Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Vol. 46, No. 44
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Your LOCAL Paper Fourth year for Viking Legion placing poppies on local veterans’ graves
Collision on Hwy. 16 and 36 intersection claims life of 80-year-old driver A fatal collision took the life of an 80-year-old woman Sunday evening at a highway intersection north of Viking. On Oct. 29 at about 6:10 p.m., Vegreville RCMP were dispatched to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 16 at Highway 36. Upon investigation, it was determined an SUV traveling southbound on Highway 36 failed to stop at the stop sign and col-
Viking Legion members, from left, Elehda Sevick (President), Dorothy White, Dale Madu (in back) and Penny Hammer were out in October to place poppies on the graves of local veterans.
Patricia Harcourt Editor
The Viking Legion continues to honour local veterans by placing poppies on their graves, a practice that is becoming part of Remembrance observances in many communities. “There are just over 170 veteran grave sites where poppies have been placed this October in and around the Viking area,” said Penny Hammer. “I believe this is a significant number of veterans from our small community.” Legion members who performed the poppy laying service include Hammer, Dorothy White, Legion President Elehda Sevcik, and Dale Madu. They still have a couple of cemeteries to visit before completing the laying of poppies for this year. The Legion wants everyone to know the branch is performing this service and dedicating their time to mark these graves. “This is the fourth year that we started
to place poppies on local veterans’ graves a sign of Remembrance and appreciation for the sacrifices of our veterans for our freedoms today,” said Hammer. The 2023 Poppy Campaign began last Friday across Canada and runs until November 11 to honour veterans. Poppies are placed in many public places so ordinary people can make a donation to the Canadian Legion poppy campaign. They wear a poppy to recognize the sacrifices made by veterans serving their country during war. In Viking, Remembrance Day Services will be held at the Viking Community Hall on November 11. Services will start at 10:30 a.m. Following the service, the local winners of the Viking Legion Poem, Essay and Poster Contest winners will be awarded their prizes. Lunch will be prepared by the Legion auxiliary afterwards at the hall with a catered supper to follow later at the Legion Hall. On Friday, Nov. 10, Viking School will also hold a service of Remembrance.
lided with a west-bound SUV. RCMP state that the 80-year-old female passenger of the westbound SUV was declared deceased at the scene. The driver of the westbound SUV was transported to Vegreville hospital with minor injuries. The RCMP expressed their condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. No further updates were anticipated.
Aerial spraying company pleads guilty, fined for environmental infraction Bravo #1 Aerial Application Ltd. of Irma has pleaded guilty to not following pesticide regulations and environmental legislation. A statement issued by the province Oct. 27 stated that on Aug. 30, 2021, “Bravo was observed performing aerial pesticide application of Roundup Transorb HC and Heat Q.” At that time, it was reported that, “the aircraft was not registered as required under the pesticide regulations. A nearby farmer saw the Bravo plane pass over a neighbour’s field and felt a mist on her face. She later sought medical attention and noticed vegetation damage on her property.” Provincial regulations for safe and effective pesticide application call for aerial spraying not to affect other peo-
ple or the environment. “The pesticides are not allowed to be sprayed where the drift could reach human habitation,” said the statement. “Buffer zones between target and non-target locations are required, and windspeed limits apply.” The province stated that Bravo pleaded guilty to one count of “commencing or continuing any activity that is designated by the regulations as requiring a registration without holding the required registration contrary to Sections 61 and 227(i) of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.” All remaining charges were withdrawn. Bravo was sentenced to pay a $10,000 penalty inclusive of the victim surcharge.