Vegreville News Advertiser - January 25, 2023

Michelle Pinon

News Advertiser

Junior dancers perform Hutsul Rhythms. (Michelle Pinon/Photo

January 16

10:00 – Request for assistance from Police Agency. The subject of the request attended the detachment to turn himself in on traffic warrants from the Edmonton Police Service. A court date was issued.

10:10 – Break and enter reported at a Vegreville business. Suspects drove through a locked chain link fence and proceeded to steal a grey 2006 Ford F250 4 door truck. The vehicle was entered into the RCMP database. Under investigation.

11:23 – Client reported that on the day prior, (Sunday) they noted their car door was open and someone had gone through it. They indicated that keys to the house and other items were taken. The vehicle was parked at their residence in Vegreville. Under investigation.

11:58 – Report of “pieces of a truck” chained to a stop sign on RR164 and TWP 533 near Mundare. Under investigation.

18:26 – Report of a possible break and enter to a residence north of Vegreville. A neighbour passing by indicated that the gate was open and the lights were on when the home should be unoccupied. Members attended, cleared the house and are following up with the homeowner.

20:41 – Noise complaint from a multidwelling unit in Vegreville. Members attended and upon arrival, the noise stopped.

January 17

11:35 – Report of suspicious activity at a home in Vegreville where the client reports footprints around the garage, shop and fence. Members attended and walked the property. No suspects were located, no damage and nothing had been taken.

12:14 – 911 report of an erratic semitruck on Hwy 16 not maintaining lane. Members attempted to intercept but the vehicle was out of range. Forwarded to neighbouring detachment.

12:23 – Complainant reported that a male caller attempted to obtain credit card information. No information was provided. Reporting for information.

12:25 – Traffic enforcement in the area resulting in tickets including speeding, (140 kmph), failing to stop and headlights not operational and erratic driving where the reported vehicle was intercepted. The driver was not impaired but could not explain their poor driving.

January 18

05:55 – Report of a stolen vehicle overnight. A grey 2007 Chevy Trailblazer was stolen from the front of a residence in Mundare. Added to the RCMP database and under investigation.

06:00 – Report of a disturbance in Vegreville. Members attended and spoke to the residents who indicated that they had been arguing.

10:12 – Report of a lost or stolen license plate in Mundare. Added to the RCMP database.

11:00 - Traffic enforcement I the Vegreville & Mundare areas. Tickets included window tint, seatbelt, speeding, driving without a license plate, using a cellphone, speeding, failing to stop and others.

21:29 – Report of an erratic driver. Forwarded to Vermilion RCMP detachment.

14:02 –

business is under investigation.

21:21 – 911 call where an intoxicated caller indicated that a bunch of males as he observed footprints around the garage. He called back sounding very intoxicated to order TWO burgers. There is a possibility of charges for improper use of 911.

January 20

10:20 – Report of fraud. Complainant in Vegreville reported being scammed out of $350. Access was given of the complainant’s computer to the suspect via TeamViewer. At that point an account on Coinsmart was set up and funds were ultimately transferred to the subject’s own crypto-wallet. The complainant has since closed the account. Suspect is outside of Canada. Under investigation.

16:26 – Two vehicle collision reported at Hwy 855 an Hwy 16. No injuries were reported.

January 21

- Report of two female shoplifters at a Vegreville business. A description of the two subjects was given along with the vehicle they were driving. Patrols were made but turned up negative for the subjects. CCTV being reviewed and the matter is under investigation.

January 22

Nothing of Note

January 19

01:51 – Noise complaint. Members attended the location in Vegreville, but no noise and no one seen. No lights on any homes on the street.

07:03 – Report of mischief where a vehicle in Mundare was entered and the ignition ripped apart. Under investigation.

08:13 – Report of a stolen vehicle. A white GMC Sierra was stolen from a rural property north of Vegreville. Added to the RCMP database and under investigation.

09:21 – Report of a stolen vehicle. A blue GMC Envoy was stolen from a rural property north of Vegreville. Added to the RCMP database and under investigation.

12:32 – Mischief reported. A number of vehicles were egged while parked on the street in front of homes in Vegreville. Under investigation.

During the week there were 75 calls for service made in total including: 0 false alarms, 2 false 911s, 3 animal strikes, 0 wellbeing checks, 14 relationship violence, 15 calls under the Mental Health Act or related to mental health, and approximately 13 tickets 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 JANUARY 16 - 22 Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser

Request to assist. Members attended a structure fire in Mundare to assist the Mundare Fire Department. The fire at a

FCC Donates $10,000 to Vegreville Preschool Association

Village of Holden to Hold Spring By-Election

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

A spring by-election has been called by the Village following the recent death of Councillor Alfred Stavert.

Chief Administrative Officer Rosemary Offery said there is no fee for candidates to run in the by-election. Candidates can file their nomination papers between now and Noon on March 6. The date of the by-election is April 3.

Information included in the candidate package contains the following:

1. Council Meetings: Regular Council meetings are held once a month, on the third Monday. If any of the Monthly meetings fall on a holiday, the meeting is moved to the Tuesday. Other special meetings may be scheduled as needed.

2. Other Meetings: Councillors represent the Village on many other boards and committees. (See the attached list.) Membership on these boards will include regular meetings as noted, and also participation in special events and projects.

3. Remuneration: The Village pays an honorarium for all authorized Council and board meetings (unless the board pays the honorarium directly) as follows:

Half Day (4 hours or less) – Mayor $110

Fortier News Correspondent

Professionals at Farm Credit Canada, (FCC) presented a cheque for $10,000 to Vegreville Preschool Association, (VPA) on Jan. 18.

FCC Business Development Manager Sharmen Chorney said, “We have a community investment division with FCC that we support businesses in the community that are non-profit organizations. FCC provides corporate giving as a component of its approach to corporate social responsibility and support of the communities in which it operates. Over 500 applications across the country were submitted for the FCC AgriSpirit Fund this year, which helps show how special this project really is.”

VPA Administrator Raeanne Yackimec said, “We received this $10,000 to help replace all the fluorescent light bulbs in the Preschool Building to LED light bulbs. This will help to reduce energy use and reduce our carbon footprint. We are grateful to have received this grant as our non-profit organization is seeing increased operating costs and upkeep to the building is necessary.”

Half Day – Councillor $100

Council Meetings Less than One Hour 50% of Half Day Rate

Full day – Mayor or Councillor $125 Greetings at a Function $30

Other Expenses: Travel, meals, or accommodation as needed

Candidates are asked to contact Returning Officer Christine MacKay to schedule an appointment to file their nomination papers.

Rosanne

L-R: Manager of Business Development for FCC Sharmen Chorney, Relationship Manager for FCC Carson Pickett, and Relationship Management Associate for FCC Pam Kiist present a cheque to President of VPA Brianna Burke and VPA Administrator Raeanne Yackimec. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

AI in Speech

Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser – Opinion

So, we’ve “discussed” the recent advancements in AI that seem to be moving at a breakneck pace. There are actually multiple news articles daily on the topic with people of all walks of life testing non-stop.

Three weeks ago now, as I was writing the first piece, and as the world was enamored with ChatGPT and DALL-E, Microsoft, (rather quietly) announced AI for voice or VALL-E. While ChatGPT and DALL-E create both excitement and fear for the future of writing and the graphical versions of AI, a similar state with works of art, Microsoft has a new twist.

ChatGPT interacts in text only. In other words, unlike a smart speaker, you cannot “talk” to ChatGPT to get an answer. All exchanges are in written form. Microsoft now has the technology to mimic a person’s voice.

Now we have likely all heard the synthesized voices in some online newsreels or phone systems that use a text to voice system. Some of these are free and many are getting VERY good. You give it a paragraph and the good ones can recite this back to you in very real sounding speech.

What Microsoft is offering is NOTHING like this. It is exponentially more advanced. Think horse and buggy com-

pared to mag-lev high speed rail or the yet to be realized Hyperloop.

There is lots of technical information surrounding how Microsoft did what they did, but here are the basics. VALL-E is an AI that was trained with 60,000 hours of English speech recordings from 7,000 speakers.

The result is both fascinating and terrifying at the same time. Provided with only three seconds of a recorded sample, VALL-E can synthesize that voice to the point that it cannot be separated from the original speaker. Think about that for a bit. With a three second sample, this system can then convert any text to spoken word. Additionally, if the sample was taken from a cell phone conversation, the subsequent speech could be made to sound like a conversation over a cell phone.

Of course, there are limitations. In the big scheme of things, 60,000 hours from 7,000 people is not a lot. If my math is correct, that’s only a little less than 0.5% of all English speakers on the planet. Imagine a focused group of volunteers in North America. Heck, even Microsoft has more than 7,000 people on its payroll. Even a minor attempt to increase the dataset would not be difficult at all.

Think of all the interviews with celebrities or political figures that take place over the phone and the many decades of recordings from radio, TV, movies, podcasts etc.

The age is upon us that we will soon not be able to trust a conversation unless it is in person. Banks are currently using “voice prints” to verify callers. This new technology renders that type of security obsolete. Any malicious 3rd party could mimic your voice after sampling your voicemail greeting.

Thankfully, VALL-E is only in demonstration mode likely due to Microsoft’s recognition that VALL-E could be used for mischief.

It should be noted that Microsoft was an early investor in OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT and DALL-E, committing some $1 billion in 2019 and pledging another $10 billion just this week.

To make the AI puzzle even more interesting, think about putting just these pieces together. We have two very early-stage systems that if combined could already carry on relatively believable conversations in a voice you would believe was either Aunt Mable or a head of state.

I started by saying that AI is moving at break-neck speed. Machine learning has been around for longer than most people realize and it a part of our daily lives even if we don’t realize it. Years ago, machine learning had proven to be able to outperform humans in several areas. This has progressed and now we have seen advancements in AI.

2023 has just begun and there is more to come. See you next week!

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

Town of Vegreville Restructuring Plan Underway

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Restructuring of several departments is now underway with the Town of Vegreville.

Jamieson Brown, Community Engagement and Economic Development Manager, told the Vegreville News Advertiser the consulting firm of Canadian Strategies Group has been hired to assist the Town to develop a roadmap for the future.

“The Town of Vegreville embarked on an organizational review with a consultant and they indicated a few departments that could be streamlined and one of them happened to be this new department which is now community engagement and economic development.

This new department focuses on communications and marketing for the Town of Vegreville, both in community and outside community to try and promote Vegreville as a great place to live, work and play. That ties hand in hand with economic development as well as way tourism. So, whether it’s growing this community and having people even come for a visit to the community that now falls under this department.

In terms of what we’re looking at for 2023, this is a new streamlined department, and we are taking a very focused effort of creating a roadmap and a strategy and a plan for this department, so that no matter who is in the role, somebody will be able to step in whether its me or in a few years’ time somebody else or whatever, they have that to go by.

We don’t have any concrete plans on paper, any master plan documents that allow this department to have some tangible goals and tangible outcomes and that’s something we certainly put down on paper and have a roadmap for this

department. That’s our focus for 2023.

Broadly speaking, we are very much trying to market Prosperity Industrial Park and 75th Park, the Business Park, and market some of the town owned assets like Foxview Estates. We want to grow our community, but we also want to make sure that we’re putting together our plan and were not just flying by the seat of our pants doing it.”

A total of $20,000 has been budgeted and Brown said his goal is to have the

Master Plan ready in six months’ time. “Right now, we’re in preliminary discussions and the fact-finding phase. So, the hope is by May we’ll have something in our hands and are ready to go to work.”

I’m excited. I think that this is something that a lot of municipalities are doing. They’re finding ways to be more streamlined, and they’re finding ways to be more efficient. It’s probably worth noting that this department, we are not adding any staff to it. So, we’re finding ways to work better collaboratively. So, that in and of itself is an opportunity, and it’s kind of exciting. And all of these synergies; economic development growing the community, finding these businesses and attracting these businesses. That’s always a unique challenge so I’m excited to be working with this group and kind of guide these conversations. It feels like this step needed be taken and it is a small step in the right direction in the grand scheme of things.”

Brown added that as a department it will be working with Invest Alberta to ensure “major community players” along

with stakeholders like TELUS, ATCO, InnoTech are all around the table during discussions. “We are going to work a lot harder to ensure the major stakeholders in the community that can potentially help us drive business and industry to our town are part of these conversations. One of the mandates coming into the new year was to reach out to local realtors and make sure we are on the same page as them, and that will be a big focus over the next six to eight months.”

Jamieson Brown. (Town of Vegreville/Submitted Photo)

90 Years Ago – January 25, 1933

A serious outbreak of grasshoppers is expected, since large areas are infested with eggs throughout that part of Alberta south of Calgary and at two points in the north, Fort Vermilion and Hay River. These districts were troubled last year by the pest.

The skating rink in Lavoy has been cleared off again and dame fit to skate on. Many of the young people are making good use of it.

The Vegreville Chamber of Commerce now has an additional member in its executive head, in the person of a second vice-president. Ballots were presented to the members of the Chamber. After returning officer Fitzallen had counted them up, he announced there was a tie between J.H. Blackburn and H.T. Payne for the exalted office. It was decided that this tie should be broken by ballot instead of the method of drawing a name from a hat as similar ties have been decided at the Chamber in the past. After the second count had been completed Mr. J.H. Blackburn was announced as the 2nd vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce.

75 Years Ago - January 28, 1948

Alberta in now producing about 40 million dozen eggs annually, and only about half of that production is consumed within the province.

George S. Hougham of Toronto, managing director of the Canadian Restaurant Association said in London, Ontario, that “no wholesale slashing of food items from menus in restaurants across Canada is foreseen as an immediate result of the price situation.

Lenses to focus the rays of the sun were used as early as 424 B.C. Representatives of Eastern Canadian interests now are investigating the selection of a site near Edmonton for construction of a pulp and paper mill which will cost an estimated $14,000,000.00, it was disclosed.

The increase of $12 a ton granted by the British food ministry to sugar producers in the British Dominions and Colonies will make no difference in the retail price of sugar in Canada, an official of the sugar administrator’s office said.

The Alberta attorney-general’s department is preparing legislation providing for a speed limit of 50 miles an hour on provincial highways.

More than one-half of the world’s annual food production is lost because of insect and animal infestation, Dr. V.L. Graham, acting Dean of Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan, told the annual meeting of the Saskatchewan branch of the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association.

50 Years Ago – January 25, 1973

Newly elected secretary-treasurer of the Vegreville Chamber of Commerce is Peter M. Shavchook. Mr. Shavchook took over the post from Bob Wemyss at the last meeting of the Chamber. Mayor Virgil Moshansky was on hand to congratulate incoming president of the Vegreville Chamber of Commerce, Jerry Wilde. Mr. Wilde, an accountant, and senior member of the firm of Wilde, Tetreau and Co., Vegreville, has been very active in community affairs and in addition to the Chamber office and also heads up the Lakeland Tourist Association this year.

This year the Vegreville Composite High School Student’s Union presented a trophy to the teams that represented the school in the Reach for the Top competitions. The students were: Craig Jones, Ken Yaremchuk, Paul Cairns, Jane Dake, George Wright and Ron Semeniuk.

Hobert Horton, Greg Horon, and Don Springings represented Vegreville in Clarke Stadium this past season. Presenting the award was Dwayne Charchuk of the Recreation Board.

The Vegreville Kinettes who organize the “Donations In Lieu of Christmas Cards” project each year, finalized the 1972 program recently and turned the proceeds over to the Vegreville Association for the Mentally Handicapped. Kinette and project chairperson Joyce Dowhaniuk and Kinette president Louise Tetreau made the presentation to Harold McCarty, association president.

25 Years Ago – January 27, 1998

Kindergarten students from Queen Elizabeth School in Vegreville recently went on a field trip to St. Joseph’s General Hospital. Registered nurse Laureen Fedirchuk showed the youngsters some of the equipment used at the hospital.

Jaryn Semotiuk and Ian Cole received a cheque from the Vegreville Agricultural Society director Fay Dake. They were this year’s winners of the Dorothy Dand scholarships and were chosen from eight applicants. The awards are given to students enrolled in a postsecondary institution who demonstrates high academic ability combined with significant involvement and leadership in school, community and volunteer activities.

The Lakeland Breakers snowmobile rally attracted just over 140 machines. The 20th annual event also highlighted some of the accomplishments of the club over the years, including fund raising for a respirator for the hospital, furnishings for the children’s ward, Jaws of Life, plus a trail groomer, and the development of the Cougar Patch rest stop. The club also honored original members John and Anne Plaska.

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.

Danielle Smith Right to Shield Firearms Owners

becoming increasingly clear that the federal Liberal government is pursuing a strategy to ban all legal firearms ownership,” said Shandro.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is making the right move by trying to shield thousands of Alberta firearms owners from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wasteful gun grab.

Analysts are warning that the last-minute expansion of the federal government’s Bill C-21 to include thousands of commonly-owned long guns will cost taxpayers a billion dollars, while history teaches us this gun grab will be a huge waste of money.

Police also say the massive seizure of rifles and shotguns from hunters, ranchers and sports shooters will not make Canadians safer.

“The narrative is that we need to restrict gun ownership because that will curtail crime when really the evidence is that illegal gun trafficking leads to criminals owning guns, which leads to crimes with firearms,” said National Police Federation president Brian Sauvé in November of 2020. “So, really, we need to look at the source of the problem.”

Last month, Alberta Attorney General Tyler Shandro announced the province of Alberta would assume jurisdiction of firearms-related criminal code cases rather than relinquishing the duty to the federal government.

The Alberta government will also provide guidance to the crown and police to not enforce Trudeau’s latest federal gun confiscation.

“These (Ottawa’s) actions will criminalize hundreds of thousands of Canadians overnight, the majority of (whom) reside in western Canada, and it’s

The minister’s concerns reflect those of many firearms owners: if the Trudeau government will seize rifles and shotguns that thousands of Canadians have had in their homes for years, where does this action stop?

Alberta is home to about 328,700 gun owners. Ranchers eliminate coyotes with rifles. Hunters bag deer in the fall and put it in the family deep freeze. Target shooters compete at marksmanship meets. Firearms are a huge part of the culture here.

Contrary to what some folks with no experience with legal firearms may believe, getting a gun license is an arduous undertaking.

To legally own any firearm in Canada, you must undergo a criminal records check and a thorough background check with upstanding citizens who have known you for several years. Your spouse is also contacted.

You have to attend a mandatory training course, usually run by a retired Mountie, and you have to nearly ace your tests to pass. That’s just to own a rifle or a shotgun. Legally owning a handgun, such as a pistol or a revolver, takes even longer and comes with many more restrictions.

Some politicians who are trying to take guns away from hunters and ranchers are using the term “semiautomatic” to make firearms sound ominous. That term simply means when you squeeze the trigger, the gun fires. Then you have to squeeze the trigger again to make it fire again. Squeeze-bang. Squeeze-bang.

The “machine guns” in action movies, where someone can spray bullets by holding the trigger down,

Kris Sims Canadian Taxpayers Federation

Roofing Repairs at Least $3.2 Million

Mayor Barry Goertz made the subsequent motion that, “Village of Andrew to commit up to $450,000 as per cost sharing agreement towards Andrew School and Village roof and sprinkler repair and/ or replacement at building located at 4922-50 Avenue Andrew, Alberta as discussed in closed session to be funded by MSI/CCBF and village reserves.” The motion was approved by council.

Elk Island Public Schools, (EIPS) Communications Director Laura McNabb confirmed, “The Division issued a Request for Proposals, (RFP) in December to determine both the scope of work and the associated costs. Two companies’ submitted proposals, with the costs of repair estimated at between $3.2 and $3.3 million, exclusive of contingency or asbestos abatement, if required. This is very close to the estimate EIPS provided during the meeting on September 20, 2022.

Both the EIPS Board of Trustees and

the Village of Andrew council will now separately review the specifics of the inspection and assessment, and determine next steps based on the information received from the contractors. There has been no date set as to a decision by either party but once more is known, the Division will advise school families.”

Village of Andrew council went behind closed doors at its Aug. 24, 2022 meeting to discuss replacement of the roof and sprinkler system in the village’s administration building which is housed in the same building as Andrew School.

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Garbage cans in the Village of Andrew lobby collect water leaking from the roof on Jan. 11.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Vegreville Flying Club Celebrates at Barn Loft Inn

Submitted

The Vegreville Flying club shared stories, camaraderie, and a delicious meal during its annual Christmas Party hosted at the beautiful Barn Loft Inn. The celebration marks the 39th successful year of safe flying and

friendship in the Vegreville area.

The club currently consists of more than twenty members with experience ranging from private aviation to commercial pilots. Club members have supported both the local Vegreville community and the general aviation community in Alberta by providing aviation

fuel, annual pilot currency training, hosting community fly-in breakfasts, and hundreds of ‘first flights’.

Since its founding in 1983, The Vegreville Flying club has successfully supported local industry by providing fueling for pipeline inspection, meter-reading, pilot training, aerial survey and local businesses.

Calls for Village of Ryley Mayor to Resign

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

What begin as a special council meeting on Jan. 20 to appoint an interim Chief Administrative Officer turned into something completely different towards the end with several members of the public calling on Mayor Nik Lee to resign.

One gentleman in the public gallery told Mayor Lee his “days were numbered” and brought up the fact there is The Recall Act that was passed in 2021.

According to the Government of Alberta, “The Recall Act creates a process that could lead to the recall of elected officials, including Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), municipal officials and school trustees.”

Under The Recall Act, “An Albertan would apply to their municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer for a petition to recall the municipal official they feel is not upholding their responsibilities.

If approved, the applicant would have 60 days to gather signatures from eligible voters comprising 40% of the population of the municipality or ward. If the petition is successful, the Chief Administrative Officer would make a declaration at the next council meeting. The official would be removed at that time.”

The meeting began with newly elected Councillor Lyndie Nickel requesting the meeting be open to the public. That request was granted by Mayor Lee. Coun. Nickel then made a motion to elect Coun. Brian Ducherer as Mayor.

Mayor Lee said that could not be done at a special meeting, and that it would have to be done at an organizational meeting. “I have no problem with an organizational meeting, you can make whatever decision you want to make, but this much is clear, this is not an organizational meeting so that motion is out of order.”

Coun. Ducherer told Mayor Lee he would have to acknowledge it, and Coun. Nickel said she was well within her rights to do so. Mayor Lee reiterated that it was not an organizational meeting. He informed Coun. Nickel that she could bring that motion forward on Feb. 21 as that is when an organizational meeting has been scheduled.

Mayor Lee suggested they adjourn the meeting to talk to Municipal Affairs, (MA) about the path forward. A debate ensued as to who would be talking to MA. Mayor Lee attempted to adjourn the meeting on a couple of different occasions, but Coun. Nickel told Lee he could not adjourn a meeting without council voting on it. Mayor Lee replied, “We haven’t had motions to adjourn for a long time in this council chamber. There is no motion that’s needed for that.” Coun. Nickel responded by saying, “So, you can end a meeting whenever you feel like it.”

Coun. Ducherer took it upon himself to call a representative with MA regarding public notice of special meetings, additions to the agenda, and election of the chief elected official which is normally held during an organizational meeting which is held once a year unless stated otherwise in the municipality’s procedural bylaw.

A member of the gallery asked if Mayor Lee was going to adjourn the meeting before they appointed an interim CAO. Mayor Lee said he would reschedule the special meeting. Coun. Nickel pointed out the fact that the Village cannot keep a CAO. “We’ve gone through five in the 15 months.”

In a follow up interview, Coun. Ducherer said he sent Mayor Lee a request for a special meeting on Jan. 23 and that he has 14 days to call the meeting.

County of Minburn Council Discusses Traffic Safety Concerns

County of Minburn council members discussed traffic safety concerns at the intersection of Highway 881 and Highway 619 during its Jan. 16 meeting.

Director of Operations Norm De Wet told council that while it is not the County’s area of jurisdiction that it is a safety concern that residents want addressed.

Director of Protective Services Mike Fundytus said there have been six accidents since November at the intersection which is located 12 miles south of Mannville in Division 6. Local Councillor Joey Nafziger said residents are recommending street lights,

but that signage would be a starting point.

De Wet explained, “The issue is traffic travelling west on Hwy 619 and turning south on Hwy 881. Residents have expressed concerns over the number of accidents this winter, and the solar-powered warning light not working due to the ongoing fog and poor weather conditions. Also, residents have requested that intersection lights might help with the issue.”

Later in the week, De Wet said, “The request was emailed to Alberta Transportation, and I am pleased to report that they have responded favourably and will send this concern to their technical services branch for review.”

Karina and Luke Miller

Vegreville Flying Club members and families. (Vegreville Flying Club/Submitted Photo)

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Coun. Nickel repeats the oath of office administered by Coun. Ducherer on Jan. 19. (Lyndie Nickel/Submitted Photo)

Vegreville Fire Department Responds to Power Pole Fire

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

On January 18 at approximately 10:08 pm. crews were dispatched to a power pole that was on fire five miles east of Secondary Highway 857 on Warwick Road.

Fire Chief Mitch Newton stated that, “Upon arrival it was

have been banned in Canada since the 1970s.

Alberta’s Chief Firearms Officer, Teri Bryant, warned that Ottawa’s move would criminalize many law-abiding firearms owners across the country, and the attempted confiscation would be wasteful.

“The precious resources taxpayers entrust to us are not unlimited, and we must direct them to where they will do the most good,” said Bryant. “This means rejecting measures that are founded on sensationalistic calls for restrictions that are costly, ineffective and lacking in any evidentiary basis.”

The failed federal long gun registry imposed by the federal government in the 1990s cost Canadian taxpayers an estimated $2 billion before it was finally abandoned and scrapped.

Analysts warn the cost of this current so-called “buy back” seizure of Canadians’ private property is also about to skyrocket. Firearms owners don’t yet know how much money they will even receive as compensation for the government taking their guns, but the price tag for taxpayers is ballooning fast.

“That is another billion dollars – because so many popular

determined there was no danger to public safety and one truck and crew remained on scene waiting for the arrival of the power company. Once power was shut off crews ensured that the affected trees that were on fire were out and returned to service at 2 am.”

Newton added that power crews with Lakeland REA were

long guns will be caught by it,” said Gary Mauser, Simon Fraser University criminologist, of Bill C-21.

Canada is more than $1 trillion in debt and the Trudeau government has a serious spending problem.

Taxpayers do not have “another billion dollars” to spare for a government program that police say won’t make us any safer.

Kris Sims is the Alberta Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and a firearms owner.

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firearms owners - CONTINUED from PAGE 6

power line detaching due to the large amount of frost in the area.

Vegreville 4-H Multi Club Donates to Christmas Bureau

Holden 4-H Beef Club January Report

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Hello everyone, hope you had a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. TheHolden 4-H Beef Club has been busy lately and about to get even busier in the months coming up.

In December we had our Christmas party. We went bowling and enjoyed some pizza along with a giftexchange. On New Year’s Eve some members went to the Camrose Kodiaks game!

We look forward to seeing all of you at our upcoming events and fundraisers.

Weekly Crop Market Review

The Vegreville 4-H Multi Club members sorted presents and also donated $250 to the Vegreville Christmas Bureau on Dec. 12. (Vegreville 4-H Multi Club/Submitted Photo)

Members enjoying time together. (Holden 4-H Beef Club/Submitted Photo)

Keely Chomik Club Reporter

Russian invasion began last February.

He had planned to stay a year in the Capital City of Ukraine before war broke out. He had also planned to explore the country and perhaps meet some of his distant cousins who reside there, but that all came to an end when he began receiving emails from the Canadian government telling him to get out of the country and return home at the beginning of February.

Hynek, said he tries to stay connected and sends videos to his friends to keep their spirits up and show them what they are doing to keep their culture alive. Not only does Hynek teach Ukrainian dancing in Innisfree, he dances as a member of Shumka.

Lisa Anderson, President of the Chudovyi Ukrainian Dancers, said it was a real treat for the dancers to be able to watch “Mr. Nick” perform with Shumka back in October while in Edmonton during the dance troupe’s cross-Canada tour.

Anderson said Malanka is the main fundraiser for the club and helps pay for costumes, supplies, offset registration fees, and pay for entry fees to competitions. This year dancers with the club will be competing in Lloydminster as well as Camrose. Their year-end concert is slated for the end of April.

Dancer Tristan Neil has been with the club for 14 years and is happy to have his mom Sheila St. Clair participate in the same adult class he is in. Sheila said it took a lot of persuasion, but after all these years she decided to give Ukrainian dancing a try. Even though she is accus-

tomed to being on stage, it was as an actor, not as a dancer. She says her biggest concern was being able to “keep up” with the other dancers, but her fears have been laid to rest, and she is enjoying performing with the group.

MC Robert Saik recalled some of his fond memories of Ukrainian dancing and of Innisfree, having grown up on a nearby farm and attending school in the community. He said Innisfree is a “very interesting” community and that it was great to be back home. In addition to naming some of the prominent families in the community, Saik mentioned his friend Yevgen Mykhaylichenko, an instructor with Olds College. Saik explained that Mykhaylichenko was originally from Ukraine and had given him a flag of Ukraine to display at the celebration that was autographed by several members of the 19th brigade. Additionally, he had given Saik about 40 dog tags, each one engraved with the trident of Ukraine, serial number, date and GPS coordinates of where they shot down a Russian missile. Saik said he was selling those to raise money to purchase reconnaissance drones for the Ukrainian army.

The dog tags are a stark reminder of the ongoing battle that continues to inflict damage and unimaginable pain on the people of Ukraine. Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk said she is proud to be a descendant of one of the first Ukrainian settlers in Canada, Iwan Pylypow back in 1890. Iwan Pylypow brought Ukrainians to Canada, and when he returned to Ukraine to bring back more to Canada he was

incarcerated. “Who would think 130 years later I’d be doing the same thing, but legally.

This event, like many others across our province are indicative of the rich history of the pockets of regions of the Ukrainian community in Alberta. And so in these tough times Alberta stands with Ukraine, and always will.

In my own role with the Alberta government as the Parliamentary Secretary of Ukrainian settlement, I’m privileged to have been tasked with identifying gaps in the support that Alberta is providing to displaced persons from Ukraine and find potential solutions.”

Armstrong-Homeniuk said there’s been great progress in a number of areas recently and she is looking forward to more “positive announcements” in the near future.

Malanka - CONTINUED from FRONT PAGE

Group photo following the performances. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Dog tag of Ukrainian army.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo

Dance shoes and sash.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Tributes

Today is such a painful day, full of sadness and grief as we mourn the moment you left, recalling how life used to be.

You were someone very special, who left your mark on so many lives Things just haven’t been the same since we said goodbye

The bond we shared will never end, even though we are apart We find comfort in the memories deep within our hearts

This heartfelt message is for you We miss you more than words can say The world lost someone precious On the day you went away.

IFTODY, Anne May May 22, 1921 - January 27, 2022

In loving memory of a dear mother, grandmother & great grandmother. Of a face so full of sunshine And a smile for one and all.

This is what we remember and will always recall.

Ever loved and sadly missed, Pat, Arlene(Terry) & Families

January 30, 2022

I think about you all the time and see your face so clear

January

It’s been the hardest thing to lose you They say time heals But we miss you everyday still You have never been forgotten And you never will We hold you close within our hearts And there you will remain To walk with us through our lives At least the memories we have of you They will never fade Your Smile, Your Laugh, Your Special Way Will Comfort Us from Day to Day Until the day comes we’re together again Lovingly remembered and sadly missed Marla, Darwin, Nathan, Makayla and Aliya Michael, Courtney, Avery and Owen Christopher and Stephanie, Audrey

It’s as if no time has passed, since you were standing here Your laughter echoes in my mind Your smile still lights my way I feel you watching over me Each night and every day Still I miss the talks we had (Though I still talk to you)

I wish that I could hear your voice And hug you closely too The years we spent together Were so precious and too few My heart now aches with longing For more time to spend with you. One day I’ll get to hold you close As we join hands above We’ll walk together in the light Of Heaven’s perfect love. So while you wait in Heaven And you’re watching over me Know you live within my heart

For all eternity.

Forever missed by Lana, Chris & Kelsey, Jen & Kurtis, Shelly & Kevin & Family, Davin & Chelsey, and all the Bortnick families.

MATVIW, Michael

In loving memory of our dear father, grandfather and great-grandfather who passed away January 25, 2000.

Twenty-three years ago today, It broke our hearts to lose you, But you didn’t go alone. A part of us went with you, The day God took you home.

A million times we’ve missed you, A million times we’ve cried. Our lives go on without you, And nothing is the same.

Sad are the hearts that love you, Silent the tears that fall, Living our lives without you, Is the hardest part of all. You did so many things for us. Your heart always kind and true. And when we needed someone most, We could always count on you. The special years will not return When we were all together. But with the love within our hearts You walk with us forever. Until we meet again. Always remembered by your children Mildred, David (Georgie), and Barbara; grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

MISKIW, Richard

July 13, 1947 - January 24, 2018

In memory of a loving Husband, Father and Gido who passed away five years ago.

A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands at rest, It broke our hearts to see you go, God only takes the best.

They say that memories are golden, Well maybe that is true, But we never wanted memories, We only wanted you, Your life was love and labour, Your love for your family true, You did your best for all of us, We will always remember you. We sat beside your bedside, Our hearts were crushed and sore, We did our duty to the end, ‘Til we could do no more.

In tears we watched you sinking, We watched you fade away, And though our hearts were breaking, We knew you could not stay.

Our lips cannot speak how we loved you, Our hearts cannot tell what to say, But God only knows how we miss you, In our home that is lonely today.

Loving you and missing you, Olga Miskiw, Shauna, Terry, Caylib, Joshua and Zachary Micklich and Greg, Jessica, Trystan, Taryn and Trayson Miskiw

The moment that you died my heart was torn in two, one side filled with heartache, the other died with you.

I often lie awake at night, When the world is fast asleep, and Take a walk down memory lane, With tears upon my cheeks. Remembering you is easy, We do it everyday, But missing you is a heartache That never goes away.

I hold you tightly within my heart And there you will remain.

Until the joyous day arrives, that we will meet again.

It’s been the hardest thing to lose you

You meant so much to me

But you are in my heart Dad

And that’s where you’ll always be I know that Heaven called you But I wish you could have stayed At least the memories I have of you They will never fade

I did not want to lose you

But you did not go alone

Because a part of me went with you

When Heaven called you home

So just remember one thing We are not apart You’re with me in my memories

And in my broken heart

Love Always, Chris and Kelsey Jenilee and Kurtis

In Loving Memory of Our Dear Dad & Gedo TOM KASSIAN

March 19, 1930 - January 24, 2013

They say there is a reason

They say time will heal. Neither the ten years nor any reason Will change the way we feel. Gone are the days we used to share But in our hearts you are always there. We will be forever thankful For your lifetime of Love & guidance And we feel you still in busy times As well as in times of silence. We know you are watching over us “Our Special Guardian Angel” And we can’t thank you enough. We will always be truly grateful.

Love, Cindy & Randy Kayla, Colin & Colten Luke, Kevin, Hayley & Kim

In Loving Memory of: Hamaliuk, Mary

April 23, 1924 – January 22, 2020

Today recalls the memory

Of our loved one gone to rest And those who think of her today Are those who loved her best. The flowers we lay upon her grave May wither and decay But the love for her who lies beneath Will never fade away. So please God take a message To our precious Mom up above Tell her we miss her terribly And give her all our love. Lovingly remembered and deeply missed, Forever in our Hearts Liz, Neil (Darcie), Olivia and Family Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren

Forever Loved and Remembered: Connie, Denis, Brooklyn, Colton, Shelly, Steven, Kristin, Chris, Olive, Dylan.

ROSKO, Olive

August 5, 1929 - January 26, 2022

Miss you Mom

A thousand words could not bring you back…I know because I tried.

A thousand tears could not bring you back…I know because I cried. Although your soul is at rest, and your body free from pain, the world would be like Heaven if I had you back again. You’re always in my thoughts no matter where I go, always in my heart, because I loved you so. However long my life might last, whatever land I view, whatever joy or grief is mine, I still remember you. I really miss you Mom.

Forever in my heart, Shelly

ROSKO, Olive

August 5, 1929 - January 26, 2022

MEMORIAM

MEMORIAM MEMORIAM MEMORIAM

MACKNEY, Mark

07, 1956 - January 20, 2020

Ed Wowk

December 5, 1934 - January 29, 2022

The Day You Went Away

Terry Bortnick

BORTNICK, Terry Andrew

September 22, 1957 – January 30, 2022

Tributes

MEMORIAM

OBITUARY OBITUARY

CARD OF THANKS

Olga Chomik

TROSKO, Shane

POWLEY, Angie

February 16, 1951 - January 20, 2022

A golden heart stopped beating. Hard working hands at rest, It broke our hearts to see you go, God only takes the best.

Love always, Clarence, Monica & Wes and family Rick & Jenny and family, Annie

DIACHUK, Anne

April 6, 1925 – January 22, 2023

On Sunday, January 22, 2023, Anne Diachuk of Vegreville, Alberta was called home to our Father’s house at the age of 97 years. There to meet her are her beloved husband Mike, her son Gordon and her daughter-in-law Bernadette (Berlinguette). Anne was also predeceased by her parents Nick and Annie Wertepora and siblings Jean (Andrew) Petruk, Mary (Bill) Skakun, Victoria (Bill) Basaraba, Tony (Irene), and Steven (Anne).

Anne will be missed by her grandchildren Darlene (Ian) Williams, Glen (Charlene) Diachuk, and Michelle Paradis as well as her five great-grandchildren, Stephan, Ryan, Grant, Kyle, and Tyler.

Anne was a friend to many and will be remembered by her friends Alex and Celine Berlinguette, Josie Buckle, and the staff and residents of the Homestead Senior Citizen’s Lodge.

At Anne’s request cremation has taken place and no funeral will be held. A graveside service will be held in the spring at Riverside Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to the Homestead Senior Citizen’s Lodge in Vegreville, Alberta.

To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com

AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD.

Vegreville, 780-603-5800

The family of Olga Chomik would like to express our sincere thanks to friends and family for their many kind expressions of love and sympathy. Thanks to all who extended condolences, sent flowers, cards and made donations in Olga’s name. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Brilz for the wonderful care she provided mom and thank you to the staff at PWL Wainwright. Thank you to Father Robert Lee for your spiritual mass. A special thank you to Gord, Patti and Victoria of Autumn Rose Funeral Home for their comfort, guidance and professionalism in all the funeral details. Thank you to all the others who helped us in so many ways to get through this most difficult time.

On January 13, 2023

Shane Trosko of Two Hills passed away at the age of 63 years. Shane is survived by his loving mother, Johanna; children, Brittany (Dante), Courtney, and Dustin; and one granddaughter, Ruby Rae. Predeceased by his Dad, Steve; and brother, Alan.

Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

Cremation has taken place in Park Memorial Crematorium. Donations in memory of Shane may be made to Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Photos, memories and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com

PARK MEMORIAL LTD.

VEGREVILLE 780-632-2000

FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORIUM

KOZNIUK, Annie

Another Angel in Heaven

KOZNIUK, Annie - Our beloved Baba, Annie Kozniuk passed away peacefully on January 21, 2023, in Vegreville AB, at the age of 98.

We are heartbroken to lose someone so special and she will be deeply missed. She was a strong and compassionate woman, and we were blessed to have had her in our lives. She was predeceased by her husband Nick, and sons Roy, Terry and Robert and survived by her loving family, daughter in-law Sonia, sister in-law Marian, grandchildren Mike (Michelle), Mark (Mandi), Shane (Tracey), Shannon, Chantelle (Cryton) and great grandchildren Madison, Kaitlyn, Claire, Charlotte, William, and Anastasia, along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Thank You and May God Bless You All.

On

of 100 years.

Effie is survived by her son Wayne: 4 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; one sister Maria; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Effie was predeceased by her husband John; daughter Jean; parents Michael and Anastasia Poholka; 2 brothers Nicholas and Steve; 3 sisters Anne, Alice and Stella.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Vladimir (5245-49 Ave) in Vegreville, Alberta with Rt. Rev. Fr. Slawomir Lomaszkiewicz officiating. Interment to follow in Riverside Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Vladimir c/o Box 1572, Vegreville, AB.,T9C 1S8 or charity of one’s choice.

To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com

AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD.

Vegreville, 780-603-5800

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023, at 10:30 am at the St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Church - Luzan (from Vegreville: travel north on Highway 857 for 27 km, turn west on Township Road 552 for 5 km; church is on the north side of the road) with Reverend Father Benny Ambrosie officiating. Interment to follow in the Church Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made directly to the St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Luzan. To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com Autumn Rose Funeral Home Ltd. Vegreville, 780-603-5800

SYMYROZUM, Effie March 21, 1922 – January 20, 2023

Friday, January 20, 2023, Effie Symyrozum of Vegreville, Alberta, passed away at the age

Food Bank

ing the past Christmas season.

Century Park Recreation Coordinator Milene Rozmahel said, “We decided to collect this because the Manager of Century Park, Binoj Augustine and I were talking about how the residents like to give things to others. So, we put a donation box out for them to put food and stuff in.

The residents were excited to do this. Their families also donated when they came in. We ended up having four boxes of food and some cushions and other items. Also, we know how much the food bank needs it. We are hoping this will help some families.”

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Staff, residents and their families from Century Park have been collecting food and items for Vegreville Food Bank dur-

In no particular order: Manager Binoj Augustine, Recreation Coordinator Milene Rozmahel, Health Care Aide Delia Almendra, Licenced Practical Nurse Clarence Carrieon, Bertha MacBeth, Ken Stecyk and Zonia Thorlikson.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

New H.A. Kostash School

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Aspen View Public Schools board of trustees will soon be donning safety boots, vests and glasses to tour the new H.A. Kostash School in Smoky Lake. Superintendent Neil O’Shea told trustees during its Jan. 19 meeting that the site foreman will be ready for them on February 7 at 9:15 a.m. followed by the board meeting at 11 am.

O’Shea said, “It’s coming along fantastically. We’re seeing walls and classrooms and lots of technology infrastructure going in. It’s really taking lots of form. Possession March 31. Principal has gone through and talked to them about furniture. It was very important to me that trustees be the first ones to tour through that building. So, I am really looking forward to that day. I hope you’re as excited about the new school as I am.

We’re now starting to talk about closing the old school and what does that look like. I’ve been in a discussion with Principal Mykytiuk and we will be holding some farewell evening at some time in May or the beginning of June giving community one last opportunity to walk through the halls. There are families of two, three and four generations that have gone to that school. So, we would like to have a celebration and allow people to come through. We have to talk about the disbursement of material that is not being moved into the new building and how that will look.

We have to talk about moving teachers and students and moving that material over. Will be working on a schedule with the principal and working out dates for that. So, there’s lots to do, but we are fortunate that at the end of March we can start the slow move over.”

Overall, O’Shea said, “It’s been a great project, and we have a long way to go before Sept. 1, but we’re on it.”

On Jan. 10 he met with some members of the town and economic development as they were wondering what the school division is planning for the area near the school as town officials are thinking of doing enhancements to the area.

Smoky Lake Mayor Amy Cherniwchan said town council had an informal meeting with members from Aspen View and have been assured that the keys to the new school will be turned over to Aspen View by March 31 and will be ready to start the 2023-’24 school year.

Cherniwchan said, “Council and Aspen View are committed to working in partnership to develop the surrounding green space with a focus on beauty and physical fitness. There has also been lots of discussion on ways to carry the legacy of H.A. Kostash in the community whether it be saving the bricks from the school or placing original banners in the new gymnasium. Smoky Lake will be celebrating its 100 anniversary as a Town so opening our new school and preserving some of the old school is fitting in keeping our heritage as Smoky Lake will be celebrating its 100 Anniversary as a Town coming this March!”

She went on to say, “The community is excited about the modern technology that the school will bring into the classrooms, a beautiful gymnasium that will have up-to-date ventilation, brand new daycare for our growing families, a horticulture room, and probably the most talked about is the large windows in the library that allow you to look out into the countryside.”

Exterior view of the new school. (Amy Cherniwchan/Submitted Photo)

Vegreville Wranglers U-9 Teams Host Tournament

hockey teams hosted their annual tournament on Jan. 14 and 15.

By all accounts everything went smoothly and coaches Josh Hamaliuk and Trevor Kassian said the main focus during the tournament as well as exhibition games is “having fun” on and off the ice.

The coaches say they hone in on improving basic skills like skating, stopping, shooting, stick handling, using edges, turning, scoring, etc. The Major team consists of second year players and the Minor team consists of first year players.

Using half ice versus full ice is more beneficial for the players, say Hamaliuk and Kassian, as players get to skate more, touch the puck more and have more interaction.

Hamaliuk said it was nice to see all the kids having fun and all the grandpas and grandmas in the stands to watch the players. Coaches and players are both excited about upcoming away tournaments in the coming months. Besides continuing to develop their hockey skills, tournaments are a great way to build on friendships, added Kassian.

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Members of the Vegreville Wranglers U-9 Major and Minor

Intense tournament action. (Michelle Pinon/Photos)