Vegreville RCMP had a busy week, responding to 94 calls for service.
There were 21 traffic related calls, 4 MHA, 21 persons related calls including: uttering threats, harassment, well-being checks, etc. There were 15 property crime related calls and several other provincial offense reports.
The RCMP have been very busy searching for a local male, Michael Current, who went missing the eve-
ning of Friday, July 26. Working alongside the Alberta Search & Rescue, Vegreville Fire Dept. Search and Rescue teams from St. Paul, Parkland, Red Deer, Brassard CASARA-fixed wing plane, several search and rescue drones and Police Dog Services. The male has not been found. Police are encouraging residents of Vegreville and surrounding areas to check their property and outbuildings.
Vegreville RCMP Seeking Public Assistance in Locating Michael Current
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
RCMP search teams, Vegreville Fire Services, and local residents have been scouring neighbourhoods and back alleys looking for 53-year-old Michael Current who went missing from his north-side home near 49A Street and 57 Avenue. He was last seen around 5 pm on July 26.
Current is approximately 5’7” tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. He was wearing oversized black shorts, a black golf shirt and baseball cap. He recently had dental surgery and requires diabetic medication.
Vegreville Cst. David Holowka recommends residents check their video footage from security cameras to see if they see anyone matching Current’s description. Cst. Holowka also suggests residents search their property.
An extensive ground search was carried out on Saturday with teams from the Edmonton region, St. Paul, Red Deer, Brazeau County in addition to Vegreville RCMP and local firefighters.
Michael’s long-time partner Crystal Ralph says people she knows have been actively searching for him and have put up hundreds of posters up around town as well as knocking on doors in the neighbourhood where they reside. Additionally, a Facebook post has been circulating to raise awareness and share information with the public at large.
Ralph said Vegreville RCMP have been very supportive and are doing what they can, and that additional resources have been provided to assist in the search. The use of a fixed wing plane, search and rescue drones as well as Police Dog Services were utilized during the search.
But even with all of the additional resources, Ralph is baffled as to why he has yet to be found. His disappearance remains a total mystery, yet she remains hopeful that he will be discovered.
Ralph said Michael would be in a weakened condition, perhaps disorientated or in medical distress. She urges everyone to keep looking for him in their yards as he could have taken refuge during Friday night’s rainstorm.
As of press time, Michael is still Missing. If you have any
information regarding the whereabouts of Michael Current, please contact the Vegreville RCMP at 780-631-2750, or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www. P3Tips.com <http://www.p3tips.com/> or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
Michael Current. (Crystal Ralph/Submitted Photos)
Search and rescue efforts being carried out this past weekend. (VNA Reader/Submitted Photo)
Family Fun at Local Rodeo
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
The amateur rodeo at the Bruce Stampede is always a fun-filled family event, and this year’s edition was no exception.
Bruce Stampede Association President Robbie Chomik said attendance was up again this year, upwards to around 2,400 people to take in the event. The one day local rodeo is unique in that a full day is dedicated to it and features events for a variety of different age groups.
The local rodeo was a wonderful source of endless entertainment from the Great Canadian Mule Race to Mutton Busting to the Stick Horse Race to Calf Tying to Greased Pig Contest, Bloomer Race, Wild Cow Milking, Wild Pony Race and more. A special treat was a performance by the Wildrose Trick Riders who brought strength, beauty and artistry to the rodeo ring.
Great Canadian Mule Race
1st - Trevor Bunny
2nd - Randy Bunny
Wild Cow Milking
- Bella Tierney, Sydney Kingdom, Mikayla House
Mutton Busting
- John Jober
Cow Riding
- Sydney Kingdom
Bloomer Race
- Amber Gall, Jennifer Hamilton, Heidi Marcinkoski
FROM THE PAGES OF THE VEGREVILLE OBSERVER COMPILED BY DAN BEAUDETTE
90 Years Ago – August 8, 1934
Rural telephone lines throughout the district are being taken over rapidly by mutual companies organized by the farmers for that purpose. One of the first to be organized (and its experience may be taken as a general example to the others) is the North-West Mutual Telephone Co. which will control about eighteen miles west of town. The officers of this company are: President – John Lowe; Directors – George Ziegler and T.F. Woods; Secretary – Mrs. J. Lowe.
Dr. Monkman, the dentist, has returned to his former location in the Clements Block, where he has installed all the latest dental equipment in a completely renovated office. The ache in those molars can much more readily be suppressed with all the new equipment, pain, and labor-saving devices the Doctor has installed.
Citizens inquired why the flags on government buildings were at half-mast on Tuesday. The answer is that it was the funeral day of the late Field-Marshall von Hindenburg, President of Germany, and the flags were at half-mast as a tribute of respect to the head of a great nation.
75 Years Ago – August 3, 1949
W.R. Oliver, Canadian National Agent at Lavoy for twelve and onehalf years, has been transferred to the Lamont office and took over his duties there the first of this week. He succeeds Mr. Henderson, who has reached the retirement age. Joe Olsen, late of Meeting Creek, is the new agent at Lavoy.
The Innisfree Hardware is busily engaged in re-modeling their store. J.R. Ingram, assisted by W. Hartery, both of Marshall Wells, Edmonton, is in charge of the construction of the fixtures and merchandising of the store. The carpenters are A. Matzen and E. Halbin of Edmonton. Bill Markosky of Edmonton is doing the painting. We embryo trap-shooters haven’t been dormant in the last month. The grounds are gradually shaping up into an A-1 layout. Those strange staccato cracklings you have heard adjacent to the 7th hole at the golf course are not the painful reverberations of golf sticks snapping over the knees of frustrated would-be under-par golfers… No – Those peals of the atomic blast are clarions announcing the immediate forthcoming disintegration of black and yellow masqueraders, commonly known as “clay pigeons,” endeavoring to escape the precipitous inevitable collision with vastly overtaking projected buck-shot from the 12 and 16-gauge projectile machines manned by the “expert” hands of members of the Gun Club. 50 Years Ago – August 1, 1974
The B.P.O. Elks of Canada installed their new Grand Exalted Ruler (National Leader) Mr. Russ Jackson of Calgary and will be assisted by Leading Knight Dr. Nick Kuzyk of Vegreville. Bro. A. Frank Swabb of Mundare Lodge No. 301 attended representing District 10 B and was officially named District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for the ensuing year.
Natural gas is on its way. All rural areas now have the opportunity to have gas on their farms. The farm consumer is responsible for the capital cost of up to $1,700 and the government grant covers the cost of over $1,700 to a maximum of $3,000. A deposit of $100 is paid by each applicant and $135 will be collected when one signs a gas contract. The balance of the $1,700 can be paid in cash or financed in whole or in part by a guaranteed loan through the Co-operative Activities branch, the Alberta Department of Agriculture.
Homeowners and businesses can reduce winter-time salt damage to driveways and garages by applying a protective treatment this summer. The first application should be 50 percent linseed oil and 50 percent kerosene, while the linseed oil in the second application can vary from 50 to 100 percent.
25 Years Ago – August 4, 1999
It’s billed as a day of fun for the whole family. The 2nd annual Heritage Day Festival takes place Sunday at the Vegreville Regional Museum grounds. There’s lots for the children including face painting, clowns, balloons, an obstacle course, a watermelon eating contest, and hay rides.
The former Two Hills IDA drug store, which is now the new Apple Drugs has been warmly welcomed by Value Drug Mart Associates, its parent company. Two Hills Apple Drugs had their official first day as an Apple Drugs. The new Two Hills store is the 25th Apple Drugs store in Alberta.
New signs were erected last week at Atco Electric and Atco Gas in Vegreville. The signs are part of the new name for what used to be Alberta Power and Northwestern Utilities.
Cory Zaparyniuk of Vegreville was the Gold Medalist in the Juvenile Men’s High Jump at the 1999 Royal Canadian Legion Alta/NWT Command Track Camp and Meet at the University of Alberta. The Silver medal went to Tyler Foote of Fox Creek. Cory and Tyler were also selected to the 37-member team from this meet to attend and compete at the Legion’s Dominion Track and Field Championships in Sudbury, Ontario.
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.
Rain Tax
Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser – Opinion
Severe weather is nothing new. However, if you just crawled out from under a rock, you might think it’s all very new. There is no ignoring the smoke in the air from fires, and of course, when something happens in Toronto, all of Canada has to hear about it. After all, not only is Toronto the home of the Maple Leafs, apparently it is also the center of Canada and the center of the universe.
The cleanup has not yet started in Jasper, and other forest fires in the region are still being fought, but the discussion has already begun about all the aspects of the fire that destroyed part of the town. By all accounts, the preparations, evacuation and subsequent battle in the town went as well as it could have. With that in mind, there was still significant loss, and people have begun to talk about larger issues.
As with any topic, there are multiple opinions and any number of experts willing to weigh in. Much like Toronto, when smoke from Canadian forest fires reaches New York, everyone is going to hear about it. Some in the US are commenting that we have not taken care of our forests and that is the primary reason for the severity of fires. While I do feel this is part of the issue, someone needs to remind New York that California is on fire…again. Others, are firmly in the “Climate Change” camp and will give their last breath to convince you that if you just pay a little more tax, we can save the planet. I’m not making light of the issue, but I definitely do not think we can tax our way there while the political elite fly back and forth across the globe to have meetings about saving the planet.
Back to Toronto. July 16 saw Toronto getting hit with a series of three storms that dumped over 100mm (3.9”) of rain on the city in the span of three hours. Of course, flooding was the result of the record downpour. Roadways were impassable, basements were full of water and the storm knocked out power for tens of thousands of people. July 23 saw another storm creating more havoc.
As I initially stated, when something happens in Toronto, everyone must pay attention. Prime Minister Trudeau would not disappoint and rushed to Toronto to make his case. “It was a significant event,” he said.
“And I want you to know that we’re all there to work together to make sure that, not just people get supported through this, but that this happens more and more infrequently in the coming years.”
He underscored the need to step up Canada’s fight against climate change. “The reality is that with climate change, they’re going to be more extreme weather events,” he stated.
Taking a more pragmatic approach was Toronto City Manager Paul Johnson who noted that little could have been done to prevent the flooding and damage. “The challenge is [that] much of the city is not designed to handle this amount of water,” he said in an update following the July 16 storm. “Some parts of this storm hit certain parts of the city in a way that was nowhere near predicted.”
The phrase “dog whistle” has been around for years. Its
RAIN TAX - CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
Plentiful Bounty at Innisfree Market Garden
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
Glen Chmil has an exceptional aptitude for gardening. He has extensive knowledge and experience in horticulture and avidly shares that with customers who phone or visit him at his market garden in Innisfree.
“My motto is: My garden is your garden.” His market garden sits on the majority of his one acre property in the Village of Innisfree and is brimming with an impressive variety of fruits,
vegetables and some flowers.
“I also sell my own seeds,” says Glen. He points out that all his seeds are acclimatized so they all thrive in this climate. Glen opened his market garden 10 years ago and now has customers from all across Canada. He has amassed over 600 Facebook followers since starting his own page five years ago, and credits that page for doubling sales.
This season he decided to become a vendor at the Friday Farmers’ Market at the Elks Hall and plans to set up a booth at the Pysanka Park Market on Thursdays. In a couple of weeks many of his vegetables will be ready and says a lot of people are on the waiting list for raspberries. While the majority of customers have Glen pick their orders, he said several customers like to go in the garden to pick their own raspberries with family members.
While the start of the season was slow because of the unseasonable weather, things are developing and maturing quickly now that summer temperatures have arrived in earnest. “This is the latest year I’ve ever planted tomatoes.” Normally he plants tomatoes May long weekend, but had to wait until June 8 because of the cool temperatures and strong winds.
He has Yellow Beefsteak Tomatoes and Giant Beefsteak Tomatoes. Glen said the yellow variety have low acid. The giant variety are the most popular and the largest one he ever grew came last year and weighed a whooping three pounds! Roma tomatoes are an excellent choice and are the choice of Mama K’s Homemade Salsa owner Koreen Fowler, who resides and operates her business near the Village of Innisfree.
Glen also grows yellow, red, orange and black cherry tomatoes that are enjoyed by many customers. Some of the other offerings include: carrots, zucchini, asparagus, spinach, kale, squash, beets, cucumbers, corn, parsnips, onions, green leaf and romaine lettuce, etc. Baby potatoes are also highly favoured. “Russet potatoes are the most popular variety.” Glen likes to try new things and this year he’s experimenting with pink fingerling potatoes.
His market garden is completely organic, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Glen credits both his parents for having excellent green thumbs. He has acquired and developed many of those talents. “My passion is growing and eating food.”
As Alfred Austin once said, “The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.”
Main Photo: South facing view. Inset: Glen Chmil holds up a couple of rhubarb stalks.
(Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Trump Train
Notice
Canadian Navigable Waters Act
Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors hereby gives notice that an application has been made to the Minister of Transport, pursuant to the Canadian Navigable Waters Act for approval of the work described herein and its site and plans.
Pursuant to paragraph 7(2) of the said Act, Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors has deposited with the Minister of Transport, on the online Common Project Search Registry (http://cps.canada.ca/) and under registry number 10989, or, under the NPP File Number 2024-612784 a description of the following work, its site and plans:
• Bridge Rehabilitation
• Temporary Platform across Vermilion River at Two Hills, AB in front of lot number BF 1031, Hwy 36, south of the 45 Ave intersection
Comments regarding the effect of this work on marine navigation can be sent through the Common Project Search site mentioned above under the Comment section (search by the above referenced number) or if you do not have access to the internet, by sending your comments directly to:
Navigation Protection Program – Transport Canada 344 Edmonton Street Winnipeg MB R3C 0P6
Transport Canada (TC) will not make your comments on a project available to the public on the online public registry. However, any information related to a work is considered as unclassified public record and could be accessible upon legal request. As such, the information and records provided should not contain confidential or sensitive information. If you want to provide confidential or sensitive information that you think should not be made public, please contact TC before submitting it.
However, comments will be considered only if they are in writing (electronic means preferable) and are received not later than 30 days after the publication of the last notice. Although all comments conforming to the above will be considered, no individual response will be sent.
Posted at Two Hills, Alberta this 17th day of July, 2024 Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors
Local Firefighters Aiding Efforts in Jasper
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
Two firefighters from the Town of Vegreville and two from the County of Minburn Fire Department deployed with a county fire truck to Jasper last week to assist in battling the wildfire.
Mike Fundytus, Director of Protective Services for the County of Minburn, stated that, “The County of Minburn has been assisting battling the wildfires across Alberta. On July 10 we were contacted by AEMA if we had any resources available and on July 11, we sent a truck and 2 members to John D’or Prairie First nation to assist in structure protection at the Semo Lake Complex Fire.
On Wednesday evening I received a call from
Town of Two Hills
If you or someone you represent is affected by the proposed bylaw, you may address Council at the public hearing by attending the meeting in-person or by written submission received prior to the hearing.
Persons who wish to address Council in-person are not required to register to speak. Time limit for speakers will be determined at the hearing based on the number of attendees. Written submissions must be received by
Vegreville Fire who had been contacted by AEMA for immediate assistance to Jasper. We collaboratively crewed up a county fire truck stationed in Vegreville with two members from Minburn County Fire Department and 2 members from Vegreville Fire Department. Minburn County Fire is extremely proud to be able to provide assistance to our fellow Albertans in these unprecedented times.”
Vegreville Fire Chief Gary Faas said, “VFS Senior Firefighter Brandon Metchooyeah and Firefighter Cody Yaxley as well as Firefighters Bryson MacColl and Don Speck from the County of Minburn travelled to Jasper to assist with the efforts. Additionally, two apparatuses were provided including a Type 6 engine and a support vehicle. All personnel and apparatuses remain in Jasper as of Monday, July 29.”
This box car was sitting on siding in the Village of Chipman last week. Donald Trump is the 2024 Republication Presidential candidate. With the United States election to be held on Nov. 5, it will be interesting to see what happens south of the border.
(Michelle Pinon/Photo)
From L-R: Bryson MacColl, Don Speck, Cody Yaxley and Brandon Metchooyeah prior to departing from Vegreville to Jasper. (Town of Vegreville/Submitted Photo)
Helping Everyone’s Best Friends
L-R: Representatives from ATB Financial Kelly Miller, Sarah Bryant, Shelley Daskaluk present a cheque to volunteer for PTARS Corinne Coffey. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
The entire staff at ATB Financial Vegreville Branch pooled their money to donate $1,000 to Prairie Tails Animal Rescue Society (PTARS) on February 23. Personal Banking Specialist Shelley
Daskaluk mentioned they wanted to do this because PTARS deserved these funds as they are needed in the area. “We appreciate everything they do for the community for our rescued furry friends.”
Corinne Coffey, a representative with PTARS, said they plan to use this money
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
The 121st Deerland Vegreville Country Fair will be an enthralling event with something for everyone hosted by Vegreville Agricultural Society (VAS) from August 7 to 11.
The event will zoom in with the Parade which will feature decorated floats showcasing the spirit of the organizations and businesses.
As always, there will be familiar favorites and fresh attractions with midway rides, games of chance, Kid Fun Zone, Strongperson Competition, and Minute to Win It, musical performances by Quinton Blair at the Beer Gardens, a Petting Zoo, an Open Horse Show, and musical entertainment at the Grandstand performed by Abygale Durie.
Attendees can enjoy the performances from seasoned and emerging musical artists at the Bandshell.
The Exhibit Hall will feature every type of art and crafts imaginable as well as homegrown garden produce created by talented local folks of all ages.
Kids Mini Tractor Pulls will be a fun challenge of strength and endurance. Coordinator Daniel Beaudette said this is another attraction for youth from all age groups up to nine-years-old from the community and
surrounding areas. The children compete for cash prizes in their respective age group.
“We had a boat built just like the big one that runs on the same principle as the big one that is pulled by a pedal tractor. It is sponsored by three dealers that sell farm implements and they supply all the prizes.”
For ardent shoppers, The Marketplace will be jampacked with vendors selling authentic and regular products and food.
The Hot Rod Tractor Pulls will appear again and spectators will be able to witness strength in action where the heaviest of weights of trucks will compete in this motorsport. Also, people will be able to view farm machinery from the past.
Every day will feature the roaring excitement of the APCCA Chariot and Chuckwagon races.
Make sure to attend Saturday evening as it will end with a spectacular fireworks show.
No one can forget the unique and tasty fair food which will be available at food trucks and at every corner of the fair.
Vice-President of VAS Tanya Hawkins admitted that the best part of the fair is the overall country feel to the event.
Heritage River Designation Initiative Leads to Award
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This year, Smoky Lake County in collaboration with O2 Planning & Design Inc. and the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance, for the North Saskatchewan River Heritage River Designation Document, in the Special Study Category.
Jordan Ruegg, Planning and Development Manger for Smoky Lake County, said receiving the award is a rare and significant honour. “This is not an annual award that is automatically handed out; only when the Awards Committee feels a project is sufficiently deserving, and this is only the second time since 2015. What this means is that the Heritage River Initiative is truly considered exemplary in the field of planning and showcases Smoky Lake County and our partners as being leaders in innovative and effective planning practices. Overall, this validates our years-long efforts, boosts organizational morale and reputation, and could cause ripple effects that open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.”
Ruegg explained that Smoky Lake County took up the project in the fall of 2019 from where others like the Watershed Alliance had left off in the mid-2000’s as a spin-off of the Victoria District Economic Development Strategy.
The Heritage River file fit very neatly into those same values of supporting cultural and heritage tourism and inviting more visitors to the region such as to ‘paddle into the past’ at Metis Crossing.
Furthermore, the Smoky Lake Region has long had an exceptional tradition of regional partnerships as well as a robust municipal heritage management program which builds on the work of local groups
like the Regional Heritage Board and the Victoria District Home guard, the latter of which was the primary proponent of achieving National Historic Site status for the Victoria District in 2001. In fact, the Commemorative Integrity Statement for the Victoria District calls the North Saskatchewan River the ‘spiritual center’ of the area.”
On March 22, 2024 the Governments of Canada and Alberta officially designated the remaining 718 km section of the North Saskatchewan River in Alberta as a Canadian Heritage River. Ruegg believes the designation will encourage more storytelling and opportunities for inter-jurisdictional partnerships to support safe and sustainable recreation and tourism up and down the river.
Additionally, “Having achieved the designation itself as well as an award like this further shows that a small county like Smoky Lake can punch above its weight and show real leadership among our much larger and better-resourced neighbors. It shows that partnerships multiply capacity, and that we can achieve more by working together than competitively. It also shows that the County remains committed to reconciliation, sustainable economic development, and continuing the work on many heritage matters,” noted Ruegg.
Smoky Lake Reeve Jered Serben stated that, “This effort aims to build greater awareness and collaboration among various jurisdictions and river-users, fostering sustainable tourism, business and recreation opportunities through the recognition and collaboration of the outstanding cultural values of this iconic river.”
Main Photo: Looking down river in Smoky Lake County. (Smoky Lake County/Submitted Photo)
Insets: Tee Pee at Victoria Settlement Provincial Historic Site. Monument adjacent to Victoria Trail at Range Road 183. (Michelle Pinon/Photos)
Structure Fire Billing in Vegreville
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
The Town of Vegreville has launched a social media campaign to educate property owners about potential costs of firefighting in the event of a structure fire.
The Town of Vegreville’s July 15 Facebook post begins with the question: “Did you know that an average structure fire can cost between $10,000 and $20,000 to extinguish?”
It’s something Vegreville residents Adam and Erica Denine may not have fully realized as they were left at a complete loss after receiving a bill of $25,468.80 from the Town of Vegreville in mid-May.
The Denines’ lost their home and most of their possessions in a devastating house fire on January 20, 2024. Erica appeared before members of council as a delegate on June 4 asking the Town of Vegreville to forgive the bill for firefighting services that were provided.
During her presentation, Erica described how they felt after receiving the bill. “To say we were shocked, is a massive understatement. Like many homeowners in town, we were under the impression that our property taxes covered this cost. In conversation with the town CAO, we learned that our taxes only cover the cost of having a fire department available for service, not the actual service of firefighting. We had no idea this was coming. We have contacted our insurance company to determine why our insurance is not covering more than $1,500 of this cost. We were informed that this is the limit for their available policies for our postal code and that a rider is not available for purchase to increase coverage. We had no idea that we could be liable for the cost of firefighting for our house fire. We do understand that firefighting is an expensive service, however, we were unable to prepare ourselves for this cost. Had we
known that we could have been liable, we would have contacted our insurance company and adjusted our policy as needed. In this case, we would have cancelled our policy and gone with another provider to ensure we had adequate coverage for this event.”
In addition to her request to have council forgive the charges, she asked members “to consider an education campaign so that other property owners are able to review their policies and make decisions for their families.”
Mayor Tim MacPhee told her that they would be having a “good conversation” about the Fire Services Bylaw which has been in place since 2018. MacPhee said that while the bylaw has been in place since that time, it has never been enforced. He said that although he understood the situation she and her husband are in, “that the town has to try and recover some of the costs associated with everyday firefighting costs.”
According to the Town of Vegreville Facebook post, “The burden of paying these costs can either be passed to all ratepayers within a municipality or the municipality can elect to bill the property owner’s insurance provider. From now on, the Town of Vegreville will be billing the property owner’s insurance provider for all costs incurred in the event of a structure fire.”
One example the Town of Vegreville provided was the cost of two pumper trucks, one rescue truck and one support vehicle (each at a cost of $720 per hour) for a total of $2,270. It was pointed out that, “Every situation is different, therefore number of apparatus needed, hours on scene and costs will vary.”
Town of Vegreville Chief Administrative Officer Sandra Ling stated that council forgave $22,662.80 of the initial $25,486.80 with the remaining $2,806 of the initial bill being levied by a third-party fire investigator.
Ling explained that council agreed to forgive a portion of the bill. They did so because they felt a larger public education campaign was required. As per Bylaw No. 02-2018, the Fire Services Bylaw, which remains in effect, clause 10 grants Council the authority to bill or forgive such charges. Due to this provision, a formal motion by Council was not required to grant consensus for the partial forgiveness of the billing.”
Ling was asked if taxpayers are responsible to pay the portion of the bill that council forgave. She replied, “Ultimately, yes. The forgiven amount now becomes the responsibility of the taxpayers, and this is why the Town of Vegreville is urging residents to check with their insurance providers to ensure they have coverage for fire suppression costs in their respective policies. Based on the Town of Vegreville’s initial findings, a large percentage of policies already have this coverage in place, but some may require a rider.”
political shorthand for a phrase that may sound innocuous to some people, but which also communicates something more insidious either to a subset of the audience or outside of the audience’s conscious awareness — a covert appeal to some noxious set of views.
What PM Trudeau failed to mention, or perhaps is not aware of, is that the Insurance Bureau of Canada noted that the July 16, 2024 storm was comparable to the storm in 2013. Hmmm… so in the past 11 years… well??
But not to worry, self-proclaimed “progressive” Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has the answer and has proposed a “stormwater charge” which would go towards fixing what apparently are shortcomings in dealing with incredible growth and perhaps poor urban planning spanning almost 200 years. In her comments she stated that the tax would apply to businesses who had too much concrete and too little green space, which describes most cityscapes. Maybe they should have asked someone from the country how water works.
So, yes…they want to tax the rain. Clearly, they need more money and the people of Toronto have too much. My first thought was to the history books and the flooding of both Vegreville and Two Hills in April of 1974. Could you imagine if leaders of that time would have proposed a rain tax to fix the problem??
Look how far we have come. See how we are “progressing”?
Luckily for Torontonians, logic and public outcry prevailed and the Mayor has walked back her proposal. Tell me what you think. Email me at abletters@newsadvertiser.com
(Stock Photo)
Tributes
EWASIUK, Eugene Bill
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Eugene Bill Ewasiuk on July 27, 2024 at the age of 85 years.
Eugene will be forever remembered by his children, Janice (David) Gabrysh, Blair (Ellen) Ewasiuk, Karen (Clarence) Kobzey, and Darlene (Garth) Larson; grandchildren, Curtis (Kristine), Michelle (Ken), Justin (Aimee), Heather (Tanner), Krista (Matthew), Bryan, Bradley (Madisen), Sarah, Brayden, and Teanna; greatgrandchildren, Brody, Erin, Aiden, Carter, Katie, and Malia; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends. Predeceased by his wife, Susan; parents, Peter and Mary; granddaughter, Mary; brothers, Orest and Walter; and three infant siblings, Elizabeth, Gerald, and Geraldine.
Divine Liturgy Wednesday, July 31 at 10:00 a.m. at Descent of the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Church in Holden with Reverend Mark Bayrock and Reverend Don Bodnar officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eugene’s memory to Holden Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery.
Вічная Пам�ять
Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com
Park Memorial Edmonton 780-426-0050
Family Owned Funeral Home Crematorium, Reception Centre
LABATIUK, Nellie
Our dear Mom, Nellie Labatiuk, passed away on July 25, 2024 just before her 90th birthday.
She is survived by her children Judy (Wayne) Selin, Rosemarie Cockram, Audrey (Norm) Dowd, Janet (Warren) Goldsmid, George (Diane) and John. She has 8 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents Igance and Barbara Sokorinski; husband Sylvester; her brother John and sisters Mary, Annie and Eva and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Mom married Dad in 1952 and by 1964 they had 6 kids. She dedicated her life to her husband and children always giving of herself with love and guidance. She retired from Mackenzie hospital as a dietician; a job she loved as she was a great cook. Her hobbies included gardening, playing cards and reading, but her real passion was floor curling where she won many awards. Because of her Love for others her memory will always be in our hearts and therefore never forgotten.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Luzan with Rev. Fr. Michael Maranchuk officiating. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the “St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Luzan.”
To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com
December 16, 1949 - July 12, 2024
Sadly, Gertrude Gail Ruddick passed away on July 12, 2024.
Known to most as Gail she was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Bertha, and sisters, Anna Oastrum, Mary McLean and Nancy McKay. Gail is survived by her sisters, Pauline (Peggy) MacDonald, New Westminster,
Gertrude Gail RUDDICK
A Real Meal Deal
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Vegreville and District Co-op offered their Annual Customer Appreciation Day Beef on a Bun Luncheon where all proceeds of $1,270 will be donated to the Vegreville Garden Club (VGC).
Board members said they host this because they like to support community organizations and VGC has many educational ideas and brings in guest speakers. They also help to beautify the community. There was also the opportunity to enter a few draw to win a gift certificate at this event.
Vegreville Garden Club members with Vegreville and District Co-op Board members. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Milestone Birthday Gals
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Bertha MacBeth’s (nee Giebelhaus) alertness could deceive anyone of her age, but the fact she turned 100 on July 5 is remarkable. Century Park hosted a colourful and exquisitely decorated detail perfect Hawaiian-themed party for her as well as Hazel Holyk, who turned 95 on July 27, and Pauline Nowoselski, who turned 91 on July 15.
This celebration included pleasant background music by Tony Mapa and a delightful assortment of desserts, beverages, and party food prepared by Century Park Cook Kaylee Becker.
Bertha was born at home on a farm 12 miles south of Vegreville. She had three brothers and three sisters.
She was 12 years younger than her youngest sibling and remembers having a good childhood. “My brothers and sisters looked after me.”
Bertha’s earliest memory was being chased a few times by a gander on their
farm.
She loved school and her favourite subject was math. After she finished school, she took shorthand and became a stenographer. She worked at Imperial Oil and Lumber in the office in Vegreville. Later, she worked in Devon. Bertha got married and had a boy and a girl. When Bertha was asked why she felt she lived to be 100. “I had a good life. I tried to be kind to others. The advice I would others is to be yourself. Be patient, and treat people the way you would like to be treated.”
Recreation Coordinator Milene Rozmahel revealed that Bertha was an independent and happy person. “She always can tell me what she wants and needs and is a great conversationalist.”
Another birthday star, Hazel commented that she believes she lived 95 years because she took care of herself. She loved to garden and worked hard. “I liked to dress well too.”
The advice she would give young people is not to drink or smoke.
Hazel’s son-in-law Bryan Pearce admitted that Hazel is kind, caring, and has a heart of gold.
Vicky Chilibecki expressed that her mother Pauline was amazing. “She was always very kind and loving. I believe she lived to be 91 because she worked hard.”
Tony Mapa performs. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo) Birthday cake anyone? (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Hazel Holyk. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Pauline Nowoselski. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Best of the Best Compete at Bruce Stampede
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
World class competitors displayed their top notch skills during one of the Canada’s oldest rodeos on July 28 in Bruce. The best of the best cowboys and cowgirls put on a great show before an estimated crowd of 3,600 people at the 110th annual Bruce Stampede.
Bruce Stampede Association President Robbie Chomik was happy to report that attendance was up from the previous year and fans got their money’s worth as there were a total of 316 entries in the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association sanctioned event. One of the highlights came when Strawbs Jones of Duffield, Alberta set an arena record atop Broken Aarrow in the Bareback Riding event.
There was a large field of competitors in the Saddle Bronc event with Lucas Macza of High River coming out on top to earn first place. Darren Dublanko won the Tie-Down Roping event over 26 competitors. Zane Marcenko of Ponoka earned top spot in steer wrestling. Beau Cavan walked away with top prize in steer riding. Lance Gordon and his team roping partner Kelly Buhler won that event. Stefan Tonita of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan won the bull riding event.
The Wild Horse Race featured a total of 10 teams with the Loken crew from Alsask, Saskatchewan being crowned the winner.
On the ladies side, Edesse Descoteaux of Airdrie took home first place in Barrel Racing.
Rodeo Clown Casey Wanchuk. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Steer Wrestling contestant. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Wild Horse Race contestants in the fight. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Agricultural Producers Discover Potential of Drones
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
Agricultural Producers had the opportunity to discover the many ways drones bring value to farms during a hands-on
demonstration at Tandem T Farms in Smoky Lake County on July 24.
The event was hosted by Lakeland Agricultural Research Association (LARA) in partnership with LandView Drones and Smoky Lake County. Tori Ponich, who owns Tandem T Farms with husband Thomas, is a member of Smoky Lake County’s Agricultural Service Board and said she wanted to see how
agricultural drones operate and was excited to host other agricultural producers at their farm.
Tori had previously taken a drone flying course and said she is hoping to be able to apply what’s she’s learned in the future. She said drones are “so versatile” with a variety of different uses as they can do: broadcast seeding, spraying, precision mapping, thermal imaging, livestock tag reading, etc.
LandView Drones Owner Markus Weber gave a brief overview of drones, its capabilities as well as programming for various functions to a group of 15 producers before the start of the hands-on demonstration where he showcased three types of different drones.
Weber said the company offers a two-day drone school, drone spraying clinic and advanced training course.
Lyle Morgenstern, who operates a mixed grain and cattle farm near Loon Lake, Saskatchewan, flew one of the drones and said the demonstration was very interesting and said he like the idea of using drones for desiccation.
LARA Executive Director Alyssa Krawchuk said, “We, (LARA) have hosted an Ag Drone School in 2023 as well as a Drone Spraying Demonstration in Fort Kent in the summer of 2023.
LandView drones has long been an advocate for advancement in agriculture, particularly with the many uses of drones.”
Krawchuk said a total of 24 people attended the demonstration, and noted that, “Smoky Lake County is a strong advocate for their agriculture community and the continued advancement for the agriculture producers.
The demonstration went very well, great comments from attendees regarding the material and ability to see drones in action hands-on. We tentatively have an Ag Drone School booked for early November in Smoky Lake County, more details will come as we bring the event together.”
There’s no question that drones in agriculture are becoming a powerful tool for monitoring crops and livestock with evolving technology and higher resolution imagery, enabling more detailed data gathering. Drones continue to emerge in the ag tech industry and their potential is just beginning to be tapped by producers.
Incoming drone prepares for landing. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Monitor illustrating activity during flight. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
