Vegreville News Advertiser - August 30, 2023

WHAT’S INSIDE

August 21

12:02 – Report of theft and vandalism at a Vegreville Park.

14:54 – Two vehicle collision reported near the post office in Mundare. Flagged as non-reportable.

16:59 – Report of mischief where a youth stole tools out of the back of the complainant’s truck while it was parked at the lights.

18:14 – Report of suspicious activity where the complainant described a female trying to steal items when the caller was approached in their vehicle. The subject then threw items back and left in a van. Plates provided did not match the described vehicle and other information did not match the report when investigated. Calls back to the complainant went unanswered.

19:47 – Burglar alarm reported at a rural property. Members attended and spoke with the property rep. There were no signs of a break-in and members cleared the property.

August 22

00:25 – Report of a Toyota SUV with no license plate tailgating and driving erratically. Members located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Driver identified but was unable to produce a driver’s license. Ticket provided and then voided after the driver was able to find their license. Driver warned about their driving.

01:23 – EMS requested assistance at the hospital with a patient they were concerned with. Members attended and arrested the subject on a warrant out of Vermilion. The subject was released with paperwork for court and a ride home was arranged.

20:07 – Members responded to a complaint of two females fighting behind a Vegreville business. The parties were located and talked to. They indicated they lived together and were having a dispute over the ownership of belongings. They agreed to spend time apart and went on with their evening.

August 23

03:18 – 911 call about a shot heard. Complainant indicated it just happened and that it sounded like it was a block away. Nothing further heard. Members were close and responded immediately, conducting patrols. Nothing else heard or seen. No further calls on the matter.

08:42 – Report of numerous outbuild-

ings broken into at the edge of town (Vegreville). Damage to multiple doors and shed. Under investigation.

09:40 – Report of a neighbour dispute. Members warned both parties to stop antagonizing each other.

10:17 – Report of a two-vehicle collision in Vegreville.

10:42 - Report of a theft at 3:00am. CCTV shows a truck entering the property and individuals cutting locks on C-cans. Rims and tires taken as well as a child’s snowmobile. Additional information to be provided. Under investigation.

12:20 – Members responded to a call about a male sleeping near the highway. Members located the subject who was walking and stated he was trying to get home. Members called a family member who stated they would come and pick him up. The client opted to wait on the side of the road for his ride to arrive.

15:39 – Attempted break and enter to a Vegreville business. Statement provided along with CCTV footage.

17:33 – Report of a hit and run where a vehicle was turning into a Vegreville business and bumped into a female on a bicycle. Members reviewed CCTV and then contacted the driver who indicated that he asked the cyclist if she was OK and she stated she was.

18:08 – Report of a red/orange truck turning too sharply and hitting a child on a bicycle. Under investigation.

21:31 – Complaint of someone on a nocontact order breaching conditions. Member attended but the subjects were gone. Warrant sought and the matter is under investigation.

21:42 – Member assisted traveler having mechanical issues. Helped get the vehicle to a safe location until a tow could be arranged.

August 24

03:31 – Unwanted male reported. Caller indicated that the subject was trying to break in through a window and had been stealing items, leaving them on the complainant’s property. Description provided; members attended but patrols turned up negative.

10:05 – Report of harassing communications from an Ex via Facebook. Under investigation.

11:52 – Complainant reports finding a subject in his garage in the morning. The female took a coat, change and a scarf. He took the scarf but let the subject have the rest. Complainant did not want charges but did want the incident filed.

12:04 – Suspicious person in the complainant’s yard in Mundare. They were

not comfortable approaching. The subject left the yard before members arrived. Patrols turned up negative.

13:39 – Report of a female in a yard in distress asking for the sheriff and stated that she was walking from Vegreville to Edmonton. Members attended and arranged for transportation to Edmonton.

16:07 – Report of suspicious male trespassing and trying to gain access to the complainant’s property. Based on the description provided it is believed the subject is known to police. Under investigation.

August 25

10:58 – Information received on a habitual drinking and driving subject.

13:18 – 911 report of a single vehicle rollover involving a semi. Members attended. One male occupant with no injuries.

15:03 – Members attended due to multiple complaints of a female jumping in and out of traffic on Hwy 16 eat of Vegreville. The intoxicated subject was located and held in cells until sober.

16:28 – Older cell phone located near Canada Post. Provider is Lucky Mobile. Phone is at the Vegreville detachment.

20:20 – Following up on a report of two suspicious vehicles in the Warwick area. Members located the two vehicles and were able to stop one. A trailer being towed had no license plate and no VIN. Meth residue in public view. Subject arrested and released with paperwork for court. Trailer seized. Under investigation.

August 26

21:52 – Report of a sexual assault. Under investigation.

22:40 – Report of multiple gun shots fired from a truck nearby. Members attended, made patrols and canvassed the area. Other witnesses stated the noises were from fireworks.

August 27

Nothing of Note

During the week there were 82 calls for service made in total including: 0 false 911s, 1 false alarms, 2 animal strike, 1 relationship violence, 2 calls under the Mental Health Act or related to mental health, and approximately 23 tickets or warnings from traffic enforcement.

The RCMP encourages members of the community to contact them if they have any information on files listed in the Blotter.

Have questions about the blotter? Reach out to us at blotter@newsadvertiser.com and we will do our best to provide answers to your queries.

RCMP files from August 21 - 27 Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser

Charting a New Course for Education with Proposed Andrew Rural Academy

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

A group of parents and community members came together several months ago to begin initial discussions about potentially starting a public charter school in the Village of Andrew.

Those talks began even before Elk Island Public Schools board of trustees made its final decision to close Andrew School on May 4. Jason Tkachuk, who heads the nine member committee, told the Vegreville News Advertiser they filed to become a society two and a half months ago with the charter schools application department with Alberta Education.

Tkachuk said it’s just a matter of the paperwork being processed. “The way it works is that you have to be an official society to file paperwork to buy the building. But in terms of getting everything ready, we’re still getting it ready in good faith.”

Both the Village of Andrew and the Andrew Agricultural Society are in support of the committee and its mission to operate a charter school in the community. “We’re currently in talks with the village, figuring out what entity would purchase the school. Either way, we’re in complete agreement between the village and the society. It’s just a matter of the exact legal framework we’re going to go with.

We’re looking at forming a third non-profit entity that would simply own and operate the building to the benefit of the town and the school. But again, it’s a legal technicality. Everyone from our board and council understands.”

He pointed out that, “The Charter is our legal authority to educate children. So, we’re working out that and exact details about a long-term lease and repairs. Right now we’ve sent out letters to everyone in village and surrounding area. As part of the application process we need an official show of support.

We need confirmed numbers to reach the targets so that the province will let us go ahead. We’re hoping to have 75 students the first year, which satisfy all the first year criteria, and we hope to expand to the 120 range before too long.

We have a private day care provider who has expressed interest in running a full day care and out of school facility. Also, we struck a deal with premier hockey league so the school will have the rights for the region to run a hockey program.” Tkachuk said they can also offer a curling program.

The overall goal, added Tkachuk is to provide a “rural specific education” focused on meeting the needs and interests of every student. “We have a small school base so we want to make sure every student has the skill base to go to the next stage of their life. “We’re working on an agreement with post-secondary options in the area to allow children to begin their studies in high school so they can blend into what-

ever programs they want.

Letters of interest went out last week to families of former students and others who have expressed an interest in having their children attend the school. “At this point, anyone interested, from birth to Grade 12 next year. Depending on what those letters say, will determine whether seek K-12 or K-9. Since this will be a public charter school.”

Tkachuk said the provincial government will provide about 85 percent of the funding for operations that will include transportation. He also said there is a granting process available for equipment and supplies.

The building needs $1.1 and $1.5 million worth of work, but we also have to keep in mind that this building also houses the town rec centre, and town office that would help mitigate our costs. There are other granting programs that are available for infrastructure. We haven’t yet applied for them, but we have been in touch with their MLA about that process.”

In terms of timeline, Tkachuk said they’d like to meet enrolment criteria this September, allowing committee members to finalize their application and then begin attracting corporate sponsors and obtain grant funding for the charter school.

Jason Tkachuk. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Energy and Government – Part II

Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser – Opinion

Last week closed by stating we could basically bask in the sun, wind and natural gas that is so plentiful in our province, only if…I’ll continue stating my case.

I can say that with some conviction when I think back to a trip many years ago to Arizona. During my time there I met a homeowner near Lake Havasu. His house was outfitted with solar and he stated that he generated enough credit on his power bill in the summer to pay his entire power bill with AC in the Arizona heat in the summer.

This was around the same time the Alberta solar community was fighting for net metering in Alberta and our government, undoubtedly influenced by industry, made a half-hearted attempt at introducing it with a $250/m surcharge. How can a province with so much intellectual talent make such backward thinking decisions? Oh right… politics and the urge to be voted back in.

Arizona currently pays 16 cents per KWh. If our rates do increase, some in Alberta will be paying 2X what people in Arizona pay, (not adjusted for currency or other factors.) The argument in Alberta is that it’s complicated and costly to switch natural-gas plants on and off when renewable power is not available but demand is high. Interesting since the mix in

Arizona is no different than any typical jurisdiction. In 2022, 99% of Arizona’s total electricity net generation was provided from six sources: natural gas (42%); nuclear power (29%); coal (12%); solar energy (10%); hydroelectric power (5%): and wind (1%). Biomass, hydroelectric pumped storage, and petroleum, supplied the rest. According to the AESO, in 2022 Alberta had a mix that included 31% of combined power generation from wind, solar and hydro.

Are we so stuck in the muck that we can’t find a way to do what Arizona was doing 15 – 20 years ago?

If you add to our energy generation mix current and early deployments in various energy storage technologies and there really is no reason other than desire to do anything BUT use a mix of electricity generation. In pumped hydro alone, the last three years has seen over 1 terawatt in projects planned, funded and/or waiting for approval. An AUS university study showed you could power the globe with pumped hydro alone. Add to that current gravity, flow, thermal and similar storage technologies and it’s really not that complicated.

What I’m saying is that technology is NOT the issue here. Quite simply, it’s policy and politics.

If you do a quick search on Virtual Power Plants (VPP) you will get a good picture of what is possible. This is not “pie in the sky” wishful thinking, this is actual technology in use today.

So what to do? Well, here are a few ideas.

First, for those in the Minister Steven Guilbeault camp, who want to see net zero by 2035 (hint.. most experts say it can’t be done without going broke), let them put their money where their mouth is. Implement smart meters and… A: when solar and wind are not available, simply shut the power off for these users. And/or B: allow these users to pay the associated rates when green energy is scarce (with necessary calculations included), or they have to buy from Hydro One or BC Hydro. Use that extra money to fund more green power.

Second, stop all tax and transfer payments to Ottawa and fund, in some way as to not enrich private companies, upgrading of our electrical grids to allow for a province wide VPP capable of supporting all current and future energy production and storage requirements.

Third, send some math and critical thinking teachers to Ottawa to explain to Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault and PM Justin Trudeau the numbers in Canada. No matter what we do in Canada to change our 1.5 percent of global emissions, we won’t affect climate change. Explain to them with colourful charts and graphs that the best way to do that is to replace coal with natural gas. You know, just like so many countries who can understand math have been asking.

It’s not that complicated. Politicians just need to get their politics and egos out of the way, learn from others who ARE doing it right, and do what is best for the citizens.

Tell me what you think. Email me at abletters@newsadvertiser.com

BrokerLink Acquires Vegreville

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Vegreville Insurance is now part of the BrokerLink family.

Susan Halasz, Manager of Marketing & Communications for the Toronto based company, informed the Vegreville News Advertiser that BrokerLink acquired Vegreville Insurance on Aug. 1.

BrokerLink issued a news release on Aug. 8 announcing the acquisitions of Vegreville Insurance Ltd. along with two Ontario based brokerages, Rick Beer Insurance Inc. and AAimsafe Inc. Halasz was asked how much Vegreville Insurance was acquired for, and she said they do not disclose specific details on the acquisitions.

Halasz did say that, “Acquisitions are part of our overall growth strategy, and when we consider an acquisition, there are several key factors that we look at. One is location; we look for opportunities in new and existing communities within the provinces in which we operate. Business mix is another consideration; we look to grow and expand our personal and business customer bases.

A brokerage’s employees are an integral part of all of our acquisitions, as we value their local expertise. In addition, it’s important that an acquired brokerage’s values align with ours, so a strong commitment to local service and community are also key factors.”

Halasz said that all of the employees from Vegreville Insurance are joining BrokerLink. “Employees are an integral part of all our acquisitions, and we are proud to say we retain close to 90 percent of the employees who join us through the

process. This is a key feature that differentiates our model, and we believe that acquiring employees with diverse insurance experience is a key benefit.

Once a brokerage joins BrokerLink, we have a dedicated acquisition team in place that helps with every step of the integration process and we’ve developed many resources to keep employees informed so they feel welcomed and excited about the opportunities available to them as part of the BrokerLink team.”

Vegreville Insurance President Michael Webb said, “We’ve been dedicated to helping our customers protect what matters to them most, while providing the best service possible. We trust that BrokerLink will continue delivering customized insurance solutions, while providing our team members with access to technology, and the resources necessary to elevate the customer experience.”

Halasz noted that, “Vegreville Insurance was established in 1971. It offers home, auto, business, farm and life insurance. BrokerLink employees are active in community engagement and participate in many initiatives both large and small across Canada, including: our annual Generosity in Action campaign (aligned with United Way); participating in local environmental initiatives, as well as support for local charities and programs focused on providing food security, youth development animal protection and more.

As company, BrokerLink also advocates for taking action to identify and reduce risks associated with climate change and extreme weather events, such as flooding.

Vegreville Insurance employees are active in their community and donate regularly to local, charitable causes, for example: their annual Easter Egg Hunt; monthly food bank donations, holiday drives and donations, and supporting local events, such as raising money to support Ukrainian families coming to Vegreville.”

BrokerLink acquired Myrnam Insurance on Feb. 1, 2023.

from the pages of the vegreville observer

90 Years Ago – August 30, 1933

Mr. Garbe’s caravansary in Two Hills has changed its kitchen staff. Frank Gair, having just returned from a tour, assumed the cap and apron of the departing Bill Redman.

Harvesting operations are being conducted under the finest possible weather conditions in this district. By the end of this week probably 75% of the wheat will be in stook.

The first of this season’s wheat was brought into Ryley on August 25th by Rex Boyles and was delivered to the Pool elevator. It was of Garnet variety and graded No. 2.

It is reported that “Church bells may no longer ring in Russia.” The German Lutheran Church at Tiflis owned a historical and famous bell, which was recently confiscated and seized. The German consulate protested, but the Russian Government answered that the “confiscation had been affirmed.”

The $10 Bank of Toronto notes of which counterfeits have been circulating at various points, Mr. Cromb at Warwick having been caught with one, have been traced to two Edmonton youths, Wm. Bleller and George Cox, who are alleged to be members of a gang of counterfeiters.

75 Years Ago – September 1, 1948

It was unofficially reported here Tuesday that oil has been discovered in the Redwater district, 27 miles north of Edmonton. Crude oil is reported to have started flowing early today from a wildcat well drilled by the Imperial Oil Company.

Peter Nikiforuk, Vegreville High School student, has been awarded one of nine scholarships offered by Queen’s University, Kingston, Ont., to students of exceptional ability.

Americans smoked 345,000,000,000 cigarettes during the year that ended June 30 – another record. This was the equivalent of about 121 packs for every man, woman, and child.

Alberta-Saskatchewan oil production climbed to a new high of almost 40,000 barrels daily in the week ended August 9. Indicated daily average was 39,873 barrels, or more than 2.300 barrels higher than the former peak of the previous two weeks. This is 7,100 barrels higher than the officially recorded yield for June.

The Edmonton oil field town of Devon is taking shape. Twentyfive houses have been constructed and another 50 are underway. Sewage and water facilities are nearly ready to be hooked up. The town will have a population of 300 when completed. Denmark consists of one peninsula and 500 islands.

50 Years Ago – August 30, 1973

The Hon. Neil Crawford, Minister of Health for Alberta was a visitor in Vegreville last week at which time he took the opportunity of visiting the health facilities of the community as well as discuss a brief that was presented by the Vegreville Association for the Mentally Handicapped and the Vegreville Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Ross Cairns was the spokesperson for the group in which he outlined the needs of the community and area with respect to facilities for the care and instructions.

Among the interesting visitors to Willingdon at the time of the fair were Mr. and Mrs. Lorne Ulley of Montreal. Mr. Ulley is a writer and will prepare a story on the Willingdon Fire Department and its involvement in rural fire protection. An informative discussion took place immediately following the fair parade at the fire hall between Fire Chief Ray Swiderski and Mr. Ulley.

Flagpoles are readied for the new Provincial Building in Vegreville by maintenance employees Dick Strynadka and supervisor Jim Munroe. Grounds to the building were improved last week with the installation of “instant grass”, a sodding by an Edmonton nursery. Officers of several of the government agencies are now located in the new structure.

25 Years Ago – August 31, 1998

Sometime during the night of August 24/25, 1998, the Elk Monument at the Vegreville Kinsmen Elks Park was vandalized by unknown persons. The Elk was left limbless as all its legs were pretty much broken off, as well as antlers broken from the fall. The original cost of the Elk was $8000. Repairs since have been made to antlers also due to vandalism. The little bird shack was also vandalized, it was stood up vertically blocking the entranceway to the shack.

The weekend of August 22 and 23 Edmonton held its annual street/roller hockey tournament, NHL Breakout. A Vegreville/Two Hills team entered not doing so well. But the team from Andrew made it to the semi-finals losing by one goal.

George Kachuk of Willingdon won a silver medal at the Canada Seniors Games, held in Medicine Hat on the weekend of August 20 and 21. Kachuk competed in the 65 to 74 age category in men’s golf. Elaine Keith earned a bronze medal at the Canadian level. She had entered a crocheted tablecloth in the handicraft category.

Letters Welcomed

One role of the Vegreville News Advertiser is to promote dialogue on various issues of concern to area residents. We accomplish this by welcoming Letters to the Editor and allowing various issues to be debated through our pages. All letters must contain the writer’s name, address and phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, however the writer’s name may be withheld from publication in special circumstances deemed appropriate by the Publisher.

The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity, spelling and grammar, taste or for reasons of potential libel. A maximum of 150 words is preferred. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to withhold letters from publication.

Decoding Canada’s Food Inflation Maze

Sylvain Charlebois

Dalhouise University

July’s food price data tells us a lot about why our grocery bills are the way they are.

Some Canadians might not acknowledge it, but things are getting a bit better. Our food prices increased a bit less this month, going from 8.3 percent to 7.8 percent. To make it simpler, even though food is still expensive, the prices aren’t going up as fast.

Because of this, we might soon see some essential unprocessed food items like sugar, flour, and coffee get a bit cheaper. However, the latest figures from Statistics Canada reveal a nuanced depiction of the myriad elements influencing the costs of our food. For example, bad weather like droughts and too much rain, especially in the east, made some food more expensive this summer. However, big problems from the past, like the pandemic and issues in Ukraine, don’t really affect prices anymore.

The current monthly report shows how different food prices have changed. Meat got a bit more expensive, increasing by 1.3 percent from June to July. This could be attributed to a combination of factors affecting beef prices, shifts in consumer preferences, disruptions in livestock production in Canada and the United States, and fluctuations in international trade dynamics. Veggie prices also went up by 1.2 percent, which may indicate local and global supply uncertainties, exacerbated by potential weather-related disruptions impacting harvests in certain regions.

Notably, bakery and dairy products have seen slight increases of 0.8 percent and 0.6 percent respectively. These subtle increments reflect the intricate processes of production, transportation, and the numerous factors converging to deliver these staples to our tables. Meanwhile, the one percent decline in fish prices may highlight evolving consumer behaviours or shifts in the availability of imports.

Fruit got a lot cheaper, going down by 3.4 percent. While this reduction could be welcome news for consumers, it also underscores the vulnerabilities that can disrupt getting fruit from farms to stores, especially in summer. Transportation bottlenecks, trade imbalances, and shifts in global demand are all contributing factors

to such fluctuations.

Even in the broader context of the G7 nations, Canada’s food inflation data presents a unique narrative. Despite the fluctuations, Canada maintains the second lowest food inflation rate within the G7, underscoring a level of economic resilience in the face of global challenges. Only the United States currently boasts a lower food inflation rate, at 4.9 percent.

Quebec and Ontario, the country’s most populous provinces, demonstrate varying rates of food inflation. Quebec, with the highest rate among the provinces at 9.4 percent, reflects distinctive regional dynamics. In contrast, Ontario’s rate of 7.2 percent highlights a potentially different balance of supply and demand factors. While Ontario’s weather has been favourable for harvests, Quebec has experienced excessive rainfall that has damaged a significant portion of crops.

The discussion surrounding the carbon tax is also noteworthy. Amidst this intricate landscape, the impact of clean fuel and carbon taxes on food prices warrants consideration. While these policies aim to promote environmental sustainability, their direct influence on July’s food inflation remains uncertain. The complex interplay of market dynamics and government interventions makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact effect of these measures.

In the broader context, the increasing cost of lodging is becoming a significant concern for many Canadians. Rising shelter expenses are likely to place additional strain on Canadian households’ food budgets. The latest quarterly results from grocers reveal a growing preference for store brands and discount stores within a more cost-conscious consumer market, a trend likely to persist into the upcoming fall season.

In the end, July’s food price data isn’t just about numbers. It shows how strong Canada’s farming is compared to other places, even if we don’t always see it. After dealing with high food prices for 18 months, it’s clear that our food system can handle tough times. This should remind us all to work together to make sure everyone in Canada can get good, affordable food.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agrifood analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University.

- Richard Kluger -

Compiled by dan beaudette

Every time a newspaper dies, even a bad one, the country moves a little closer to authoritarianism...

Innisfree High School Class of ’73 Hosts Reunion

Ed Kitt Submitted

“After 50 years, the Innisfree High School graduating class of 1973 held its first reunion on July 13. Fourteen of the remaining 19 graduating students were able to attend.

One, Mike Spak, travelled from Terrace, BC. to be part of the occasion. Because of the efforts of one of the reunion organizers, a tour of the school was arranged. To the amazement of many class members, numerous changes to the school had been made.

Following the tour, the group moved to Greg’s Truck Stop where everyone enjoyed a lunch and much visiting. Many laughs and memories were exchanged as well as a short tribute to a former classmate, Larry Makowecki, who sadly succumbed to cancer a year earlier.

Much appreciation to the management and staff at Greg’s Truck Stop for accommodating our group as well as for the wonderful meals and great service. Gratitude to the many classmates whose contributions helped make this reunion a success.

Appearing in the photo, with their school surnames: Back Row L-R: Harvey Saskiw, Valerie Pichota, Loretta Kuper, Norman Lazowski, Michael Spak and Tom Nott. Front Row L-R: Rosemary Pasieka, Roseline Smith, Eugene Uniat, Andrea Sobchyshyn, Debbie Franchuk, Elvera Bruce, Mary Fisher and Ed Kitt. Unable to attend: Howard Barber, Linda Cannon, Diane Carlson, Darlene Olenek and Donna Spevakow. (Jeanette Lazowski/Submitted Photo)

Mundare Parks Society Constructs Pickleball Court

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

For the past three years members of the Mundare Parks Society have been raising funds to build a pickleball court in the community, and on Aug. 23 Centerline Paving were com-

Vegreville Academy of Ukrainian Dance Association

Annual General Meeting

September 25, 2023

PLACEMENT CLASSES

September 11, 2023

Please bring your dancers to the groups they were in last year. Instructors will let you know what to bring your dancer to after placements. We will announce what times and location of dance classes.

Group 1: and any new dancers under 6: 5:00 - 5:30

Group 2: and any new dancers 6 -10: 5:30 - 6:00

Group 3: 6:00 - 7:30

Group 4: 6:30 - 7:15

Group 5: 7:15 - 8:15

Adults: 8:15 - 9:00

All placement classes will be held at the Cultural Centre

pleting base work on the project.

Line painting has yet to be completed. Town of Mundare Chief Administrative Officer Colin Zyla was unsure as to when that would be done. The town previously donated $5,000 to the Mundare Parks Society for the project.

The Mundare Parks Society has been in existence for approximately 17 years and has been instrumental in the completion of several recreational projects in the community. Society President Trisha Ming-

Brison said it started with the spray park, which is also located in the Quentin Warawa Memorial Park, along with a skate park.

“That was our biggest project and cost us approximately $250,000. We then put in a Skate Park that cost approximately $55,000. We then filled the demand for a park structure in Whitetail, (subdivision), and added a toddler play structure at the Spray Park. The total of those two projects was approximately $65,000.”

Property #1 Cabin - Selling a 23 1/2' x 13' Cabin with a 13'x10' Loft to be Moved. Sells with a Separate Bedroom, Bathroom as well as Hardy Board Siding, Electrical Wiring, Heat & Air. For More Information contact the owner at 780 -208-8687

(403) 704-3141 & Allen Olson (403) 783-0556

Owner's Phone Number 780-657-1026 or 780-208-8687

Pickleball court located in Quentin Warawa Memorial Park in Mundare. (Town of Mundare/Submitted Photo)

Ryan McQueen’s Life with his Handcrafted Supercar

the following lands:

Each parcel will be offered for sale subject to a reserve bid and to the reservations and conditions contained in the existing certificate of title.

Ryan McQueen built the world’s only twin jet powered supercar.

Ryan’s wife, Tawnia does the behind the scenes work.

Ryan explained about his journey creating and racing this jet car. “This past weekend’s race event at the Vegreville Speedway was a total success for us. This is our first year out running it down the tracks and runways at airshows, and basically getting our name out there that we’re ready to show the world what a big dream almost two decades ago can become if you put your mind to it. Prior to this year was a 17-year build, and most recently, (last year), finally getting the car running at the Vegreville Speedway for the first ever show.

I’m located in Sherwood Park, but really feel at home coming to your race track. Everyone is always so welcoming there.

The whole car was put together in my small two car garage. In 1995, I attended an Airshow and witnessed Les Shockley’s Super Shockwave jet truck rocket down the runway as a 19-year-old. Several years later at 30, I saw another one at our local track. It was that exact moment that I decided that I think I’ll build one. So, with no skills, no knowledge of how to do any of this, I ventured off to build something no one’s seen before.

Over the next 17 years, I would search on the internet, talk to anyone I could about how to create this car, help crew with any jet team that would have me tag along, all while working a full time job with the City of Edmonton as a truck driver and raising my two wonderful

children with my wife.

For the longest time, I’m pretty sure that family and friends thought I’d lost it when I was creating this. But as time went on and parts and pieces would come together, things changed. I started to get a few sponsors on board to help out with parts, painting, batteries, anodizing, lighting, and other items. The car became a roller and I was able to enter it in some car shows and display at airshows.

Then just last year, at the September event at the Vegreville Speedway, I finally ran my first smoke and fire line show. It was in front of 127 people and the video was eventually picked up by an online car influencer and currently sits at just under 24,000,000 views from that day. This past summer, we finally started performing at airshows and drag races and was actually able to run our Airshow act at the dragstrip this past Saturday because of a new starting line location. This way everyone got a good view of the car, we were able to give lots of smoke and fire and even a little hit down the drag strip.

The INSANITY jet car is powered by two Rolls Royce Viper 522’s turbo jets originally off of a Hawker Siddley business jet from the late 60’s. Then I built afterburners for them and creating nearly 7,000 extra pounds of thrust to give the 3,800 pound car a total of 14,000 pounds of thrust. It’s surprisingly a very smooth ride. But still pretty wild. In order to stop the car, it utilizes two 16 foot parachutes from an F4 phantom fighter jet, and four wheel disc brakes.

The original draw to this form of motorsport for me was the noise, smoke, fire, and speed. But what I quickly realized was, that the people I would meet along the way has proven to be the greatest thing that has come out of this. I’m sure that I can speak for all of the racers out there when I say that we appreciate every single person who comes through those gates to watch us race. And the Vegreville Speedway is such a great place to get people off of the streets racing and onto a track.

The land is being offered for sale on an "as is, where is" basis, and the Town of Vegreville makes no representation and gives no warranty whatsoever as to the adequacy of services, soil conditions, land use districting, building and development conditions, absence or presence of environmental contamination, or the developability of the subject land for any intended use by the purchaser. The risk of the property lies with the purchaser immediately following the auction. The purchaser is responsible for obtaining vacant possession. No terms and conditions of sale will be considered other than those specified by the municipality. If no offer is received on a property, or if the reserve bid is not met, the property cannot be sold at the public auction. The Town of Vegreville may, after the public auction, become the owner of any parcel of land not sold at the public auction.

Terms: The successful bidder must, at the time of the sale, pay the purchase price in full, by the way of cash, certified cheque, or money order, payable to the Town of Vegreville. GST will apply to all properties subject to GST sold at the auction.

The purchaser of the property will be responsible for property taxes for the current year. The purchaser will be required to execute a Sales Agreement in form and substance provided by the municipality. The purchaser will be responsible for the transfer registration fee.

Redemption may be effected by payment of all arrears of taxes and costs at any time prior to the sale. Once the property is declared sold to another individual at public auction, the previous owner has no further rights to the pay the tax arrears.

Dated at Vegreville, Alberta, August 30, 2023.

Sandra Ling

Interim Chief Administrative Officer

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

L-R: Ryan McQueen with his son, Ryler, daughter, Brinley and wife Tawnia beside his jet car. (Chantelle Auclaire/Submitted Photo)

Deryk Sanford Speaks on How to Have a Good Harvest

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Deryk Sanford has a grain farm at Lavoy. When asked, Deryk admitted that he owns and farms 4000 acres. “I have been farming for most of my life. I have done it officially full time since I graduated from university in 2004.

The steps people can take to ensure they have a good and safe harvest are to follow the motto my grandmother had in her house which was people need to slow

down their day and not their life. This meant that we can get caught up a lot of the time with things we have to do during harvest and we should instead literally take the time that is needed when you drive from one place to the

next on the farm. Also, we need to think things through when we are operating a dangerous piece of equipment like a tractor with a PTO and take the time to talk to the younger generation that don’t have the same experience as we do. For example, we need to tell them about the dangers because we cannot assume they know what these are.

To have a good harvest, it is all about your outlook. We need to focus on what we have control over. We put a lot of concern about the weather and we don’t have any control over the weather; all we can do is operate with what Mother Nature throws at us. We were at a drought for the first half of the year and now that we are finally getting some rain; I look at this as rather than being stressed about the rain, I am happy to have it because it will help us out for next spring.”

Deryk on his grain farm. (Deryk Sanford/Submitted Photo)

Recommendations For a Safe Harvest

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Harvest safety applies to everyone in rural communities, not only those working on the farm. When asked, people gave the following responses on how they think everyone can have a safe harvest.

Mary Finch replied, “Always look around your machinery before climbing into it for children, animals, power lines. Be patient when driving behind farm equipment on highways (they are just going to work), make sure your cell phone or walk-in talkies are fully charged in case you get hurt in the field and need help. Finally, remember farmers and farm safety is so important because without farmers we couldn’t eat or drink.”

Dayna Antosko advised, “Don’t play in grain silos/ storage bins. Try not to play in fields with high standing yields during harvest if the yield stands over your head, stay away from operating equipment if you aren’t in the operating equipment and watch for overhead powerlines while operating farming equipment.”

Matthew Sokalski mentioned, “Carefully consider all possible entrapment risks, including grain bags, machinery under repair, and active machinery. Ensure that all opening windows and doors in machinery are operable, and that no aftermarket additions to machinery that pres-

ent challenges for personnel extraction.”

Dillon Lesyk stated, “There’s lots a person should be watching for at this time of the year like moving augers or bins; pay attention and make sure you got proper highs for powerline clearance that goes for equipment as well.

Also, make sure if you are moving bins you got proper movers and maybe pilot vehicles in place, warning traffic have shields in place on thing that rotate and or cut like shields on your augers and Power Take-Off (PTO) shaft. As well, wear your clothes so there’s nothing dangling or baggy that can get caught and wear a mask to prevent you from breathing that dust in and damaging your lungs.

However, for me, the biggest one is to know at all times where everyone is located, know where your children are at all times.

It’s fine to take your kids with you, it’s actually great to see parents still take their children into the field to learn that things don’t just show up at the store but please make sure you know where they are at all times.

I know families that have lost little ones because they did not know where they were or the children decided it be funny to get mom or dad to come look for them but they don’t understand mom and dad may have become complacent and have things on their mind such as they need to get so many acres off by a certain time and they

Tips to Have a Safe Harvest

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Sometimes when things get busy, we can forget the little things. Whether you’re a seasoned vet or helping out with harvest for the first time, we’ve come up with some things to consider during harvest.

While it may be next to impossible try to find a way to get some sleep between shifts combining.

Consider trying to find someone to help you with the cooking and household duties to take the pressure off. It is essential not to skip meals and stay hydrated.

Ensure your farm machinery and equipment are working properly.

It is advisable to carry a first aid kit.

Successful Farming states to keep your machine’s mirrors and windows clean on and off the field while make sure to regularly wipe any dust or debris from safety reflectors, lights, and mirrors.

They also mentioned to inspect the Power Take-Off, (PTO) shaft safety shields for all operations. As well, look out for rocks and other debris in the crop fields.

Make others aware of your crew’s location and check your tow ropes and chains when extracting stuck equipment.

become stressed.

A suggestion is when you go to unload that combine or you go to unload that grain truck just get the children to wait in the cabs to avoid the potential of them potentially getting run over, maybe accidentally losing balance and they end up falling into the auger or even worse they climb up on to the truck side to look at the grain and fall in and suffocate. It’s grim you bet it is but we all know it can happen and it does happen more than all of us would like to admit so just have a safe and prosperous harvest and everyone stay safe.”

Now Buying Canola

Alberta Open Farm Days at Chatsworth Farm

Alberta Open Farm Days has been a growing success story since it’s inception a decade ago.

Just one of the examples of that success is Chatsworth Farm. Located approximately 25 kilometres northeast of Mannville, Chatsworth Farm has been a host farm for the past four years.

The farm is owned by the Wasylik family. Rick and Johanna, along with Charlotte, Rob, Nick, Alex and Breanne. Here they raise beef cattle, sheep, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese as well as grow cereal and legume crops on more than 2,500 acres of beautiful rolling parkland.

The family has a passion for raising “sustainable, ethical, and quality beef, lamb, poultry, eggs, and grains.”

August 19 was a very busy day at the farm during Alberta Open Farm Days. “We had over 350 visitors

check in at our welcome tent, we had 24 volunteers, 18 farmers market vendors, and five other display tents,” stated Charlotte.

“This year’s Alberta Open Farm Days at Chatsworth farm was another record-setting year and some of the highlights of the day were definitely the farm tours and giving visitors the opportunity to hold day-old chicks, pet kittens, and feed the horses; the bouncy combine; the hot dog barbecue featuring hot dogs made with our own beef roasts, the artisan farmers’ market, all the different demonstrations and hands-on activities including the new cow birthing model where visitors got to try pulling a calf; and musical performances all afternoon from singersongwriter Mallory Chipman.

Open Farm Days is a wonderful opportunity to share with our visitors where their food comes from and how it’s grown and raised. And it’s wonderful to be able to include other farmers, producers, and

Correction

Dinwoodie

We are pleased to announce Harley

has been appointed Sales Manager for Deerland's Vegreville location. Harley brings over a decade of experience with Deerland & John Deere equipment to this role & we are excited to have him guide our sales team moving forward. Please join us in congratulating Harley on this appointment & be sure to stop by our Vegreville location & say hello.

In the article: ‘Raising the Chomiak Homestead House’ that was featured on Page 7 of the August 23 edition, the word raising was incorrectly used. It should have been razing instead. It was incorrectly stated that a special shrine dedicated to Motivi and Salomea is located in the cemetery beside Borshiw Catholic Church when in fact the shrine is located in the Chomiak Pioneer Memorial Garden on the homestead. VNA apologizes for these errors and any inconvenience they may have caused.

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Shaun McKenna from Vegreville based Hornet Farms Homestead & Apiary. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

makers during our big day to help showcase their wares and introduce them to new potential customers. whether it’s the Old School Cheesery making cheese in Vermilion, the Copper Cork Distillery making their alcohol from locally grown wheat, rhubarb, Saskatoons and more, local bakers with their homemade baklava and cupcakes. A lot of Albertans still don’t realize how many wonderful products are being created right here in the province and that they can “shop local”, even in small rural towns, whether it’s for beef and eggs, or pasta, beer, and vodka. And while they may know that you can find market gardens, soap, pottery, jewelry, and honey. They might not know about some of the newer growers and artisans, so it’s great to be able to highlight them as well. Rural sustainability is vital to support our small towns, and Open Farm Days is an ideal way to show

visitors how their support of local farms and businesses helps everyone in these communities.

We’re also so happy to be able to promote awareness of all of our wonderful sponsors and partners who not only helped us to create this special day, but also help Alberta agriculture and farmers throughout the year, from grocers and financial institutions to machinery dealerships, seed companies, feed stores, utilities and media companies, and more.

One of the vendors at the artisan farmers’ market was Hornet Farms Homestead & Apiary, owned and operated by Shaun McKenna and Molly Grant of Vegreville. Shaun is the gardening and bee expert, while Molly is the foodie with great taste and natural aesthetic. Gardening and bees go hand in hand and while its more like a hobby for the couple, they have a genuine knack for

inventing and creating products that are organic and unique. They have seven bee hives that they keep at Rod’s Greenhouse, located a few miles north of Vegreville.

This year’s batch of Wildflower honey was for sale, along with freeze dried peppers and their signature fermented hot sauces that contain, onions, garlic, bell peppers, vinegars and of course, unpasteurized honey. While they are new to the food industry, the young couple are proof positive what can be accomplished when you follow your passions and are just another great success story, and they are very grateful to folks who support “small and local.”

According to Alberta Open Farm Days, since 2013, the event has included nearly 150,000 person visits to over 900 Alberta farms, and injected more than $1.1 million into the rural economy through on-farm sales.

Cattle Rustling Still a Thing in Alberta

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Cattle rustling is still a thing in Alberta and RCMP issued a news release on Aug. 24 warning the public and asking for assistance to identify the person or persons responsible for the theft of six longhorn cattle in Wheatland County.

According to Alberta RCMP, “On Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning of this week, six longhorn cattle were removed from a pasture, located near Highway 564 and Range Road 262. It is believed the cattle were loaded and hauled from the location using a truck and trailer.

The cattle are described as a mix of red/ black steers and heifers weighing approximately 600 pounds each. The animals had purple management tags as can be seen in the attached photographs and they were not branded.”

Miles Wowk, who ranches in the County of Two Hills and currently serves as a Director with the Alberta Beef Producers, said that if cattle are branded, it’s much harder for thieves to move them. He noted, however, that there are no brand inspections in Manitoba.

Even though branding isn’t a 100 percent guarantee a rancher will recover their stolen property, Wowk said that if cattle are branded it makes it much harder for thieves to move them. “The main motivation is cash.”

The unfortunate part is that you can’t get price insurance for calves, added Wowk. The more cattle are worth, the more cattle that are stolen. Currently,

cattle prices are at an all-time high in Alberta, and can range between $2,000 and $4,000 each.

Security cameras are a deterrent if the criminal or criminals can be clearly identified. Wowk said checking in with neigh-

Employment

COUNTY OF MINBURN NO. 27

Road Maintenance Equipment Operator Temporary

The County of Minburn No. 27 is seeking one individual for a Road Maintenance Equipment Operator position in the Operations Department located in Vegreville, Alberta. For detailed information including position requirements and qualifications, please visit the County website at minburncounty.ab.ca.

Employment Term: September 2023 to October 2024

Salary Range: $29.60 to $36.40 per hour

Submission Deadline: Will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected

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Visitors checking out Chatsworth Farm. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Hornet Farms Homestead & Apiary bees. (Hornet Farms Homestead & Apiary/ Submitted Photo)

One of the specialty hot sauces for sale. (Hornet Farms Homestead & Apiary/Submitted Photo)

bours on a regular basis as well as monitoring of property and pastures you own or rent is very important.

Cattle grazing northeast of Mannville Aug. 19.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Polled, Limousine, Cows, and Calves For Sale! They come from a closed registered herd, NO TROUBLE calving. Pasture also available if herd is purchased. PH: 780-603-7036

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LOST DOG - Border Collie like, black, short tail, friendly, likes car rides. Missing from South of Vegreville PH: 780-632-1720

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Harvest time is upon us. Swathing and combining were in progress a few miles south of the Town of Smoky Lake on Saturday afternoon. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Vegreville Elks Raffle Winners

Vegreville

Elks Lodge Submitted

Bernie Florkow presents cheque to Sharon Giebelhaus. (Vegreville Elks Lodge/Submitted Photo)

Bernie Florkow, right, presents cheque to Craig Wince. (Vegreville Elks Lodge/Submitted Photo)

Bernie Florkow presents cheque to Orysia Stefiuk. (Vegreville Elks Lodge/Submitted Photo)

Harvest Time

Mannville Historical Telephone Exchange Museum: Ringtone of the Past and Line to the Future

I’ve only been the secretary for two weeks, so I don’t know anything. We only have a handful of members on the executive board, and we’re trying to get it up and running.” That may be, but Zeta is a natural fit, acting as gracious tour guide and avid historian. She admits, “I like to read a lot.”

One interesting fact Zeta revealed during the tour was that she and Alice Rutherford, who became a telephone operator in 1915, have in common is that Alice used to attend the Anglican Church in town, and it’s the same church Zeta now owns and operates as an Airbnb with Church Stay Alberta.

Alice passed away in 1975.

The Mannville Historical Society also owns and operates the Crossroads Museum in the Village of Mannville. “We’re hoping to do a bit of a relaunch of both the telephone exchange and museum next year.” Zeta has had experience in applying for grants and is hoping to do that in order for the historical society to be able to do more projects in the future with the intent of involving youth in the community.

The Mannville Telephone Exchange Museum is not only a marvel of the past, but a line to the present and hopefully, a link to the future.

Zeta Hickey, Secretary of the Mannville Historical Society, welcomed visitors to the registered historic site on Aug. 19 before the start of the annual Fair. After a formal introduction, Zeta explained that, “All of the members of the historical committee resigned last year. The original committee did an amazing job and they were great, but all were seniors and stepped down.

The former Alberta Government Exchange building is a one-story, brick clad building with hipped roof, wide eaves and exposed rafters. According to information on the Alberta Register of Historic Places website, “The main part of the building was constructed in 1917. The hip roof and rear kitchen extension were added in the 1920’s and modern bathroom facilities were added in 1954.

In 1965, a modern telephone exchange building was constructed behind the 1917 structure. This new building is not included in the Province of Alberta’s historic designation. The Alberta Government Telephones Exchange building occupies the western portion of a subdivided lot on the corner of 50 Street and 51 Avenue in the Village of Mannville’s main commercial district.”

The telephone exchange, opened in 1917 and Alice Rutherford came a couple of years later. Alice became an agent in 1920. Zeta said, “Alice taught most the telephone operators in Alberta. This was the first telephone office. So, she was a very important person.

She came from Ontario. She came with her husband, then he went off to war, (World War 1). When he returned, they broke up, probably PTSD. Her brother died of gas poisoning.

Across the street at the bank her sister Gwendoline worked. So, when her husband left her, her sister came from Ontario to help her because she had a child by then. She was a single parent running this whole business and that’s pretty tough.

Her sister died quite young in childbirth. But they are buried side by side in Mannville cemetery. This front room is the telephone office, and at one point it was the post office as well.”

The telephone exchange closed in 1965. At that time, Alice was honoured for her 48 years of service.

While the telephone exchange and outstanding work of Alice Rutherford played an integral part in Alberta’s history, Zeta is hoping to keep that history alive in fresh new ways so the present generation as well as future generations will come to appreciate all that it has to offer.

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Mannville Historical Society Secretary Zeta Hickey. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Telephone in Alice Rutherford’s bedroom. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Visitors at the telephone exchange during this year’s Canada Day festivities. (Mannville Historical Society/Submitted Photo)

went before you and loved you dearly

But I miss you so much here on this earth

My Mother & Friend

I look forward to seeing you one day soon in Heaven

Where you are dancing & singing with your Angels now

In your Beautiful, Colorful Fields of Flowers & Crossing that Beautiful

Wooden Bridge you had dreams of & joyfully told me about so often.

You now have that incredible PEACE you dreamt of & desired so desperately here on this earth.

Your Loving Daughter Arlene, Kurt, Joshua, Kash & Stein

Jared & Rachel Carol, Rory & Family

In Loving Memory IRIS PALICHUK

August 1, 1940 - August 31, 2015

WE still can’t understand why someone so precious was taken from us eight years ago.

There are countless times

When THOUGHTS OF YOU flood in.

The PAIN in our HEARTS is overwhelming

Thinking back to the day WE LOST YOU.

But in these moments of Deep SADNESS we find Comfort

In the SPECIAL TIMES we all had TOGETHER.

Though the ache of MISSING

You NEVER goes AWAY

We CHERISH your MEMORIES

You may not be here WITH US, but your PRESENCE IS No MATTER how LONG AGO you LEFT us.

WE CAN’T BRING YOU BACK but we’ll always REMEMBER you. Sadly missed by Ernest, Joyce, Tiffany, Nicole, Cameron, Peyton, Dominic, Logan, Brooklyn, Chris, Rebecca & ELIZABETH

In loving memory of our mother Seniuk, Marcia April 30, 1934 - August 26, 2021

We often think of bygone days

When we were all together.

The family chain is broken now, But memories will live forever. To us, she has not gone away, Nor has she travelled far, Just entered God’s

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Ivan Clayton Broadhead at Viking, Alberta at the age of 82 years.

Ivan was born August 5, 1941 in Barrhead, Alberta to Clayton and Alice Broadhead.

Ivan is survived by his siblings: Allan (Lyvonne), Clint (Barb), Garth (Terri), Evelyn (Greg), and Susan and sister-in-law Susan. Ivan is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces; great nephews and nieces and cousins.

He was predeceased by: his parents, Clayton and Alice Broadhead; sister Mildred (Gausvik) and brother Jerry.

A Funeral Service was held at the Innisfree Recreation Centre, Innisfree, Alberta on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Steven TeVelde officiating. Interment followed at the Innisfree Cemetery, County of Minburn.

Donations in memory of Ivan may be made to the Charity of One’s Choice

Corrections

In the August 9’s edition for the article, Residences at CPC Open House, it should have been written Gladys Palahniuk was a potential renter instead of that she made a deposit. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

On Page 19 of the Aug. 16 edition it was incorrectly stated in the photo caption that West Coast Amusements operated the Midway, when in fact it was Wild Rose Shows. VNA apologizes for the error.

NEED TO REACH MILLENNIALS?

Mundare Town Council Approves Funding for Paving Project

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Mundare town council spent time deliberating on how to spend grant dollars on infrastructure at its Aug. 8 regular meeting.

Chief Administrative Officer Colin Zyla said there are a number of areas in town that need upgrading, but the two options that were presented to council were:

• Paving of 50 Street from Highway 15 to Whitetail Road

• 50 Street from Main Street to 52 Avenue

The budgeted cost for 50 Street was $275,000 and the lowest tender bid was $180,000. The budgeted cost for 50 Avenue was $172,500 and the lowest tender bid was $478,000.

One of the things that came up during discussion was why it would cost so much more to pave two blocks, (50 Street-52 Avenue) as opposed to four blocks, (50 Street – Whitetail Road) was because it would require a new base and the other would not.

Councillor Irene Talaga said that, “At one time we talked about ripping it up and turning it into gravel. I

think it’s a horrendous cost for two blocks in my opinion. I think its way out of line.” The talked about gravelling 50 Street to 52 Avenue and applying calcium for dust control or ripping up the top layer and resurfacing it with ground up asphalt. Regardless, Councillor Rick Patrie and Glen Rozumniak, both said that it would be a temporary fix and the same problem would still exist with the base because the problem is underground.

Zyla informed council that a total of $632,823 is currently available under the Provincial Government’s MSI funding that has been allocated to the Town of Mundare and $125,226 would be available in 2024.

“So, we have enough money between this year and next to do these projects…I’m pretty sure that in 2025 the MSI being replaced by LGFF funding, and we

could use that. We could use future year’s money for this year’s projects, so we could potentially do that.”

In the end Councillor Patrie made the motion to award the contract for the 50 Street surface improvement project to Alberta Asphalt Enterprises. The motion passed unanimously.

Councillor Rozumniak made a subsequent motion that “due to budgetary reasons” the town will not proceed with 50 Avenue street improvements. The motion passed unanimously.

View of 50 Street facing south towards Whitetail subdivision.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Innisfree Prairie Bank of Commerce Museum

Innisfree Prairie Bank of Commerce Museum Society President Jennifer Johnson, left, accepts a cheque from ATB Financial Customer Service Representative Edie Whitten. The presentation took place on Aug. 23. (Innisfree Prairie Bank of Commerce Museum Society/ Submitted Photo)

A Child Pleasing Ice-Cream Party

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Parents mentioned that their children were looking forward all day to the IceCream Party at the Vegreville KFRN Centre on August 22.

Crystal Clarke, who is the Spokes Programmer for KFRN, explained, “Our Ice-cream party had 45 children and youth who attended it. The majority of kids were between the ages of two to 13-years-old. We also had three volunteers who came to help out.

We had indoor stations for everyone.

The first one was The Ice-Cream Scoop station, second one was the Skilled Games station which had Twister, Foosball and Darts. Then we also offered The Craft Table station, Kids Lego Building station and Table Top Games station which included board games and cards in it.

The outdoor part of the program includ-

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You cannot tattoo a person's neck or face

ed the playground and the giant bouncy castle. The Kinette Club of Vegreville collaborated with us by sponsoring the bouncy castle for the children and youth to enjoy.

The children were thrilled to bounce to the sky and take part

in all the fun activities with their friends. The parents enjoyed engaging in learning and hearing about new and upcoming programs and opportunities at The Vegreville KFRN for this fall season.”

When asked, Clarke said, “The purpose for our Ice-Cream Party event was to bring together the community and create a time and space for everyone to connect. The end of the summer event allowed us to share with families and community members what we offer as an organization in the way of child development and well-being enhancement services and overall family support here in Vegreville.”

Kids participating in the outdoor activities. (Rosanne Fortier/Photos)

Changes and Opportunities

Cathy Allen EIPS Board Chair

It’s hard to believe the summer break has ended, and the new school year is already upon us. As wonderful as the time away has been, my fellow trustees, Elk Island Public Schools, (EIPS) administrators and employees division-wide are thrilled to welcome students back to the classroom. And, while the start of the 2023-24 school year will feel much the same to many families, there have been significant changes at EIPS over the past several months.

The most recent change: my election as the new EIPS Board Chair and Trustee Susan Miller as Vice-Chair. I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to acknowledge the extraordinary work done by both Trina Boymook and Colleen Holowaychuk over the past many years as Board Chair and Vice Chair respectively. Their dedication to representing EIPS students and families has been nothing short of inspiring, and they’ve both earned reputations as passionate advocates for public education in Alberta.

Boymook and Holowaychuk will continue to serve as trustees going forward, and I know their experience and

advice will continue to benefit the Board in the months and years to come. Looking ahead, Vice-Chair Miller and I are eager to take on our new roles and to work collaboratively with EIPS administration to benefit all EIPS students.

The Division also bid farewell to superintendent Mark Liguori at the end of June and welcomed Sandra Stoddard as the new EIPS Superintendent. Already, Superintendent Stoddard has met with senior leaders working on strategies to guide schools and departments to achieve the goals set out in the EIPS Four-Year Education Plan: 2022-26 and continue providing highquality education to the roughly 17,500 students in our classrooms. I’m confident the good work begun by Mark Liguori will not only endure but be even further advanced under Superintendent Stoddard’s direction.

There is a great deal of work ahead. In September, EIPS trustees are attending a Board retreat. There, we’ll assess the Division’s achievements and challenges, set advocacy goals and determine the Board’s focus areas for 2023-24. Yearlong, we’ll also work closely with the Superintendent and administration to roll out Phase 2 of the new elementary provincial curriculum, enhance

Gerren Saskiw Acclaimed Town Councillor in Two Hills

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Nomination day was held on Aug. 8 to fill a seat on town council that was vacated by Keegan Thompson who officially resigned on July 18. Resident Gerren Saskiw was the only person to file papers and won the by-election by acclamation.

The results were confirmed by Town of Two Hills Chief Administrative Officer Adam Kozakiewicz via email on Aug. 28 following an inquiry by the Vegreville News Advertiser. No official notice of the by-election results have been posted on the Town of Two Hills Facebook page or website as of Aug. 29.

Saskiw said he decided to run in the by-election because, “Since my departure from municipal politics, I knew that I would always like to come back in some capacity someday. The opening on town council happened earlier than I thought, but you can’t pick when.”

He admitted, “I was surprised that no one new

decided to put their name forward. Hopefully I can help to create more interest in running for town council, by the October 2025 general municipal election.

As the date of his official swearingin closes in, Saskiw stated, “I am excited to be back on town council! I am looking forward to working with the rest of the Town of Two Hills council for the next two years and improving the lives of the residents of the Town of Two Hills.

I am here for the people and will be making decisions that are best for the majority. We need to work together for the people and make sure that we are accountable, open minded, transparent and thorough, and remember what our roles and responsibilities are. Stay within the scope of our roles as councillors in working with our CAO to move the town of Two Hills forward, while improving town infrastructure and prosperity. I am interested in hearing from the residents.”

New H.A. Kostash School Opens its Doors

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

It was not only back to school for students in the Town of Smoky Lake on Aug. 28, it was welcome to the new H.A. Kostash School which opened its doors for the first time ever!

“We’re so excited to welcome students, families and the Smoky Lake community to the new H.A. Kostash School. The new facility is beautiful, and will serve the area well for generations to come,”

stated Aspen View Public Schools Board Chair Candy Nikipelo.

Nikipelo, along with fellow trustees, are also looking forward to the official grand opening of the school that will be held on Sept. 12.

Local Trustee Elohne Chizawsky and Superintendent Constantine Kastrinos visited the school on Aug. 25. They will also be on hand for the Meet the Teacher event tomorrow at the school which serves K-Grade 12 students.

career pathways programming and develop strategies on how EIPS prepares students for post-secondary education and the world of work. We’ll also be part of the new Sherwood Park replacement school build and finalize a decision about the secondary French Immersion program.

As always, as the year progresses, other issues and matters will arise. I strongly encourage EIPS school families to stay up to date about issues impacting students by attending school council meetings, attending or viewing EIPS Board meetings, taking part in surveys and other public engagement activities, and reaching out to share concerns or questions directly with trustees. Doing so helps ensure the EIPS Board understands your perspectives and priorities and can reflect your views during decision-making.

The Board executive may look slightly different, but its priorities remain unchanged. Collectively, we’re committed to building positive relationships in our communities, and to continue work to strengthen and grow learning opportunities for all students—in urban and rural schools. I’m hopeful you share trustees’ enthusiasm for the school year ahead!

Gerren Saskiw. (Gerren Saskiw/Submitted Photo)

Ukrainian Independence Day Observed

Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk

MLA for Fort Saskatche3wan-Vegreville

This past Thursday, August 24th, marked the 32nd anniversary of Ukraine’s Renewal of Independence following Soviet occupation. Ukrainian-Canadians have contributed much to the rich and prosperous history of our province and country over many years.

This Ukrainian Independence Day was particularly notable, as Ukraine once again defends its independence and sovereignty against an unjust invasion from Russia. As Parliamentary Secretary for Settlement Services and Ukrainian Evacuees, I am glad to have been able to make a positive difference in the lives of many evacuees who have fled the horrors of war and come to Alberta. I will continue to stand for the cause of freedom, in Ukraine, at home in Alberta, and around the world.

The Alberta Industrial Heartland Association upcoming annual conference will take place in a couple of weeks.

This full-day networking conference will welcome over 1,000 attendees from across Canada to Edmonton to explore the opportunities in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.

The event highlights activity in the Industrial Heartland, offers policy-related insights on topics important to industry, and provides information on oppor-

tunities for investment. There are ample opportunities to network with industry experts and elected officials.

As the MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville, I am incredibly proud of the work I and our government have done over the past many years to bring billions of dollars of investment and thousands of jobs to Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, which is the driving force of our economy.

This week, I would also like to highlight a valuable resource available to small businesses in our community. With provincial and federal funding, Business Link provides customized business advice and support for small business owners and entrepreneurs starting, running, and growing their own businesses. They provide one-on-one support and guidance, market research, access to experts, training, networking opportunities, and specialized support for Indigenous and immigrant entrepreneurs.

I’d also like to share some information about UFA’s Rural Communities Foundation Grant. The foundation is committed to giving $500,000 over five years to rural Alberta to improve the sustainability of farmers and ranchers in Alberta. Communities are encouraged to apply for projects that enrich education, recreation, and culture.

Drag Races Fire up Good Times

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Vegreville Speedway Second Drag Race for 2023 presented an event full of excitement when 41 racers speeded down the track at Vegreville Airport on August 26. There was 132 spectators at this race.

Treasurer for Vegreville Speedway Tisha Giese mentioned that the neat things about this race were there were three participants who rode motorcycles at the finals. “We also had a participant from Vegreville doing second chance racing exhibition runs in their 1982 Dodge Daytona funny car.

Then there was Insanity Twin Jet Ferrari driven by Ryan McQueen also put on two great shows for the crowd.

President Sean Chilibecki presented cheques to the winners where first place went to Jon Lansdell from Ardrossan who was riding a 2009 Buell 1125cr.nd.

Second place was Tom Dwyer from Innisfree riding a 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa gsx1300r.

Third place went to Aaron Tillapaugh from Vegreville who was driving a 1989 s10 blazer.

Runner up was Darcy Willis from Bruderheim riding a 2014 Kawasaki klr650.

Infinity cloud burst. (Jason Gillis/Photo)

Burnin’ rubber. (Jason Gillis/Photo)