Vegreville News Advertiser - July 26, 2023

WHAT’S INSIDE

July 17

15:13 – Report of a safe being stolen. Neighbourhood inquiries made. Under investigation.

17:16 – Report of an unknown female in Mundare approaching a child and offering candy. Subject identified, but patrols turned up negative.

20:30 – While on patrol members noted a black Volkswagen sitting outside a residence known to police. License plate did not match the vehicle and while investigating members noted a meth pipe in plain view. While the vehicle was being towed for not having registration, subject attended and was arrested.

23:51 – Report of a family member stealing the complainant’s vehicle. Keys and cellphone were taken while the complainant slept and they were believed to be travelling to Fort Sask, Redwater or Viking. Statement obtained and other detachments notified. Under investigation.

July 18

02:00 – While conducting curfew checks, members noted a bicycle they suspected was stolen. They had seen the bicycle previously while on patrols when the subject ran from members. Subject was arrested and admitted to stealing the bicycle from near a business then repainting it to conceal it. Subject was later released with documents for court.

12:23 – Complainant reported a hit and run where they witnessed a white Chev truck back into a Lexus and then drive off. Under investigation.

14:30 – Report of a subject attempting to kiss the complainant without consent. Statement obtained. Complainant did not want to proceed with charges.

17:44 – Complainant reported that someone was blackmailing them on Snapchat/ Instagram stating that they obtained the complainant’s private information and would release it to the complainant’s contacts if they were not paid money. The complainant blocked would be blackmailer.

21:58 – Complainant reported that their son was attacked by someone at the Egg Park near the old skateboarding area. The victim was hit 4-5 times in the back of the head by a suspected weapon. CCTV reviewed. Under investigation.

July 19

00:28 – Report of an attempted carjacking. Complainant reports stopping for someone standing beside a black SUV with hazard lights on. The subject attempted to get in the vehicle while threatening with a knife. The subject is described as an Indigenous male, approx. 25-years-old wearing a black hoodie and dark sweatpants.

03:49 – Members responded to a commercial burglary alarm in Vegreville. Damage was done to the door reported by the alarm but entry was not gained. Owner contacted.

08:14 – Report of a male walking on the highway. Members located and identified the male. No concerns with male but he did state his leg hurt from walking. Members arranged for a ride for the client to the hospital.

12:30 – Complainant reports that his vehicle was stolen from the scene of an accident (Hwys 37 and 28) the day prior. They are tracking the location via a “tile” located in the vehicle. Members located the vehicle which had been towed from the accident scene.

14:48 – Report of a suspicious male in a nearby yard wearing a dark balaclava and riding a bicycle with a trailer. Members attended and issued a violation ticket.

15:13 – Members issued a subject a trespass ticket carrying a voluntary penalty of $600.

22:40 – Multiple subjects calling 911 to complain about a previous Police issue. Members spoke to subjects and explained that calling 911 when there is no emergency is subject to charges. Subjects apologized and agreed to stop.

23:03 – Complainant called to report an aggressive Rottweiler that was in his yard a few days ago. Dog was not currently present. Member advised the caller that they should call Bylaw enforcement during office hours if there was no immediate danger.

July 20

02:42 – 911 call received with a male heard saying “it’s not an emergency.” Patrols around the caller’s location were made but turned up negative. Calls back to the number were not answered.

11:23 – 911 report of shot heard. Report of a single gunshot with a general location. No other noises and no one seen. Members were on patrol in the area at the time of the call but did not hear anything. Went to the location reported, nothing seen and other residents in the area did not hear anything.

15:37 – Report of several pallets being taken from behind a Vegreville business. CCTV reviewed and the owner of the vehicle used was contacted. They stated that they were told the pallets were free to take. They apologized and would be returning the pallets.

July 21

00:56 – Report of loud music and yelling. Members attended, obtained a statement and recording of the activity. Party was shut down but later resumed. Bylaw enforcement notified.

13:05 – Traffic stop conducted and driver charged for operating a motor vehicle without registration. Ticket issued

with a VP of $324.

14:09 – 911 hang-up. Member attended the address in Mundare reported by 911 dispatch. The resident stated that the house reported was not theirs and no one called 911. Patrols were made and no one looking for assistance was found.

14:30 – Complainant called to report that their property currently for sale had the door kicked in and the lock box stolen around 10:45 pm the night prior. CCTV reviewed and police may have a suspect. Under investigation.

22:42 – Report of an assault. Under investigation.

23:09 – Vehicles) vs Bison reported between Mundare and Hilliard on Hwy 16. Car flipped, all occupants exited the vehicle and were on the way to hospital. Further reports indicated three vehicles were ultimately involved and Members found the Bison diseased. Vehicles were towed and collision reports completed.

23:26 – 911 report of a gunshot. Complainant indicated that it woke them up. Members patrolled the area but nothing heard and no witnesses heard anything.

23:27 – Call for assistance for a single vehicle off the road and now on the train tracks. CN was on-site and stopping train traffic. EMS and Police attended.

July 22

13:18 – Members attended to a custody dispute.

July 23

06:42 – 911 report of a single motor vehicle off the road. Vehicle smashed and air bags were deployed. Caller could not see anyone but indicated someone could be inside. RCMP, EMS and Fire attended. Further investigation determined that the driver was picked up by a friend and did not report the accident to the police.

11:46 – Report of a stolen lawnmower from an unlocked shed. Under investigation.

17:49 – Report of suspicious activity where a Grey BMW was located between two garbage bins and the two males appeared to be taking things apart. Description of subjects provided. Members attended but the car and subjects were gone.

During the week there were 71 calls for service made in total including: 4 false 911s, 0 false alarms, 1 (or 3) animal strikes, 4 relationship violence, 8 calls under the Mental Health Act or related to mental health, and approximately 7 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 July 17 - 23 Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Vegreville town council has decided to part ways with its Chief Administrative Officer Chris Leggett.

Vegreville Town Council Fires Chief Administrative Officer Town of Two Hills Councillor Keegan Thompson Resigns

That decision came following a special meeting of council that was held in closed session on July 18. Mayor Tim MacPhee confirmed the firing of Leggett. “We had a special meeting of council on Tuesday night and we discussed our options and the

Wednesday that we relieved him of his duties.

As of right now, Sandra Ling, the Legislative Manager, who has all the credentials to be a CAO; and has actually been applying for other positions at other municipalities has accepted a three-month interim to take on that responsibility and we will hopefully, be hiring her after that. It’s a trail period for Sandra. She’s been with the town for a long time and I have all the confidence in the world that she’ll do a good job.”

MacPhee said he could not provide more details at this time, but confirmed that Leggett was fired without cause and that his contract “clearly states what his compensation is.

Right now, I can’t say too much because he has the opportunity to take it to his legal counsel. As that moves along, I might have more to say next week, but for right now it was a decision of council and we just feel Chris just wasn’t the right fit. Nothing other than that.”

but I can’t discuss that. It was structured yearly basis. When you bring someone new into the community you have to have those safeguards in place.”

Town of Two Hills Councillor Keegan Thompson has tendered his resignation.

direction that we felt that the municipality should be going and we decided that Chris was just not the right fit for us. So, we came out of our closed session and Chris was served on

Leggett began his official duties with the Town of Vegreville on Jan. 31, 2022. He took over the position from Town Manager Cliff Craig who had served the municipality for many years. MacPhee said Leggett had signed a three year contract, but there were safeguards put in place so they would not have to pay out the entire contract if they parted ways. “There were terms in the contract already,

He also noted that, “When we hired a company to find someone for that position, Sandra was ranked very high in that group, but we chose Chris, and really no fault of Chris’ the longer people stay in a position the more compensation is needed if you are not happy with them. So, it really wasn’t any one thing with Chris, it was just overall we just figured we wanted to go in a different direction.”

Notice of his resignation is posted on the Town of Two Hills website in a letter addressed to council and dated July 18. In the letter he thanked the mayor and members of council for their support and guidance while he served in office.

He stated that, “It’s been a tremendous honour to serve as a Town of Two Hills councillor. I am proud of our accomplishments as an organization taking headon the many challenges we face in addressing economic development, health care professional shortage, housing, the COVID pandemic and many other issues in our community.”

A by-election will be held on Sept. 19 and candidates have until noon on Aug. 8 to file nomination papers. The Vegreville News Advertiser reached out to Thompson to provide a statement, but he declined to comment.

Interim CAO Sandra Ling. (Town of Vegreville/Submitted Photo)

Chris Leggett. (Town of Vegreville/File Photo)

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Thompson during recent Canada Day activities. (Michelle Pinon/File Photo)

TP Math

Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser – Opinion

TP math… seems like a logical progression after talking about how the federal government spends our money, no?

TP… Toilet paper, butt wipe, doo doo rolls, tush scrubber and shit tickets (no need to clutch your pearls, kids hear worse in the playgrounds) to name a few. Everyone needs it and hopefully everyone has it. Even during the great TP crisis of 2019 when it looked like the apocalypse was upon us (at least in the paper isle) we still managed to get by.

Butt… (See what I did there?) What is toilet paper math? Well, it could be some new billion-dollar formula you came up with while doing your business with pen in hand but nothing to write on. However, in this case, the idea comes from an economic development organization in the US. We had looked at doing something similar here, but convincing people can be a challenge, so it sits on the shelf.

Since I can only complain about the government so much, and my time is a little tight these days, what better topic than this to entertain and engage our readers? The premise is simple. Take an everyday item that everyone uses and look at how our spending habits can impact our local economy. Like with many things (pick a topic) it’s easy to complain, but what are WE

doing to fix the situation?

Stats about shopping local have been around for as long as there have been small businesses. However, COVID brought a focus to ‘local’ as we saw up to 50 percent of shops in some countries closed due in part to regulations or the inability to compete with large, established online outlets. The U.S. Small Business Administration has stated that for every $100 spent at small businesses, $48 is put back into the local economy. Other research puts the number at $43, so we will use $45. By comparison, for every $100 spent at non-locally owned businesses, only $13 stays local and if you spend it with some far-away Amazon shop… pretty much ZERO, unless the delivery driver stops somewhere and spends a few dollars.

So, let’s do some math. According to Cottonelle Canada, the average family of four will go through about 28 rolls per month. A quick search found a 24 pack for $22, so for simplicity, let’s go with that. We don’t need to complicate this process with complicated TP math of double or triple rolls or “flaming bean burrito/chili night.”

For households, we will use numbers that are close…they come from our circulation and Canada Post. I’ll start with my home base and touch on a handful of other communities on our list. The math is straight forward, so other communities would be easy.

Vegreville and area has approximately 3,000 households. 3,000 x 12 months x $22 for the pack of TP comes to $792,000 in TP potentially purchased annually by Vegreville poopers. Now if we take that and take the $100 spent = $45 local we get $356,000 that circulates in our local economy. That’s a lot when you consider it’s just one, (some would say crappy) little line item in our household spending.

Here are some other numbers. For Andrew and Mundare with around 500 households we get $59,000. Two Hills with 760 we have $90,000, Mannville at 380 gets us $45,000 and Smoky Lake with 600 calculates to $71,000.

Now math is hard and I’m running on very little sleep, but I can’t be that far off. The power of TP (and our spending habits) is amazing. It can change our communities. Think of how many soccer balls, hockey pucks. baseballs, footballs, etc. money like that could buy. Hopefully, it too would be spent locally. So, the power of our TP investments keeps rolling on, (yes…again).

Just think how our communities would change if we shifted just 10 percent of our spending back to local sources. Those extra dollars circulating through our communities are an investment in local job creation and the preservation of our diverse and prosperous region. By sourcing more products and services locally we are investing in more jobs and a positive economic impact.

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

Name: Charlene Buckler

Construction Continues on Prosperity Industrial Park as Town Waits for Anchor Tenant to Secure Funding

was awarded $6.5 million by the Town of Vegreville to complete the work. The official sod turning ceremony was held on July 22, 2021.

“It’s a waiting game,” said MacPhee, who is hoping along with many others that the wait will finally be worth it and put the town on the map as an industry leader and major centre for hemp related projects in the future.

The Vegreville News Advertiser reached out to INCA Renewable Technologies for information and comment, but had not heard back prior to press time.

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Economic development is often compared to running a marathon instead of a sprint with plenty of time and energy focused on the finish line.

That comparison almost certainly holds true for Prosperity Industrial Park as the Town of Vegreville is still waiting for its anchor tenant, INCA Renewable Technologies, to begin construction on its proposed $72 million hemp manufacturing facility on the municipality’s 78 acre site.

Back in late-April of 2022, INCA Renewable Technologies Chairman and CEO David Saltman said the company would be building a state-of-the-art 200,000 square foot fiber processing and composites manufacturing facility that would be located in Prosperity Industrial Park.

At that time, the Government of Alberta also announced the company would be receiving a $400,000 grant from the Province in partnership with the Canadian Agricultural Partnership Program in sup-

port of the new venture.

Saltman expected to break ground on the project in September unless they did not receive the necessary approvals, in which case, it would be pushed back to spring of 2023.

Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee was asked to provide an update on the project itself as well as its anchor tenant. “I talked to their CEO two weeks ago now and they let me know that the Bank of America that is writing the loan for this project and it’s taken longer than what he thought.

Right now, to be honest, I’m worried that this project may not get started this year because of some of the financial things that he already brought forward to me. Some of the grant money they were promised by the province cannot be used as collateral because the money comes as the project moves ahead.

So, they are at the bank right now, and we were told to just try and be patient. It’s a $125 million project that the bank is being very careful about as well. They feel they’ve raised enough money to

qualify for the loan and that’s where they’re at.”

MacPhee went on to say, “We’re all in a waiting game here, but we have some other irons in the fire and are talking to other people about Prosperity Park.”

There is a lot of work that is currently being done on-site as preparations are being made to put in a large gas line, electrical, and fiber-optic cables. Water and sewer are already in the ground. Sloping and ditches have been completed as well, and the lift station is nearly complete.

Construction on the park began in February of 2022. In-Line contracting

Ongoing construction activity in Prosperity Industrial Park in Vegreville on July 22. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

90 Years Ago – July 26, 1933

The Baptist Church, at the corner of Main St. and Third Ave., is undergoing a complete outward change possibly to correspond with the change that has recently taken place in the denominational attitude of its congregation. For it is no longer the Baptist Church; it is the Presbyterian Church, having come into the possession of this Church some few weeks ago. The brickwork on the building was shaky, and had indeed, become risky and it has now been removed entirely, the intention being to finish the outside in stucco. C. Gordon has the contract.

Out of fifty prizes given in the hard red spring classes of wheat, twenty-four were awarded to Alberta growers. The grand championship went to Freland Wilford of Stavely and Herman Trelle second. A.R. Kallal of Tofield was in 16th place.

A report was submitted covering well-drilling on the T. Lemiski farm, and an agreement between T. Lemiski and the Town was presented for approval. It was moved by McLean-Shaw and carried.

A contract covering the well now being drilled by A.A. Gulchon was also submitted and approved.

75 Years Ago – July 30, 1948

Rev. Hart Cantelon informed his United Church congregation some months ago that he was relinquishing the pastorate at the end of June, so his resignation is now effective. The pastorate of the United Church here, with its affiliate congregations, will be taken over by Rev. Murray Sutherland on August 1st.

Vegreville barbers announce the following prices to take effect on Monday, July 5th. Children’s hair-cuts, 35c; Adults hair-cuts, 50c; Shaves, 35c; Emil Olson, S. Sysak, A. Danesyk, H.L. Bender.

Only 65 miles from the geographical center of North America and thousands of miles from any ocean, clam shells measuring four and five inches in length were found by well diggers at a depth of 50 feet in Minot, N.D.

India has ordered 100 locomotives worth $13,000,000 from companies in Montreal and Kingston, Ont., it was announced by an Indian information services officials.

Searchers found the body of Norman Henry Locke, 14 years old, beside the boy’s pony, who stood all night in a flooding creek at the spot where the boy fell off into the water.

Mrs. Georgie Booker, who lives in Georgia, said she thought her rocking chair on the front porch seemed “a little bumpy”. The next morning she found that the rockers had crushed a six-foot rattlesnake to death.

50 Years Ago – July 26, 1973

In a salute to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Inspector W.J. Wyllie of K division, Edmonton, will officially open the Vegreville Exhibition next week. The official opening ceremonies will take place at the grandstand on Monday evening at 7:00 o’clock immediately preceding the first performance of the grandstand show. A survey will be taken of the Town of Vegreville merchants and patrons to determine if the “Krazy Daze” promotion carried out for the past three years is worth continuing. The project was discussed at the July meeting of the Chamber of Commerce when it was thought that greater participation perhaps would make the project a success.

Mac Vinet, a newcomer to the town from Marsden, Sask. was chosen to represent the Chamber on the committee working on the plans for a proposed multi-purpose building. Mr. Vinet operates the Tom-Boy Store in Vegreville.

Cst. Jerry McCarty will start his Equitation training for the Musical Ride on August 15th in Ottawa.

Dr. P.N. Nikiforuk has been promoted to the position of Dean of Engineering by the University of Saskatoon, Sask. As of July 1st. 1973. He has been head of the Macdonald Engineering Department since 1965.

25 Years Ago – July 28, 1998

Vegreville Hospitals’ Auxiliary Society received funding from Nova to purchase a new lightweight cart for their canteen, and recognizing the 60th anniversary of the auxiliary. The presentation was made by Valerie Schell representing the Nova Transmission Company. Sophie Dziwenko and Jennie Hnydyk accepted the donation on behalf of the auxiliary.

Sensei Mirek Drozdzel and members of the Vegreville Karate-Do club are proud to announce that three junior students received red belts (black belts for juniors). Jason Rokos, Curtis Robert, and Chris Flessau are the first red belts in the history of the club.

A community project, along the highway at Beauvallon, is well underway in helping to feed the hungry in the world. Dr. John Melenchuk, from St. Paul, has donated the use of 35 acres to grow barley for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. It is hoped that between 50-60 bushels per acre will be harvested, about 2000 bushels. There are 160 projects like this across Canada. In Alberta, there are 17 projects, totaling 2000 acres.

Is Danielle Smith Going to Blow Up Alberta Health Care?

David Climenhaga

The Tyee Contributor

The premier who centralized the management of Alberta Health Services under a single administrator who answers only to her now says she wants to decentralize the province-wide public health agency “to enhance local decision-making authority.”

What’s wrong with this picture?

According to Danielle Smith’s mandate letter to Health Minister Adriana LaGrange, this will “create a more collaborative working environment for our health-care workers by incentivizing regional innovation and increasing our ability to attract and retain the health-care workers we need.”

How likely is this to work as advertised?

We don’t know yet, of course, whether this will be a full-blown catastrophic effort to drag Alberta Health Services back to a future that most resembles the 1950s south of the Medicine Line, or just some ideological window dressing to keep the UCP’s antivaccination, anti-public-health, anti-abortion, antieverything base happy.

Probably a bit of both.

There’s not actually a lot to go on in the mandate letter. It’s mostly a repeat of the one she sent to her last health minister, Jason Copping, before the voters in Calgary Varsity released him back into the wild on May 29.

That is to say, it accurately identifies many of the problems causing the crisis in health care, and tells the minister to do something about them, which is easier said than done. It provides no hint, however, about how she might go about the task.

The letter also mentioned that $300 health spending account, one of Smith’s big promises in her UCP leadership campaign that hasn’t held up under scrutiny. “Working with the Minister of Technology and Innovation, who is lead, to explore the feasibility of creating an Alberta health spending account to sup-

port improved health outcomes for Albertans,” sounds more like face saving than a serious plan.

The Canadian Press called the Etch-A-Sketch outline of the UCP’s plans contained in the letter “the go-ahead to decentralize the entire health-care delivery system.”

If so, it’ll be a catastrophe. But that’s a big if.

There’s not much point asking either Smith or LaGrange about it — that would just be an invitation to more gas lighting. Indeed, speaking on a friendly rightwing radio station this week, LaGrange said “all of this will involve structures, and it’s too early to say what those will look like. I don’t want to presuppose where we will go, but rest assured, we are going to be making some change....”

Well, a bit of administrative decentralization would certainly provide political cover for a government that would clearly like to privatize public health services in a hurry, restrict access to reproductive health services, get revenge on public health officials for their response to COVID-19 and do some union-busting, all of which would be unpopular with significant parts of the public.

As for incentivizing regional innovation (other than ideological hobbyhorses like abortion services and vaccinations) or attracting and retaining the healthcare workers Alberta desperately needs, real decentralization would have the opposite effect.

As everybody who knows anything about health care keeps saying over and over, yet another major restructuring of health care in Alberta is absolutely the last thing that a system already in crisis needs. Most likely, it would be an absolute catastrophe.

But Conservative provincial governments in Alberta have been constantly trying to reform health care for decades and about the only thing they’ve tried that’s actually worked was the creation of AHS, rolled out in 2009 under Progressive Conservative premier Ed Stelmach.

It had a bumpy start, but lo and behold, eventually it ended up with the lowest administrative costs for health care in Canada.

David J. Climenhaga is an award-winning journalist, author, post-secondary teacher, poet and trade union communicator.

- Richard Kluger -

Baba Olga Marion Orleski’s Ukrainian Dough Art Gets Donated to VCA

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

On July 19, Orest Olineck, Treasurer for Vegreville Cultural Association, (VCA) accepted the contract Olga Marion Orleski signed to officially donate 40 traditional Ukrainian Dough Art creations to VCA which are now on display there.

Olga was born November 22, 1933 in Vegreville. This endeavor all started in the fall of 1977 when a family member asked Olga to make a korovai for a 50th wedding anniversary. Olga went on from there to create 589 breads to date.

Olga explained, “It took me from 30 to 36 hours to make the Korovais and Anniversary breads and some of the other ones took many more hours to make.

The most enjoyable part of making the bread is seeing the end result, and having a feeling of satisfaction in my heart.

The challenges were getting the right consistency of the dough; putting it to bake at the right time and sourcing the greenery and flowers.

My breads symbolize a lot of things from our community. I have a strong Ukrainian culture and heritage, and I also married into one where the people were very spiritual. That is why I have a lot of breads about our Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church at Kaleland, Canada; it is unique, made of field stone from a field nearby. Also named the first Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada which is not affiliated with Greek or Russian.

Each bread is also my own idea and creation and has a meaning for the occasion or event. As well, it was made to beautify the head table.

The Korovai is a wedding bread that symbolizes the entire Ukrainian community’s blessings for the couple’s wedding.

In 1988, I created centerpieces for the millennium celebration of 1,000 years of Ukrainian Christianity. I also made breads which represented Ukrainians

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS

ESTATE OF MARIA GYSBERTHA

THERESA WISPINSKI, also known as MARIE WISPINSKI, also known as MARIA WISPINSKI, also known as MARIE G. T. WISPINSKI who died on March 30, 2023

If you have a claim against this estate you must file your claim by August 28, 2023 with:

Kuzyk Law Office Barrister and Solicitor Postal Drawer 929

5038-50 Avenue

Vegreville, Alberta T9C 1S1

If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.

immigrating to Canada, Ukrainian’s very famous poet Taras Shevchenko, and Slava Ukraini (Glory to Ukraine).

I decided to donate to VCA because over the 50 years attending and volunteering at Vegreville Pysanka Festival and other organizations in Vegreville, my husband and I made friends and also knew a lot of people here. So, it felt like home. When my husband and I were given the honour of being Hospodar and Hospodynia in 2009, we met so many wonderful people from near and far which became special to us. One of the plaques in the display was made to commemorate that year, which became a highlight of the festival for a number of

Notice to Creditors and Claimants

Estate of Eugene Alexander Pehowich who died on June 07, 2023.

If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by: August 30, 2023 and provide details of your claim with EMMANUEL ALADE at CITY LAW OFFICES

9812 - 102 Street

FORT SASKATCHEWAN, AB.

T8L 2C2

780-997-0444 p 780-997-0774 f citylaw@telus.net

If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.

years. The experience I had will be one of the most memorable days of my life.

From volunteering for many years and being a member of VCA Board, I feel the Pysanka Festival is getting more popular and bigger each year. That is why it is a great place to have my display at.”

Orest Olinec also commented that VCA is thrilled to have this bread to showcase to the public. “The bread will be on permanent display in the dance studio at VCA office and it will be a featured attraction during future Vegreville Pysanka Festivals.”

NOMINATION DAY

Notice is hereby given that Nomination Day is 8 August 2023.

Nominations for the election of a candidate for the following office will be received at the Town Office during regular office hours until 12:00 noon on August 8, 2023. COUNCILLOR ONE (1)

Town of Two Hills 4712 – 50 Street

Phone: 780-657-3395

Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0 Fax: 780-657-2185

E-mail: cao@townoftwohills.com

Orest Olineck and Olga Orleski. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

The Ukrainian dough art creations Olga made which are on display at the VCA Dance Studio. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Pysanka Festival 50th a Huge Success

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Vegreville Pysanka Festival 50th Anniversary held on July 7, 8, and 9 was a huge success.

When Pysanka Festival Coordinator Patricia Shewchuk was asked approximately how many people attended the festival this year, she replied, “The Pysanka Festival is free to attend, which means it’s free to walk onto the festival grounds and visit most of the venues. The only two attractions we charge an admission fee are attendance to the grandstand shows and the Zabava evening dances. Based on ticket sales, we had over 3,000 attend the grandstand shows, and over 2,000 attend the Zabavas. (Children aged 12 and under are free to attend all attractions, and are not included in the count.)

We do not know how many people attended the festival in general, but we do know we had record attendance this year.”

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

VegMin Learning Society

Location Vegreville

The Connections Adult Learning is looking for an Executive Director to take over the office.

Key Responsibilities:

● Guide and advise Board.

● Manage Administrative and Financial.

● Recruit, Train and Supervise other Staff.

● Function as a Community Information Resource.

● Be Knowledgeable on Non-Profit and CAL.

For More Info or Send Resume to: Rita Smyth ras49@shaw.ca by Aug 15/23

Secretary/Treasurer

NOW HIRING

for o r Vegre ille and T o Hills Loca ons

Trailer Assemblers & Welders

Skills & Experience:

-Ability to work in a fast paced manufacturing environment

-Basic knowledge of hand tools & power tools

-Be able to handle items weighing up to 50lbs

-Able to work effectively in a team setting

-MIG welding experience

-Willing to train the right candidates

Responsibilities:

-Use power hand tools safely

-Work on assembly line

-Assemble and weld trailer frames

-Wiring, decking, assembling trailers

Please send res mes to info@conq r.ca or drop off in person at A e., T o Hills, AB

Plasma Table Operator NOW HIRING

Skills & Experience:

- Ability to understand and read blueprints

- Capable of using measuring tapes and hand tools

- Knowledge of plasma table or CNC equipment an asset

- Experience in metal fabrication an asset

- Willing to train the right candidate

Responsibilities:

- Layout, prepare, and cut various parts from plate steel

- Reviewing work order and nest files

- Monitoring cutting process and make adjustments as needed

- Using overhead crane and forklift to move materials on/off the cutting table

- Inspecting parts for quality and accuracy

- Organize finished parts and maintain parts inventory on select parts

Please send resumes to info@conqur.ca or drop off in person at 4802 57 Ave., Two Hills, AB

When questioned about why they decided to have a few other cultures like the Celtic Ceiliah dance group and the Bavarian Schuhplattlers perform this year, Shewchuk answered, “We actually invite a variety of heritage performers every year. Both the Celtic Ceildh and Bavarian Schuhplattlers dancers have performed on the Showcase stage multiple times over the years.”

Shewchuk went on to say, “Our “wrapup” meeting is this week, and we will discuss successes and suggestions for improvement.

Our 50th Anniversary Pysanka Festival was a huge success. Our venue managers and volunteers put on an unforgettable 50th anniversary celebration with spectacular performances, beautiful displays, excellent demonstrations and workshops by our many skilled and knowledgeable artisans. We had a great variety of vendors in our busy Yarmarok marketplace, good Ukrainian food, beer and vodka from Ukraine, and a lot of great music to polka to. It was an amazing three day

Part-Time/Casual Commission Sales Person

The Vegreville News Advertiser has an opening for a Part-Time/Casual Commission Sales Person

Duties include developing and maintaining customer relations in person and by phone and filling out paperwork for customer orders.

The successful applicant will have excellent people and organizational skills. Hours are flexible. Sales/Customer Service experience an asset, on going training provided.

If you are interested in working in a fast paced environment with a great group of people, please apply with a resume and references to:

Vegreville News Advertiser P.O. Box 810 5110-50 Street Vegreville, Alberta T9C 1R9 E-Mail: hr@newsadvertiser.com

showcase of Ukrainian culture.

We are receiving many comments from attendees saying our festival was outstanding and exceeded their expectations. We had visitors from across Canada, the USA, Australia, Ukraine, and other countries. One individual messaged us to say “I’ve attended festivals across Canada for the past 45 years, and this year’s grandstand shows were the best I’ve ever seen.”

Another indication of a successful event--within 24 hours of the end of our festival, we only had 10 powered RV stalls available to be booked for the 2024 Pysanka Festival.”

The County of Minburn No. 27 is seeking an individual for a permanent full-time Shop Assistant position based 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: Permanent full-time Salary Range: $24.64 – $30.30 per hour Submission Deadline: Will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected

Endangered Species put Under Greater Threat Due to Damage from Recreational Vehicles

lots of different wildlife, and easy access to the water and hiking trail. There’s a picnic area and ball diamonds with plenty of green space to spread out and enjoy the surroundings.

It has been estimated that there are less than 150 Piping Plovers in Alberta and 6,000 worldwide. Threadgould says the species of bird are native to Mexico and come to Birch Lake because they like the sandy soil and tall grasses where they lay their eggs in early spring.

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Charadrius Melodus.

That’s the scientific name of the Piping Plover. The adult weighs 49 grams, has yellow-orange-red legs, a black band across the forehead from eye to eye, and a black stripe running along the breast line.

The small sand-colored, sparrow-sized shorebird nests and feeds along coastal sand and gravel beaches in North America, including a small section of the northern shore of Birch Lake near the Village of Innisfree. Every year researchers do a bird count at the recreational area, and for the first time did not record any Piping Plover nesting there.

Not only is that of grave concern to researchers, but to Cat Threadgould, Campground Manager at the Innisfree Recreation Park.

Tracks from ATV’s are still visible in the in the designated protected area from damage caused earlier in the spring, and the reckless behaviour of behind the

Unreserved

vandalism could very well signal the end of the endangered species from ever returning to the picturesque lake that is located two kilometers south of the village, and enjoyed by bird watchers, campers and day visitors between the months of May to September.

According to a sign posted along the northern shore, it advises people that it is a sensitive wildlife area. “Foot and motorized traffic along this shoreline will cause disturbance to a sensitive wildlife species. Disturbance of wildlife is a violation of the Alberta Wildlife Act, and may result in prosecution and fines up to $50,000.”

It has been estimated that there are less than 150 Piping Plovers in Alberta and 6,000 worldwide. Threadgould says the species of bird are native to Mexico and come to Birch Lake because they like the sandy soil and tall grasses where they lay their eggs in early spring.

Threadgould says the park is a hidden gem. It’s a nature lover’s dream as there are plenty of trees, spacious camp sites,

She points out that Alberta as a whole is a migratory path for many of the popular birds we see today. Birch lake is one of the first stops of tourists travelling to Alaska in the spring. “They come from all over the United States.” They also return in late August, stopping on their way back home.

ATM Service

Permanent, Seasonal & Event Placements Available

Our local technicians monitor each and every machine to ensure maximum uptime for your location. Call: 1800-663-5957

Campground Manager Cat Threadgould.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Area along northern shoreline. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Vegreville Farm Family Receives Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk presented the Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award on behalf of Nate Horner, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, in recognition of more than 125 years of family farming in the province.

In addition to a bronze plaque, the family received special certificates in recognition of their outstanding achievement. ArmstrongHomeniuk read in part a letter from Minister Horner, which stated: Accept our congratulations for 125 years of family farming in Alberta. It’s a remarkable achievement for your family to work on the same homestead for all those years.

For your family’s longstanding contribution to our province. The farming and ranching community in Alberta has been built on generations

of hardworking Albertans like yourselves, who are devoted to agriculture, family and their rural communities.

For more than 125 years your family has cared for the land and helped to build a vibrant and sustainable agricultural industry in the province. It takes a tremendous amount of hard work and determination. These are the qualities that are exemplified by our farmers and ranchers who are the foundation on which this province was built.

We know that the long-term success of agriculture sector will continue to rely heavily on the care and dedication and the excellence of farmers and ranchers as they put into their operations each and every day.

I would like to thank you and your family for being a vital part of Alberta’s heritage and for helping build our future for our province. Best wishes for your family’s continued success and lasting legacy.”

According to the chronological framework:

• George Cole and his wife Alida came to Vegreville from Minnesota to stake out parcels of land for each of Farm Family - CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Weekly Crop Market Review

little as $7.95 per week!

HOMES FOR SALE

Vegreville, 3 Bedrooms, Laundry Room, Renovated Basement, 6 Appliances, Attached Double Garage, Deck, Garden Shed, Large Fenced Yard. PH: 780-632-7385

7-DAY WEATHER 19°C 10°C

fri JuL 28 18°C 11°C

thu JuL 27 20°C 12°C

LIVESTOCK

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

MACHINERY

Advertise your equipment here 288 New Holland Baler, Excellent Condition. PH: 780-363-2308

MISC.

SafeStep. North America’s #1 Walkin tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off-limited time! Financing available. 1-855417-1306

sat JuL 29 20°C 12°C

wed JuL 26 22°C 13°C

sun JuL 30 22°C 13°C

mon JuL 31 21°C 12°C

HughesNet - Finally, VEGREVILLE & SURROUNDING AREA SURROUNDINGAREA WEATHER

780-455-2573 All Offers. 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV- 150,000 KM 4X4. Rare, For Sale, Local Oil and Gas

Mineral Rights, in Lamont County.

First, before Gord Downing’s, 1992

Sample C.D - Tragically Hip. First, 1951 Elvis Record. Marilyn Monroe picture in Jasper Alberta - getting out of her car. Stradivarius Violin 1737. Nicolo Amati Violin, Italian 1684. 1939- World War: WWII Map with railways and more. 2- 19 “x 23”

Holy Wall Picture, God and Mary 1898. 1- Horse Bridle, to break in horses for riding.

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months!

Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultaation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorran-ceinfo.com/ads.

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly

tue AUG 01 MR. CLASSIFIED Call toll free from anywhere in Alberta 1.800.522.4127 or fax to 780.632.7981 SALE GARAGE 5318 45B Ave Vegreville Saturday & Sunday July 29 & 30 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

their six children in 1894.

• Merton, (son of George and Alida) was married to Sarah and they had five children: George, Cecile, Myrtle, Roy and Walter. Merton built the original farm house in 1900.

• Roy, (son of Merton and Sarah) and his wife Agnes had one daughter Lorna. They moved to the farm in 1930 and operated the Waskawa Jersey dairy farm from 1937 to 1958.

• George and Lorna were married on Feb 7, 1955. She moved to Germany in December of 1955 to join George who was a soldier in the army and stationed there before moving to the farm in October of 1957. They took over the farm in 1958.

• George and Lorna had four chil-

dren: Richard, (Rick) Heather, Karen and Darlene.

• Rick took over the farm in 1985. He and his wife Dawn had three children: Cole, Karleen and Allie.

• Darlene married Bill Muntz, and they had four children: Melissa, Charles, Matthew and Kristopher. They moved onto the subdivided portion of the southeast part of the farm in 1991. Darlene continues to live there with her daughter Melissa and granddaughter Hunter.

• Rick currently lives on the farm along with son

Cole and his fiancé Nicole and their children Colten and Bennett.

Lorna said she felt proud and honoured to receive the award. Lorna was three-years-old when her parents moved to the farm. She lived on the farm until 2015. Her husband George passed away in March of that year. Since that time she has called Heritage House home.

As a point of interest, this farmstead is the site of the original Town of Vegreville located five miles southwest of Vegreville on the Holden Road.

Merton and Sarah Cole and their family in front of their home that was built in 1900. (Hoggins/Cole Family/Submitted Photo)

Bronzed plaque presented to Hoggins/Cole family on July 19. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Front Row L to R: Cole Hoggins, Colten Hoggins, Lorna Hoggins, (nee Cole), Rick Hoggins and Bennett Hoggins. Back Row L to R: MLA Jackie ArmstrongHomeniuk, Nicole Story, Heather Paziuk, (nee Hoggins), Karleen Hoggins, Darlene Muntz, (nee Hoggins), Melissa Muntz, Allie Gordey, (nee Hoggins), John Gordey and Presley Gordey. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Tributes

ST. CLAIR, Marie

May 14, 1937 – July 16, 2023

On Sunday, July 16, 2023, Marie St. Clair, of Ranfurly, Alberta passed away peacefully at the age of 86 years.

Marie is survived by her loving husband of 64 years Charles; children Tom and Sheila; grandchildren Anne and Tristan; brother Bert (Laura) Foster; sister Hazel Westwood; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Marie was predeceased by her parents Jack and Dorothy Foster and nephew Dean Foster.

CARD OF THANKS

MILLER

The family of the late Gordon Miller would like to thank everyone for the flowers, food, sympathy messages and donations. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.

A special thank you to Rev. Pamela Milton for the meaningful services and to everyone who helped at Salem United Church and Cemetery. Thank you Melanie Semenuik for the music, Arthur Beaudette for the sound system, Alan Baxandall for the chairs, Brian and Shawnee Hrabec for the tent, and Diane Fausak for the delicious meal.

Thank you to Owen for the eulogy and to the pallbearers (grandsons). Grandpa would have been so proud of you.

Thank you to Patti and Gordon Pawluk for your very professional services.

Audrey Miller and Family

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ranfurly Agricultural Society Centre with Rev. Scott Reynolds officiating. Interment to follow in the Ranfurly Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the “Alberta Cancer Foundation” or the “Ranfurly Cemetery Fund.”

To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com

AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD.

Vegreville, 780-603-5800

THANK YOU!

I would like to thank everyone for attending my 100th Birthday Celebration, Your presence made this day very special for me. Seeing you all was the greatest gift that I could receive. Thank you for all the new memories.

Bless You All!

Phyllis Dubuc

March 15, 1932- July 22, 2023

It is with great sadness the Lesoway family announces the passing of our dear mother Henriette, of Mundare, Alberta, formerly of Tofield, with her family by her side. She will be lovingly remembered by her children Debbie, Darrell (Sheila), Garry (Brenda), Darren, Kevin (Anna) and son-in-law Robert (Barb); beloved grandchildren Jeremy (Staci), Chelsea (Evan), Stephen (Jocelyn), Landon (Christine) and Danny (Hannah); great-grandchildren Stella, Harper, Lena, and Johnnie. She will also be dearly missed by her sisters-in-law Margaret Cebeniak, Emily Lucyk, and Ann Pichach, as well as numerous extended family. Henriette was predeceased by her parents Nick and Pearl Cebeniak; beloved husband Mike; daughter Brenda; daughter-inlaw Cathy; grandson Joshua; and siblings Ann, Mary, Mike, Angela, Virginia, Freida, Olga and Eddy.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Henriette’s friends and caregivers at Mary Immaculate Care Center and Father Filas Manor.

A Divine Liturgy will be held on Saturday July 29, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Mundare, Alberta with the Basilian Fathers officiating. Interment to follow in the Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation or Mary Immaculate Hospital (Mundare) Foundation.

To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com

AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD.

Vegreville, 7880-603-5800

Saskiw Family Reunion

TREMBLAY, Patricia (Pat)

On July 22, 2023 Pat Tremblay of Vegreville passed away at the age of 63 years. Pat is survived by her loving husband, Philip; one son, Austin; and one daughter, Kate; four grandchildren; one brother, Brent; one sister, Diane (Fred), and nephew, Derek. Predeceased by her parents, Graham and Kathleen Trouton; brother, Robert; and sister, Marie.

As per Pat’s wishes, there will be no service.

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

PARK MEMORIAL LTD.

VEGREVILLE 780-632-2000

FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORIUM

Correction

In the lead paragraph of the article and photo caption that appeared on the front page of the July 19 edition it incorrectly stated the date of the Kinsella Bullarama as July 24. It was actually held on July 12. Apologies for the error and inconvenience it may have caused.

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

A total of 205 descendants of Steve and Fedozia Saskiw attended The Saskiw Family Seventh Reunion at Borschiw Hall on July 15.

At this get together, it was noted that Steve and Fedozia have 342 descendants. This event was also meant to celebrate the 120th Anniversary of the Saskiw Family immigrating to Canada in 1903 from Ukraine.

The first reunion was held in July 1993 and the committee consisted of Adeline Palsitt, Adolph Saskiw, Harry Saskiw, Mike Saskiw, Patricia Mayko and Rose Hook.

On July 10, 1993, Deputy Prime Minister wrote a letter which stated, “The Saskiw Family has contributed to the dynamism and character of Canada and he salutes each and every member.”

For the July 15 2023, the reunion committee members were Dianne King Saskiw, Michelle Saskiw Henderson, Pat Mayko, Rose Hook and Sheryl Mayko.

Rose Hook, one of the oldest organizers, said she always loved family gatherings and 30 years later after the first reunion, this one felt like a dream came true for her. “I felt totally fulfilled. I was happy and very grateful that all these people came together to see each other and learn about each other’s lives.”

In the afternoon, Father Jim Nakonechny gave a service to honour and pray for the deceased members of the family at the Borschiw Ukrainian Catholic Church. Sheryl Mayko and Michelle Henderson were the emcees. One special guest was Consul General of Ukraine Oleksandr Danyleiko, who is from Edmonton, who presented a brief message.

The hearty dinner was catered by Gail and Ed Hryniw. Randy Saskiw did a short presentation on the history of the family. The event concluded with a short presentation of Ukrainian dancing performed by Caleb Zorniak, Cohen Zorniak, Kali Zorniak, Kalyna Palsitt, Annya Palsitt and Brianna Saskiw.

Attendees gather for a group photo. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

In no particular order are Evan Langkow, Brittni Langkow, Kali Langkow, Ryder Langkow, Grant Langkow, Randy Langkow, and Calder Langkow practicing their baseball skills at the reunion. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Families take a break from the festivities to gather for photos. (Rosanne Fortier/Photos)

Village of Innisfree Administration Building Sustains Extensive Damage

Boarded up window on administration building on July 22.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

The Village of Innisfree Administration Building sustained extensive damage as a result of a break-in at 1:23 am on July 13.

Mayor Evan Raycraft said entry to the building was gained by smash-

ing through one of the windows and there was “extensive damage” caused as a result. A safe containing village documents was stolen. Raycraft said he was notified of the break in by email at 6:30 am from Chief Administrative Officer Thelma Rogers.

Sgt. Corey Buckingham of the Vermilion RCMP detachment stated that, “Suspects targeted a safe and used a chain to forcibly remove it from the building using a vehicle. Safe was recovered with only a small amount of cash missing. There was substantial damage to the building.” Additionally, there was a breakin at the Derwent Hotel at approximately 3:43 am on July 14. Sgt. Buckingham said, “Suspects again targeted a safe and used a chain to forcibly remove it from the floor/building. Extensive damage to the building. We believe they may be related as the MO, (modus operandi) and timings are similar.”

Investigation into both incidents continues at this time.

Friday Fun Day Kids Camp Underway

which was launched on July 7 and held at the Vegreville Centennial Library.

Town of Vegreville Recreation Programmer Trace Bozarth commented, “The purpose of Friday Fun Day is to provide summer recreation options for families and youth within the community, building off of what is already offered.

During the day they will participate in many activities including sports, crafts, board and card games as well as a swimming session.

The hope is that the participants benefit from meeting other youth in the community and get to experience not only some of their favorite activities but new ones as well, providing another day camp option to parents looking for that service.

Participant Jazmine Lobos said the best part of the program is swimming.

Some of the board games available for the kids. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Recreation Programmer Trace Bozarth plays some board games with Jazmine Lobos. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Boian Days Features History, Culture and Fundraising Efforts to Rebuild Nearby Church

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

“The soul of family endures: We remain united.”

The powerful handwritten message appears on the front cover of a Christmas card. It is enclosed in a plastic bag to protect it from the elements, and is surrounded by a small branches and yellow flowers and both fastened to a piece of a wire fence surrounding the perimeter of where St. Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Church of Boian once stood.

The beloved place of worship had served generations of faithful since it opened 118 years ago until it succumbed to fire on June 6, 2023. The unimaginable loss is heartbreaking to many people, including David Bezovie and his family who farm a short distance away from the church.

David said he personally checked the church every day, and that particular day, he was driving home from Vegreville with his wife Debbie when he spotted smoke. He called the Hairy Hill Fire Department and was told no one had called anything in. He called a neighbour who wasn’t home but his wife said she’d go have a look. None of the other neighbours had seen anything either.

But by the time David had reached the intersection of Hwy 45/857, he began to fearing the worst, exclaiming, “God, I hope it’s not the church.” Unfortunately, his worst fears were realized and he began dialling 911 but there was no cell phone reception until he reached the top of the hill where the church is located.

At that point, the church was engulfed in flames. David told Debbie to call 911 as he was going to try and turn off the gas and power, but it was too dangerous to do so. Helplessly, they waited and watched for firefighters to arrive. Even though the church couldn’t be saved, David was glad it hadn’t spread to the neighbouring property, which is the site of the Romanian Pioneer Museum of Boian.

While the official cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, David said it is believed to have been caused from faulty electrical. The loss has been devastating. David and his wife Debbie were married in the church on June 10, 1978. Their children and grandchildren have been baptised in the church and there have been many other occasions and gatherings held there over the years in addition to Sunday services.

Viewing the charred wooden beams, bricks and what is left of the foundation is disheartening, but attached to the fence is a sign with an aerial photo of the church with the words: “We will rebuild.”

It’s a promise and a pledge; and is already taking form through the Canadian Romanian Society of Alberta which hosted Boian Days July 14-16 and helped to raise just over $14,480 during the event to put towards rebuilding of the historic church.

Smoldering embers from the fire. (Carolin Lutyck/Facebook Photo)

Visitors at Boian Days on July 16. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

The e Vegreville e Ag g Society y would d like e to o thank k the e following g sponsors s for r their r continuing g support t of f the e Deerland d Country y Fair

Blue-green Algae Advisory Issued for Wapasu Lake

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

On July 14, Alberta Health Services, (AHS) issued an advisory Cyanobacteria, (blue-green algae) in the waters of Wapasu Lake near Innisfree.

Several precautionary measures were recommended to both residents and visitors to Wapasu Lake which is located within a nature conservancy and recreation area in the County of Minburn.

Residents living near the shores of this lake, as well as visitors to this lake, are advised to take the following precautions:

• Avoid all contact with cyanobacterial blooms. If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible.

• Do not swim or wade or allow your pets to swim or wade in any areas where cyanobacteria is visible.

• Do not feed whole fish or fish trimmings from this lake to your pets.

• Consider limiting human consumption of whole fish and fish trimmings from this lake, as it is known that fish may store toxins in their liver. (People can safely consume fish fillets from this lake).

• Do not use water contaminated with cyanobacteria to water edible plants. This is particularly important for plants with edible parts exposed to the ground surface (such as cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, and other salad vegetables).

As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water, including Wapasu Lake, at any time. Boiling of this water will not remove the toxins produced by cyanobacteria. An alternate source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock, while this advisory is active.

Wapasu Lake near Innisfree on July 23. (Michelle Pinon/Photos)