want in-house!

The Tofield Mercury Tofield, AB 780-662-4046 adsmercury@gmail.com

Any issue in May, we’ll honour our old ‘EXTRA’ prices!

You get in The Tofield Mercury plus The Lamont Leader, The Community Press and Viking Weekly Review:

2x3 - $78.90 2x5 - $131.50 1/8 Page - $157.80 1/4 Page - $245 1/2 Page - $435 Full Page - $699 DISCOUNTS ON FULL COLOUR DISC

Mercury

The Tofield Phone 780-662-4046 Email adsmercury@gmail.com

Page 18 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Gulls out in force stalking seeders Are you new to the area?

We want you to get HOOKED on the Local Paper!

Farmers are out planting their crops and Franklin's Gulls can be seen and heard following the seeders as the worked up ground exposes bugs and worms.

KARI JANZEN PHOTO

Tofield Street Lights Continued from Front

representatives said wherever possible they will avoid removing trees, and if the situation allows, will adjust the location of the pole to prevent tree removal.

“In terms of removal, it is to look more so from a brushing perspective, as opposed to removal. Brushing will only be done if it’s a direct impact to the street light installation,” Edwards said.

Among other questions and concerns residents had included the potential for cameras or 5G broadband connectivity associated with the street lights, which both Council and Fortis said will not happen, and was not even considered.

“This project solely includes the installation of street lights with no additional technology proposed or planned for the future,” says the customer notice from Fortis and the Town of Tofield.

Currently, the proposal indicates that the street lights will be pow-

ered by overhead lines.

Fortis, who will own and maintain the street lights, will cover $300,000 of the cost, with the Town paying $14,000. Edwards said the Town’s contribution will come from grant funding and will not affect taxpayers. In terms of operating costs, Law said it costs $28 per

month, per street light.

“If there are pieces residents would like more information on, we’d encourage them to reach out to us. If we can’t provide the answers, we’ll definitely put them in touch with someone from Fortis who can do so,” Edwards said.

Law said if the reeval-

Introducing a new way to Subscribe to your local paper from your device!

Step 1: Download the Patreon App on your smart phone or tablet Step 2: Start a Patreon account quick & easy Step 3: Go to www.patreon.com/ cariboupublishing Step 4: Join the “E-Newspaper Subscription” tier for the low price of $3.99/mo.

Step 5: Start Reading!

Back issues from January available immediately!

uated proposal is approved by June, the street light installation project will be completed by the end of 2024.

Get a FREE 3 Month Welcome Wagon Subscription to the Mercury if you just moved to the area!

Stop by our office in Tofield or call 780-662-4046

SUBSCRIPTION PRICES 1 year - $40 including gst 2 years - $70 including gst SAVE $10 3 years - $100 including gst Save $20

Phone: 780-662-4046 or Email: adsmercury@gmail.com if you would like to renew today!

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - Page 19

Evolving justice system gets widespread Alberta support George Lee Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A changing and diverse justice system – beyond the courtroom – has earned government support across much of the province, Alberta Justice Minister Mickey Amery said in an interview last week.

“I want our justice system to encompass more than just prisons and prosecutions,” said Amery. “So I wanted to be able to reach out to the community and say that there are many different ways we could achieve appropriate justice in this province, without always having matters land before a judge in a courtroom.”

In all, 39 organizations are sharing $961,000 in funding announced May 2 under the Alberta Community Justice Grant program. Twenty-one are based beyond Edmonton and Calgary The northern-most of the one-time grants goes to Woodland Cree First Nation northeast of Peace River, allotted $25,000 to train community members in the formal use of restorative justice

and asset-based community development.

The Sweetgrass Youth Alliance in Lethbridge represents the southernmost pin on the approvals map, getting $25,000 to conduct a needs assessment for a youth restorative justice program.

Creating a New Hope for Youth program is the aim of funding worth $17,776 awarded to the Town of Whitecourt, targeting youths aged 13 to 17 who are facing the justice system.

Greenwood Neighbourhood Place in Sundre gets $5,000 for volunteer training and improving community awareness of the programming it encompasses, which is built upon honouring seniors and fostering healthy families and resilient children. Over time, the neighbourhood place has become a community information and referral hub.

The Town of Cochrane is using its $25,000 to write a bylaw allowing municipal peace officers to manage lowrisk offences, aimed at reducing offender involvement in the justice system.

Time to clean out the garage and bring out your cars and car parts! see poster for details.

s tu day saturday

9:00am

5th

s june 1st 2024

l n n A

Cold Lake First Nations is putting $25,000 in provincial money towards a needs assessment for a community justice project. Shining Mountains Living Community Services in Red Deer is spending its $25,000 on developing the Red River Cart wellness assessment model, which helps people reflect on the values, habits and teachings of their parents.

Amery said these and other grants of $5,000 to $25,000 were selected from hundreds of applicants. “I’m positively surprised by the level of engagement we received.”

He praised department staff for “a remarkable job” assessing the quality of the applications and tying grants to what the program is intended to deliver. “And that is, ultimately, community justice,” said Amery, the UCP member for Calgary-Cross.

“We know that there are organizations on the ground, and they're certainly doing great things in their respective communities,” said Amery.

From there, the question became: “How can we help empower you with

a grant to help you develop programs, or develop techniques or raise education or awareness in your communities?”

Although the grants themselves are one-time, success breeds success, Amery’s comments suggested.

“I think that the level of uptake and the level of applications and engagement we received were certainly a testament to how good this program is initially and how good it's going to be in the future as funding flows and the programs become implemented.”

Approval criteria include providing feedback to the government on how the funding works out. Assessments and data in the province’s hands will inform future justice programming and support, Amery said.

“Our partners on the ground, who are serving their communities and groups, are in the best position to hear and understand and deliver feedback,” he said.

After assessments come back in a year, the province will “recalibrate and see where we’re at.”

NEW THIS YEAR : public parking will be on the south side of the

highway at the Ag Grounds. Follow the signs. The Information Tent on Main street will gratefully be accepting donations for parking and for admission to the Car Show.

Chipman Chipman 2 22ND ANNUAL L

SHOW N'SHINE SHOW N'SHINE

A N CCHARICPRAM FTERS

TIRES T TI IRES HOT H T RO HO RROD D PA PPARTS AR S PROJE T CA PR PROJECT C CARSS VINTAGE VINT TOYS OYS Y T OL TO TOOLS O S MUSCLE MUSCLE CA C CAR AR PA PPARTS ARTS T

SWAP MEET

MARTI MA MARTIN TIN 78 7780-713-7651 80-71 7 3-76 7651

D VE DA DAVE V 78 7780-970-7608 80-97 970-76 7608

SSSIIOONN AADDMMIIS BBYY NATAEETTDD IAAITOTOOONUNURR DDOON ENNTT CCCEEPPT AAC MAATTIO ONN TTE IIO NFFOORRM IN IIN

AY SJUNEUN2NDD2024

MAIN STREET CHIPMAN AB

HOSTE HOSTED TED BY

BY TH TTHE HE CCHIPMAN HIPMAN CCAR AR CCRAFTERS RAFTERS CCAR AR CCLUB LUB U VIST OUR TENT ON MAIN STREET FOR SHOW INFORMATION

Vendor V Ve ndor set-up at 7:30am Indoor and Outdoor stalls contact for f r stall sizes and rates fo Hot C Hot Concession oncession b by yC Chipman hipman 4 4-H -H HC Club lub

Chipman A Chipman Ag gG Grounds, rounds, 4722-51 St, Chipman AB 4722-51 S t, C hipman A B Chipman C ar C rafte Chipman Car Crafters chipmancarcrafters@gmail.com chipmancarcrafters@gmail.com www.chipmancarcrafters.ca www.chipmancarcrafters.ca

ADMISSION $2 PA P AYABLE $2 PAYABLE att main gate

PANCAKE BREAKFAST 8:30-11:00AM

CONCESSION 11:00AM TILL 3:00PM

PEROGY DINNER 11:00AM TILL 3:00PM

HOSTED BY

HOSTED BY

HOSTED BY

CHIPMAN GOLDEN SENIORS CLUB THE GOLDEN SENIORS CLUB MAINSTREET

FRIENDS OF LAMONT FIREFIGHTERS ASSN CHIPMAN FIRE HALL 50TH AVE

CHIPMAN HISTORICAL CLUB DOWNSTAIRS NATIONAL HALL MAINSTREET

TROPHIES AWARDED AT 3:00PM SHOW YOUR SUPPORT Participant Registration from 8:00am till noon, $15 fee Participant Pre-Registration starts March 1st, check our website Vendor Pre-Registration required prior to May 1st Chipman Car Crafters chipmancarcrafters@gmail.com Dave (780) 970-7608 Bob (780) 662-2840 www.chipmancarcrafters.ca

HOT ASPHALT IS NOT PET FRIENDLY

PLEASE LEAVE PETS AT HOME

Page 20 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, Wednesday, May 22, 2024

CKUA calls on listeners to seek government support through elected officials George Lee Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A staple of listener-supported radio with strong ties to rural Alberta turned to its audience today to help convince elected officials to contribute to its survival.

CKUA, which has operated almost continuously since launching over nine decades ago, wants supporters to light up their keyboards in a letter-writing campaign to attract federal dollars and avert a financial crisis.

Although the campaign singles out Ottawa, the province could also do more, CEO Mark Carnes said.

“We have something unique in that we’re a public broadcaster that is contributing to the development of arts and culture in this province,” Carnes said.

“That's got to be worth something to the government of Alberta and other governments.”

CKUA’s rural connection goes back to the station’s origins in 1927 on the University of Alberta campus. The university envisioned the station as a connection to rural Albertans for extension courses and other resources and information.

“We started very much from the roots of the province.”

Carnes took to the airwaves earlier today to announce the letter-writing campaign. It’s designed to help the station fill a funding gap that falls out of an earlier loan necessary to refurbish and purchase an historic Edmonton hotel.

The Alberta Hotel – where Leonard Cohen wrote the song Sisters of Mercy – is one of two sites CKUA broadcasts from to 16 transmitters and the internet.

The other site is the National Music Centre in Calgary.

The station estimates it reaches about 470,000 listeners a month in Alberta alone. About a third of its listeners reside beyond the greater Edmonton and Calgary areas. Regular Alberta listeners likely number between 110,000 and 130,000, said Carnes.

On April 17, the music, arts and culture station known for its eclectic playlists publicized a need to raise $3 million by Sept. 30 to keep the lights on. A spring campaign for listener support followed, raising close to $1.7 million in 13 days.

“Listeners more than doubled our original target in 10 days. We have a lot of momentum coming out of that,” said Carnes. “So we want to maintain that momentum.”

The listener campaign total is now closing in on $1.8 million, meaning the station is about $1.2 million short of the survival number it announced earlier.

A station news release calls the new campaign a “resounding message” to government from CKUA listeners: “We’re doing our part. Where are you?”

Carnes said on-air: “I’m inviting you today to get out your pencils, pens and keyboards and join us in an important letter-writing campaign. It’s time to use our collective voice to let the decisionmakers and influencers in Ottawa know what CKUA means to each of us, and especially to you, as a proud Canadian.”

Back in 2013, the station moved into the refurbished Alberta Hotel, which it purchased for $12.5 million. The final cost at the time was estimated at $17.5 million.

The City of Edmonton and the province recognized the value of preserving the landmark and contributed $5 million each. CKUA expected a matching grant of $5 million from the federal government – but instead got just $500,000.

To meet its financing obligations, the station relies on commercial and retail leasing. But that dried up during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many costs, like they have for all individuals and organizations in inflationary times, increased.

Carnes told listeners today: “CKUA’s ask of the federal government is to correct historical wrongs, slingshot us out of a perfect storm, and invest in another century of serving Canadians. CKUA is not looking for a handout – we are looking for fairness.”

Joe Ceci, the NDP’s arts and culture critic, said more support is needed from the Alberta government. In a Local Journalism Initiative interview, he called CKUA “a consistent cultural voice” that connects Alberta to the larger world.

The station aligns with the provincial mandate for arts and culture, and an annual operating payment of $57,000 is not enough, he said.

The annual payment “is a pretty small amount of money to address a pretty major part of the minister's mandate letter” from Premier Danielle Smith. “And it hasn't changed in years,” Ceci said.

“I just think CKUA is really good value for money. So more money should be going to it, because if we lose it, which is quite possible, we lose the investment in Alberta's voice through music and culture,” Ceci said.

“It’s just a presentation to everybody about what Alberta artists are, and they're top notch. We need to nurture that, not give it short shrift.”

Tanya Fir, the provincial minister of arts and culture, told the legislature last month that the UCP government does not support debt servicing. “Significant portions of CKUA’s challenges relate to debt obligations. Capital grants are intended to build new assets or enhance the productivity of Albertans,” she said.

She did concur, however, that CKUA is “an important institution that has helped preserve and promote Alberta’s

unique culture and heritage.”

Fir noted the $5 million grant for the Alberta Hotel in 2012 came from a past conservative government. And she said the UCP has provided $450,000 in funding to CKUA since 2019.

Carnes said CKUA is a steward of the Alberta Hotel and much of the province’s cultural history, classifying it as an unofficial wing of government archives.

The station preserves a recording library and archive of a century’s worth of recorded music on multiple platforms. CKUA is home to 130,000 physical pieces, 13,000 digital album holdings and nearly 2 million songs.

Slated for digital preservation are thousands of hours of analogue interviews and programs that span decades and feature prominent Canadians and artists.

CKUA has become a unique part of the cultural fabric of the province, one that’s difficult to pigeonhole for funding programs, Carnes said.

“We define ourselves as a cultural institution that uses broadcasting as our means of building and connecting community. And that's what creativity is all about: shared experiences.

“That's how we look at it. We don't play a broadcaster game, we play an arts and cultural organization game, and we leverage all the tools that we have to connect the province and connect the country.”

NEWS PRINT ROLL ENDS $19.99 ea f f o % 50 Commonly used as a disposable table cover/cloth for kids arts and crafts activities 5312 50 St., Tofield 780.662.4046

$9.99

Purchase your office supplies at the Mercury Office.

Two moose were discovered snacking on some bushes in Beaver County in the early evening on Monday, May 6.

+ tax ea

We carry printer paper, cardstock, envelopes, highlighters, paperclips, pens, tape, sticky notes, canned air and more!