Vegreville News Advertiser - June 14, 2023

Vegreville Flying Club Members Share Their Love of Aviation

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Around 1,300 people were able to see 20 aircraft fly in at Vegreville Flying Club, (VFC) Annual Fly-In Breakfast at Vegreville Airport on June 11.

The mission of VFC is to promote aviation and attract new business at Vegreville Airport.

A member of VFC Cameron Breitkreuz who has been a commercial pilot for four years expressed that it is fun to fly a plane for a living. “We have this event so people who love flying aircraft can get together. As well, we wanted to put something on for the community where we could share stories about the aviation world.

The best part about flying a plane is to be able to see a bunch of new cool places. My favorite part about being up in the sky is that it is relaxing. I have done quite a bit of traveling since I got my pilot’s licence. I got to see Alberta and Saskatchewan pretty good.

The most interesting experience I had was when my grandfather who is a pilot as well, taught me how to use a float plane. This plane floats in water so you can take off on any lake and fish or camp over there if you want to. You get to go where no one else can go to. If there is no trail to a lake, you just fly in there.”

VFC is hoping to make Cameron the incoming presiLove of Aviation - CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

WHAT’S INSIDE

June 5

09:23 – Report of a vehicle break in at a Vegreville business. The theft occurred while the owner was inside the business. CCTV being reviewed. Under investigation.

10:57 – Theft of utilities reported where the complainant reported unusual transactions linked to his name. A subject was identified and had been charged on a related file.

11:19 – Report of a break and enter to a residence. Multiple items were stolen. Under investigation.

13:47 – Report of multiple items taken from a vehicle while parked in a parking lot.

15:38 – Report of a front door open on a building the complainant believes to be unoccupied. Unsure if there was a breakin or something legitimate. Members to investigate.

16:15 – Report of a break in to a rural property.

16:51 – While on patrol a vehicle stop was conducted. The driver was charged for not having insurance as well as for transporting open liquor. Subject was released with documents for court.

18:49 – Request for assistance with a child custody matter. Members attended and discussed the situation, informing the client that details would need to be determined by a family court judge.

20:02 – A call regarding a client stuck inside the Canada Post building. A call back determined that the client had freed themselves.

June 6

04:38 - 911 call to assist EMS with a person on Hwy 16 near RR140. Member was later informed that EMS asked for the member to stand down because they were no longer needed.

06:42 – Report of a truck stolen overnight. Keys were with the owner. The vehicle was later recovered by St. Paul RCMP.

12:56 – Report of two males who broke into the complainant’s house and stole the complainant’s property. Members obtained and executed two search warrants finding a large amount of stolen property. Two subjects were remanded and later released by a Justice of the Peace. Under investigation.

16:09 – Report of a female leaving a Vegreville store with unpaid items and getting into a vehicle with no license plate. CCTV being reviewed.

June 7

06:50 – Members dispatched to a report of a male trespassing on an abandoned property. Members cleared the property, but no one was found.

11:17 – Report of a suspicious truck on a dead-end road. Members attended and determined the truck belonged to a farmer who was on his land working.

13:09 – Report of a garage door being kicked in. Member attended and photographed the building. Under investigation.

16:30 – While on patrol, members pulled over a 2022 Dodge Charger for document check. Members noted numerous indicators consistent with controlled substances. Subjects were detained for a drug investigation and provided their rights. Both subjects were later arrested with possession of a controlled substance. Following the arrest, a search located approximately ½ Kg of a white powder believed to be cocaine. Both males were released with documents for court.

street revving the engine and playing music. Member spoke with the subject who stated he was doing maintenance, revving the engine once. Subject indicated an ongoing issue between neighbours.

June 9

04:39 – Report of a break and enter in progress. Members attended and arrested the subject who was later released with documents for court.

11:09 – Report of shoplifting. Members attended and took statements. Subject was arrested and released with documents for court.

June 10

14:52 – Report of a dispute over the sale of a car where the subject is reported to have missed payments. Members advised the complainant that this was a civil matter.

16:45 – Report of trucks “burning up and down the road.” Member following up.

19:37 – Report of fraud where a potential buyer came to Vegreville to purchase a lawnmower after providing a $150 deposit. The complainant went to the address they were provided and learned that they were scammed.

June 11

18:51 – Report of three people breaking into a garage. Member obtained photos. Under investigation.

During the week there were 85 calls for service made in total including: 0 false 911s, 3 false alarm, 2 animal strikes, 3 relationship violence, 3 calls under the Mental Health Act or related to mental health, and approximately 15 tickets or warnings from traffic enforcement.

June 8

10:00 - While on patrol, member observed a driver using a cell phone. Traffic stop conducted and a ticket issued for cell phone use carrying a Voluntary Penalty Option of $300. The passenger was also provided a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt which carries a VP of $162.

Traffic enforcement in the area resulting in additional tickets to drivers for speeding,

16:41 – Report of a stolen bike that was locked up in the yard. Chains and cables were cut. Bike described as a blue, gray and purple BMX.

17:46 – Report of a vehicle damaged at a residence in Vegreville. The rear side window was smashed and the door and gas cap open.

23:35 – Call to report a truck across the

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 June 5 - 11 Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser

'We believe all students can achieve'

STUDENTSAT ST. MARTIN'S CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Together with their teachers and parents, students at St. Martin's strive to achieve their very best in a safe, nurturing atmosphere. Non-Catholic students are more than welcome to register for the 2023/24 year.

At St. Martin Catholic Elementary School, our specialty includes:

• Faith-filled caring Catholic environment

• High expectations for all students

• Literacy & Numeracy Intervention Program

• Teachers trained in Numeracy & Literacy

• Daily Physical Education for all grades

• Enhanced music and art instruction

• Junior University & Flex Options

− Music Lesson at the school

− Field Trips

− Swimming & Skating Lessons

− Second Languages (French & Ukrainian)

All parents and students who are interested in attending St. Martin Catholic School for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year are asked to visit the school at:

4314-53AAve, Vegreville, AB

SCHOOL

The World is on Fire. Or is it?

Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser – Opinion

The world is on fire… or at least Canada is. Or is it?

If you watch the news, or even if you don’t, the smoky skies will show you, there clearly are a lot of fires burning this spring fire season.

Many media outlets, our PM, the Environment Minister and others are all blaming the current devastation on climate change. However, that may be self-serving or at the very least disingenuous or ignorant. The news is even hitting Europe after smoke descended on New York City who was not shy about the “Canadian fires” lending to New York being listed as having the worst air quality of anywhere on earth.

As President Biden ushered 600 firefighters to assist in the efforts along with others from around the world, outdoor events and flights destined for New York were cancelled. There is no question the situation is serious.

Looking at the facts, (not Trudeau Tweets), we may consider other alternatives to the popular narrative. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in their latest report, (I believe 2021) assigns only “medium confidence” that climate change has actually caused in increase in “fire weather” around the world. That says something coming from a group who has desperately been trying to attribute almost everything to increasing green-

house gas emissions.

Other reports such as one from the Royal Society in 2020 provides the following summary: “Fire activity is on the rise in some regions, but when considering the total area burned at the global level, we are still not seeing an overall increase.” While not a 2022 study, one must take into account that this report was written after significant events around the world including fires in Australia, California, Ft. McMurray and others.

Looking specifically at Canada, a 2020 study determined that even though temperatures have risen from 1970 to 2017, Canadian forest fires in that time have declined sharply. (Remember that 2017 date.) But, how could that be? Does Minster Steven Guilbeault have the answer? Oh yes… carbon tax. That’s the answer.

So, if not climate change, then what could it be? Well, for this I think we have to consider Occam’s razor. A principal attributed to Friar William Ockham from the 14th century. It states that if you have two competing ideas to explain the same phenomenon, you should prefer the simpler one. For example, if you walk into a room to find a broken vase, two kids and some hockey sticks, the cause was not likely a failed burglary attempt or a plow wind blasting through the partially open window across the house. THE KIDS DID IT.

In the case of our forest fire problems, one has to consider the most obvious cause… neglect. In that same 2020 paper, it was pointed out that despite the cost of forest management including pre-suppression and suppression increasing, the federal government budgets were not. Note…Trudeau came to power in 2015. So, if we are doing less to manage the forest to prevent fires, what might be the simpler answer? More fires. Seems obvious when you get some real facts.

From my own experience, come events that scream at me this same point. The first was traveling through Fraser Valley where either at the time or after I read about the indigenous people who lived there for generations and how in the spring they would set fires to burn the underbrush. This would clear the way for new life which would in turn provide for them in the coming season. Early forest management by people who understood the forest. Now? Well, now I would assume that is illegal because someone in a government building was sure they knew better.

The second was camping with friends. Out on the hunt for wood, we were warned by the game warden that we could not haul out any dead fall from the forest. When questioned, he indicated it was against the law because by doing so, you were impacting the natural biosphere of the forest. Unlike the paved road that had been plowed through the middle of it decades ago I guess. Spending a lot of time in forested areas, my first reacWorld on fire - CONTINUED oN PAGE 15

Town of Vegreville Council Adopts Tax Exemption Bylaw

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

One way municipalities can bolster economic development is to provide tax incentives to local businesses. The Town of Vegreville recently went down that route deciding to adopt the Machinery & Equipment Incentive Tax Exemption Bylaw.

Council passed all three readings of the Machinery & Equipment Incentive Tax Exemption Bylaw at its May 8 meeting which provides a process for application and review by council for the cancellation or refusal of a tax exemption of non-residential properties as well as machinery and equipment.

According to Bylaw No.03-2023, the purpose is to: “Encourage the development or revitalization of non-residential properties and machinery and equipment in the Town of Vegreville for the general benefit of the municipality.”

Vegreville Mayor briefly spoke about the machinery and equipment tax after officially welcoming a prominent trailer manufacturing company to the community. MacPhee said, “We’re offering that to anyone at our Prosperity Park that wants to move to our park. Right now, there’s four different businesses in town that are paying machinery and equipment tax. So, the bylaw will be for 15 years that the town will no longer be collecting machinery and equipment tax.

It helped make this business deal because Double A Trailers plans on buying a lot

more equipment to put in here and it’s not cheap; plus what we’re trying to do at Prosperity Park is offer the same type of arrangement to the new companies that are coming in. So, if it’s a $75 million bill and $50 million of it is in machinery there’s a lot of tax, and where we’re at today to be competitive with other municipalities and what they’re offering, we felt this was the best route to take.”

Double A Trailers Owner Abe Martens briefly touched on the Two Hills based company’s expansion plan. It was back in late April when the company went public with its purchase of the former Buhler location. “We were going to build onto our facility, and then this came up. So, we decided to go this way.”

Some renovations are required before the company will be able to start operating in its Vegreville location. Martens said, “We estimate it will take six months to a year to move into the new facility. Plans are for this building will occupy about 100 employees. It will take some time, but we are excited and looking forward to it.”

Martens did make it clear that, “Two Hills will stay in operation.” Martens said they are going to move some staff as well as hire new staff for the Vegreville location. As well, “We’re just going to segregate the lines a little bit. Some of our lines are in higher demand and the bigger units are going to come to town here and a lot of the stuff will stay in Two Hills.”

Company representative Johnny Dyck

explained that they primarily manufacture flat decks. “Anything from utility trailers for home owners and acreage owners would have to gooseneck trailers to the hot shot guys, even up to step decks heavy haulers for semi-trailers. So, we have a wide range of models that we offer and manufacture. Cargo trailers and closed trailers that we launched in the last year or two.”

MacPhee said, “We are very, very happy that this company chose Vegreville. I know that where they were at they needed to grow, and they were in three different facilities out there, and then this opportunity came to come to Vegreville. There’s a lot more opportunities, especially with transportation, and cut some costs, and I can’t say enough about the opportunity that this gives to the Town of Vegreville. More employees, more growth, more housing; and we’re really looking forward to them coming to town and being a part of our community.”

Mayor MacPhee, left, shakes the hand of Abe Martens with town and company representatives looking on. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

90 Years Ago – June 14, 1933

Succeeding a heavy rainfall last week, some frost occurred on Thursday and Friday nights but did no damage to the crops. Tender garden stuff suffered here and there. Some hail fell in parts of the district. Monday of this week opened up a warm spell that is doing no good to the growing wheat. A hot wind on Monday, succeeded by a couple of calm, but very warm days dried up the land in a hurry and, according to reports from farmers, is causing the grain to wilt.

The farmers around Desjarlais have all finished their spring work and the rain that came last week was very much welcomed. It did the crops a world of good.

Departmental Examinations in Grades XI and XII commence on Friday, June 16th. A large number of pupils will be writing at Vegreville. Promotion tests in the public school and in the lower high school grades have been underway already for several days. Principal Hayhurst, is the boss presiding examiner at the department events.

75 Years Ago – June 16, 1948

Much interest is being shown in the new street lighting Canadian Utilities has just installed in town. The business section is lighted by 24 new type lamps, radiating 8000 lumens at the intersection. A Social Credit convention held at Willingdon last Saturday gave Wm. Tomyn, M.L.A., the unanimous nomination to contest the constituency again in the ensuing provincial election.

Miss Mary Kubrak was crowned Queen at the Greek Catholic Choral Club Carnival. His Worship Mayor McClure did the honors of placing the crown on Miss Kubrak’s head.

After several years serving as manager of the Canadian Bank of Commerce at Willingdon, Harold Reeves has been transferred to Staveley and will leave for that point as soon as his successor, Mr. McPherson, learns the ins and outs of the Willingdon situation.

Mrs. Lucille Windingstad, a St. Paul waitress, serving her customer, and then he asked her to call a cab for him. As he left, he commented that she had a “nice smile” and “you should always be happy”. He handed her a $100 bill and left.

There’s no danger right now of too many cooks spoiling the army’s broth. Headquarters said there aren’t nearly enough. Of the last 1,500 men who enlisted, only 14 owned up to cooking ability. At least 50 are needed.

50 Years Ago – June 14. 1973

While conditions are extremely dry this year, no records are being established. From January 1st to June 13 the Soil Research Substation has received a total of 3.26 inches of precipitation much of which fell as snow in April. Since May 1st there have been only 0.19 inches of precipitation.

An unfortunate occurrence occurred at the new Civic Complex in Vegreville on the weekend when some unthinking persons took advantage of something or other and proceeded to spoil the trees planted to beautify the property.

Winners of the fastball tournament staged on Farmer’s Day were the Strebb’s Automotive Old Timers, also known as Old Timers No. 1. The team consisted of George Kolodychuk, Ron Hnydyk, Dave Yakimovich, Jerry Liden, Ed Tarapacki, Ernie Sorochan, Gordie Seminiuk, Clarence Steinbach, Bill Triska, Walter Scribney, Walter Malarski, Dave Ziegler, Mike Sorochan, Bill Yost and Bill “Stumpy” Fedoruk.

Grand Champion animal of the Vegreville 4-H Beef Club was displayed by the owner, Walter Bay. The animal weighed 1130 lbs. and brought a top price of 60 ¼ c per pound from Welsh Movers.

25 Years Ago – June 9, 1998

Jason Grabas used his new airbrush on a mural he’s doing on the side of the Re/Max building in Vegreville. The 16 X 20 foot works is the first mural he’s done, and is by far the largest, though he hopes to do more in the future. The top 1/3 has taken almost a week to do.

Elk Island Public School trustee Lois Byers of Vegreville has been elected vice president of the Alberta School Board Association (ASBA). The ASBA annual spring general meeting also elected Dr. Roy Wilson as president.

Construction has commenced on the joint town/county resource road project (6.06 kilometers) near the Vegreville Landfill site. The construction should be completed by the end of June.

Residents of Two Hills are now restricted in their water use. A ban has been placed on watering lawns and gardens in town for two weeks. This restriction is occurring because the inside of the water tower is being painted.

Out of 700 applications applying for the University of Alberta Leadership Scholarship between 60 and 70 students received awards. St. Mary’s student Elzaan de Witt received a $2500 scholarship. The scholarships ranged from $1000 to $5000.

Welcomed

Private Sector Partnerships Good for Public Education

Michael Zwaagstra

Frontier Centre for Public Policy

The Manitoba government recently announced it is partnering with a B.C.-based company to deliver virtual financial literacy programming in Manitoba classrooms. Starting next school year, Enriched Academy will provide lessons to about 1,500 Manitoba students on topics such as inflation, mortgages, and interest rates.

Enriched Academy has an impressive track record. Not only does this Canadian company work with major organizations such as the National Police Federation, but it also has active contracts with the governments of Alberta and P.E.I., along with several large school boards across the country. By all accounts, this partnership will be good for Manitoba students.

However, that didn’t stop the usual detractors from criticizing this announcement. For example, People for Public Education, a lobby group made up primarily of education professors and left-leaning teachers and trustees, posted on social media that the government should have “kept more curriculum consultants in the department of education” since these consultants could have developed “cheaper and long-term options.” In other words, People for Public Education thinks that government workers could have done a better job designing financial literacy lessons than a private company that specializes in providing these lessons to students and organizations across Canada. Their suggestion would be laughable if it weren’t for the fact that this group meant it to be taken seriously.

As for concerns about cost, the province will pay Enriched Academy $100,000 during the 2023-24 school year – approximately the salary of one government curriculum consultant. Does anyone seriously believe that one government employee could

develop and deliver a financial literacy program to 1,500 students more efficiently than Enriched Academy? If you do, then I’ve got some oceanfront property in Saskatchewan to sell you.

Lobby groups such as People for Public Education are concerned about creeping privatization. In their view, preserving public education means keeping the private sector at bay. As a result, they express kneejerk opposition to any partnership between public schools and private companies.

However, while public schools obviously need to be funded by the government, they do not need to be exclusively run by the government. No one objects when private bookstores such as McNally Robinson partner with teachers by providing them with generous discounts when purchasing books for classroom use. Nor is it considered problematic when schools sell pizza from Domino’s or Pizza Hotline during lunch hour.

These are examples of for-profit companies leveraging their connections with schools to increase their profits by providing a service that schools need. And yet organizations such as People for Public Education do not utter a peep of opposition to these types of partnerships. That’s because even the most hardened opponents of privatization cannot ignore the fact that schools would be dull places if everything in them had to be government-sourced and government-run.

Of course, there is no guarantee that the partnership between the province and Enhanced Academy will work out. However, if things do fizzle out, the province doesn’t have to renew the partnership. In contrast, had the province decided to expand the ranks of its employees, it would be much more difficult to change course if things didn’t work out.

Public education is in urgent need of out-of-the-box thinking. Partnerships with the private sector are a great way to bring in some fresh ideas.

Michael Zwaagstra is a public high school teacher and a senior fellow with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.

- Richard Kluger -

Annual Ceremonial Review held for Mundare 341 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron

Cpl. Mears was named Most Dedicated Cadet this year. While it is exciting, Cpl. Mears said it is a bit scary as he will be taking on additional responsibilities and mentoring of the younger members going forward. Flight Corporal Landen Harrold will also be attending the aviation camp. It is his first full year as a Cadet and is planning to earn his pilot’s license.

Cadets Warner Bretz, Logan Stroh, Lauralin Cripps and Lillian Cripps will be attending the Cadet Activity program. Capt. Anderson said, “The Cadet Activity program is the new summer camp for year one and two cadets, and is held at Camp Wright… It’s an all-encompassing program that does a little bit of everything from the Cadet program, so things like biathlon, orienteering, drill, band, survival training and Canadian Armed Forces engagement.”

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Members of the Mundare 341 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron participated in their annual Ceremonial Review on June 6.

Commanding Officer Capt. Shelby Anderson and Training Officer Lt. Tim Chapman reviewed the corps of 18 Cadets outside of the Vegreville Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 39 with family, friends and special guests in attendance.

Lt. Chapman, who has been with the Cadet corps for the past six years says this year was different than others as they were “starting from scratch” after operations were closed down because of Covid-19. They began with one returning member, Cpl. Ash Mears, who joined only a couple of months before the pandemic. Lt. Chapman said the goal was to get a solid corps of cadets and focus on retention. The year began last September and culminated with the Ceremonial Review.

Lt. Chapman said the Vegreville Legion is the Cadets principle sponsor and site of the weekly training sessions that are held every Tuesday evening. Lt.

Chapman is responsible for planning instruction and ensuring it is taught to the highest standards. Leadership, citizenship, marksmanship, aviation and marching are the main areas of instruction. There were other opportunities for optional training during weekends, added Lt. Chapman. One of the highlights of the year was the opportunity to participate in a survival training camp in Cold Lake. The scenario was a plane crash and Cadets had to learn how to build a shelter, make a fire as well as obtain food and water.

Sixteen-year-old Cadet Peter Neufeld from Two Hills joined two months ago and said he thoroughly enjoyed the survival camp. Neufeld said he wants to serve his country and plans to join the army once he is old enough to apply.

Some of the Cadets will be doing more specialized training this summer as they are registered in a couple of different camps. Cpl. Ash Mears, who was just promoted to Flight Corporal, will be attending an advanced aviation camp in Cold Lake later this summer. He is thinking about obtaining a power glider license in the future.

Vegreville Royal Canadian Legion No. 39 President Terry Kuzyk said, “The Vegreville Branch has been sponsoring the Air Cadet Squadron for around 40 years…Our Branch is very pleased to have the Squadron parading here and hope to make it a permanent thing. The Cadets, many of whom are newbies, did pretty well at the annual Ceremonial Review considering the short span of training.”

Commanding Officer Capt. Shelby Anderson, far right, and Lt. Chapman. (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

Andrew School Hosts Community Drop-In

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

You know what they say, when one door closes another one opens.

That was one of the remarks made by one of the visitors during Andrew School’s Community Drop-in open house that was held on June 7.

The event was held to give past and present school families, staff and community members the opportunity to tour the school, reminisce and visit before Elk Island Public Schools, (EIPS) officially closes the school on June 30.

Sitting on a bench outside the school and public library, Mayor Merwin Haight talked about ongoing efforts to have the Village of Andrew to obtain ownership of the facility and to start up a charter school in the community.

Haight said he would also like to have an after school program and daycare run out of facility. “That’s where we can start to build capacity for the number of students and that would be especially beneficial for working parents.”

A four member viability committee was struck by village council recently and several members have already gone to visit Holden Rural Academy and New Humble

School, both successful charter schools, to see what they offer and how it could benefit the Village of Andrew. Haight said he’s also met with parents who have kids in different schools in Edmonton to hear their input.

“We’re getting a lot more community support and interest to purchase the facility.” Haight said the viability committee will be meeting with key stakeholders to discuss the idea on June 15. Some of the stakeholders include: parent representatives, local industry, non-profit groups and Lamont County.

Haight said MLA Jackie ArmstrongHomeniuk has been very supportive, both before and after the election, and he is looking forward to working with her.

Sharyn Danyluk’s two children Dawson and Danielle graduated from Andrew School and she hopes the Village of Andrew will be able to do something with the building. She wants the repairs made so they will be able to continue operating and repurpose the facility.

Breanna Sorotsky attended the drop-in with her dad Tracy Sorotsky. She graduated in 1999 and her dad graduated in 1976. She also taught at the school from 2007 to 2014. She described Andrew School as her home and said it is “heartbreaking and sad” to close the school and that it will be especially hard on the community.

Marsh Pysar said he hates to see history destroyed and said he has so many memories of the school he graduated from in

1954. The 87-year-old Andrew resident said he was a part of one of the largest grad classes in the school’s history.

He went to a country school from Grades 1-8 before attending Andrew School and said indoor bathrooms and running water was a huge thing since they didn’t have those conveniences before.

Terry Melnyk’s four children all attended Andrew School. “They loved going here. All graduated and got very good jobs.” She is upset EIPS decided to close the school, which she believes was totally unnecessary, as the repairs could have been done.

Cassandra Ostashek attended Andrew school and attended the drop-in with her parents. She and her dad both graduated from Andrew School. Her father Rick said he always hoped his daughter would have taught here. He also remembered the 1948 building that had four classrooms, a small gym and film room where they did target shooting. It also housed a flight simulator.

Fred Kucharski remembered the flight simulator because he was in Air Cadets in the sixties. Kucharski attended Andrew School from Grade 1-11 and took his Grade 12 year at Vegreville Composite High School because he had already decided to be a heavy duty mechanic. He did become a heavy duty mechanic as well as sheet metal worker later on.

Kucharski said he was quite involved with the school when his four children were young. He said his oldest grandson also graduated from Andrew School seven years ago.

Hilary Anaka said Principal Marshall Stewart asked her to cut the ribbon during the official opening of the modernized Andrew School on Oct. 2, 1992. She recalled being miffed that she had to share the scissors with Education Minister Jim Dinning as she felt she was more than capable of carrying out that duty all by herself.

Anaka added, “It was bittersweet to tour Andrew School one last time. This place holds many memories for generations of Andrew students and their families, mine included. It’s sad to see the school close but I remain grateful for my rural upbringing and all that it has given me.”

Alumni Marsh Pysar. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Former Andrew School. (Fred Kucharski/Submitted Photo)

Official opening of modernized school in 1992. (Fred Kucharski/Submitted Photo)

Below: Commemorative plaque. (Fred Kucharski/ Submitted Photo)

Visitors reminisce in the lobby area. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Sgt. David Henry Appointed Two Hills RCMP Detachment Commander

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Sgt. David Henry will soon be leaving his current posting to take up residence in the Town of Two Hills as the new RCMP Detachment Commander.

Sgt. Henry is scheduled to begin his new duties on July 12 and couldn’t be happier. As to why he chose Two Hills for the next phase of his career? “I did a six month secondment there four years ago and I loved the people, I loved the community and it suited my style of community policing. I love working in small communities. I find them personable and very proactive when it comes to reporting crime and suspicious activity.”

He went on to say, “I know Sgt Daisley has done a great job in paving the way for me to make it an easy transition.”

A former competitive hockey and volleyball player, Cst. Henry said, “I am really looking forward to coming there and being a part of the community.” In fact, “I wanted to join the RCMP as I had a hockey coach that was a member and he was an exceptional mentor to us when we were young. I joined the RCMP in 2005 and have been in St. Albert, Airdrie, St. Paul, Saddle Lake, Elk Point; and of late, I was working in Eastern Alberta District office in St. Paul. I have been deployed to

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Cst. Henry was born in Camrose and raised in High Level. He has been married to Sharene for 30 years and they have two children, Christopher, 19, and Katie, 22.

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Sgt. David Henry. (Sgt. Henry/Submitted Photo)

Two Candidates Vie for Seat on Mundare Town Council

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

The Town of Mundare will be holding a by-election on July 5 to fill the seat on council that was recently vacated by former Councillor Sandra Nicholson. The two candidates vying for the position are Danika Brison and Curtis Santo.

Brison is 28 years of age. She was born in Whitehorse, YT and moved to the Mundare area at three years of age and moved into town when she was 10. “I have grown up in the small town atmosphere which I love and call home, along with many others. I attended elementary school in Mundare and then moved on to junior high and high school in Vegreville.

You may recognize my face behind the counter at Stawnichy’s Meat as I have been there for a number of years. I have volunteered my time to Mundare in more

ways than one. I decided to follow my father who is a Captain and join the Mundare Fire Department at age 17 and continued volunteer fire fighting for 10 years. I have also volunteered and helped my mother, (along with the rest) with the Parks Society in Mundare. I have also helped my friends with their organizations as well since high school.”

Even though she’s never held any sort of official title before, she said she’s “not short on ambition and I would love to give it my very best effort and then some.

This town is ever growing and there seems to be more people moving here day to day. We are thriving as a community. New businesses and new faces every day is what I love to see in a small town such as ours. The key to moving forward with everything is how we come together to support one another. As long as we keep supporting our small businesses and bringing new people in with numerous activities, our town will continue thriving.

The roads are a big concern for most people, including myself, and I would like to talk to council on how we can prioritize repairing them. New ideas are always

flowing through my brain and since I have helped with the Parks Society and worked with kids for a good portion of my life I am constantly thinking of what we can provide for them and their families.

I feel we need to have more town organized events for specific holiday’s and start drawing more new families into the mix. My hope is to start enticing my generation and younger ones into more community involvement to keep tradition alive while also bringing in a newer flair to the town as well. I am all for new and different things to start happening to keep things interesting.”

Curtis Santo is a second generation Canadian who was born in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1956 and was schools in Ontario and Quebec. I graduated from Georgian College, ON as a Resources Engineering Technologist in 1979. I’m a Canadian Registered Safety Professional, Environmental Professional and retired Certified Eng. Technologist.

I’ve been married to Cindy for 20 years with a blended family of six children and 10 grandchildren. We moved to Mundare in early 2022 to own and operate Baba’s Bistro. We have lived in Alberta since 2004, mainly in Grande Cache and Grande Prairie. The Bistro helps us to do service and mission work in the community. We have helped in starting the Mundare Bible Church in Mundare with Joshia Wicks as Pastor.

I have been encouraged to run as Town Councillor by several town people and with my years on being involved in community service I thought I could contribute to council. Several of my community services in other small towns has been as a hockey coach, high school basketball

coach, T-ball coach, Beaver Leader, Sunday School teacher, Boys & Girls club leader, Red Lake Indian Friendship board member and church board member).

In my career I have served as a member of, the MB mines closure regulations committee, AB Clean Air Strategic Alliance, AB Construction Association and Road Builders Heavy Construction safety Committees. I Chaired the Alberta Sand & Gravel Association safety committee for five years, and was an underground mine rescuer for several years in Ontario and Manitoba at underground gold mines where I worked as an Environmental Coordinator.

A challenge I see in all governing bodies is over regulation, and as a regulation compliance worker for over 40 years, I think I could help council with this challenge. I have experience in several of a town’s main functions (Water, sewage, waste, roads and recreation).

As an elected town councillor I will serve the community to enhance its small town friendliness and help council to maintain a fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers.”

Ceremony of Remembrance at Lavoy

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Around 17 attendees honoured veterans at the RCL Branch No. 39 Decoration Day Ceremony of Remembrance at Lavoy Cemetery on June 10.

Service Officer Rhonda Hayduk emceed this service where she welcomed everyone.

After this, President Terry Kuzyk stated, “Our intent, as always, is to pay tribute to the men and women of this community who answered the call to serve when they were needed, in war and in peace.

All battles cause fatalities, sometimes extremely high amounts of fatalities, and those personnel we recognize on November 11th. Today we honour those who survived their service.

Virtually all of the veterans we recognize here today were survivors of the two world wars. They came home, took off their uniforms and stepped into their careers. Many became farmers and businessmen, some became professionals, and some went into politics or the church. They volunteered as youth leaders, ran for elected office and stood up to speak their mind when a situation required it.

Others weren’t so lucky and had to cope with physical and mental issues that affected the rest of their lives. However they lived their life they became a benchmark for the rest of society.

Those we celebrate here today paid a price for peace that most of us cannot understand but we must accept. In their honour we can take the time to reflect and

honour them. Rest in peace comrades.”

County of Minburn Deputy Reeve Tara Kuzio stated that Decoration Day is a time for us to come together and reflect on the sacrifices the fallen soldiers made.

Afterwards, attendees mentioned why they went to this service. Bonnie Babineau expressed that she was a Rattray before she got married to her husband Charles Babineau and she has a lot of relatives who were veterans and were buried in this cemetery. “My father Robert Rattray served in the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps (RCOC) and my mother Sarah Rattray served in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).”

Charles said that he also served in the Canadian Armed Forces during peacekeeping time where he went overseas to Cyprus.

Another one of the late Robert and Sarah Rattray’s daughters, Jean Weleschuk mentioned her parents were special because they gave their service to the country. “If you noticed there are a lot of Rattray’s that have answered the call to serve that are buried here. Our dad got an honourable discharge because he had heart problems. We lost our dad when we were very young. Mom was special because she worked on the farm and took care of her five children.

Richard Rattray came from Edmonton to attend the service. When asked why he did this, he replied, “The veterans I came to recognize over here were special because they are family.”

As well, Shirley Rattray said her fatherin-law and mother-in-law Robert G and Sarah Rattray were buried at this site.

Candidate Curtis Santo. (Curtis Santo/Submitted Photo)

Candidate Danika Brison. (Danika Brison/Submitted Photo)

RCL Branch No. 39 Decoration Day Service at Riverside Ceremony

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

A few seagulls flew around while there was a light breeze which lightly blew the National Flags of Canada that were placed beside veteran’s grave. This created a peaceful mood while people honoured veterans at the RCL Branch No. 39 Decoration Day Service at Riverside Ceremony on June 11.

Service Officer Rhonda Hayduk emceed this service.

Hayduk read a message on behalf of MP for Lakeland Shannon Stubbs. “I am so proud of everyone’s efforts to always pay tribute to our veterans who are buried here and surrounding cemeteries.

The ultimate sacrifice paid by those laid to rest must never be forgotten. History erased, risks being repeated and we can never forget the rights and freedoms that we have are because of the protection of those who gave their lives for us.”

Hayduk went on to read the speech Honourable MLA for Fort SaskatchewanVegreville Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk wrote. “Today and every day I am grateful for the sacrifices the brave soldiers who gave their lives for this province and country.”

President Terry Kuzyk read the speech

On Decoration Day. “Today we honour those who survived their service.

Virtually all of the veterans we recognize here today were survivors of the two World Wars. They came home, took off their uniforms and stepped into their careers. However they lived their life they became a benchmark for the rest of society. Their experiences and proven abilities were tempered by crisis that went beyond anything that they experienced for the rest of their lives and anything we will ever know. Those with disabilities created a measure for the rest of us to recognize sacrifice.

Those we celebrate here today paid a price for peace that most of us cannot understand but we must accept. In their honour we can take the time to reflect and honour them. Rest in peace comrades.”

Laying of Wreaths were done by Kuzyk for RCL Branch No. 39, Community Peace Officer Ken Podoborozny represented RCMP and Cindy Oslund-Herbert did this for RCL Branch No. 39 Ladies Auxiliary.

There were also greetings presented by Deputy Mayor Len Bullock, County of Minburn Reeve Roger Konieczny and prayers and benediction were presented by Rev. Laureta Blondin.

March on the Colours. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Construction Complete on Vegreville Bike Track

Cycling enthusiasts can now enjoy all the benefits of a new bike park in Vegreville.

Located in the northwest part of the town within Foxview Estates subdivision, it is open for kids of all ages to enjoy. Chris Leggett, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Vegreville, said it is a great way to keep fit and have fun.

“It can be used by anyone whose an avid cyclist.” Leggett said age does not matter. “As long as you can peddle a bike you can use it. We specifically made the features so the table top jumps are safe for everybody. It’s a good place to learn and practice and have some fun outside.”

As far as the overall value of having this type of recreational opportunity in a community? “It’s huge. Especially this day and age where extreme sports are such a popular

Thank You

thing. In the last two towns I’ve served, a skate park and bike park were built during my time as CAO and they are always well utilized. They can be used anytime, a place you can meet up with friends and have a good time. They are a great asset in the community at a relatively low cost and relatively low maintenance.”

Thank You

Love's Custom Cut Meats for purchasing Boe Myshaniuk's 4H calf at the Innisfree - Minburn 4H Beef show. It is thanks to companies like this that we are able to have a club each year. These kids learn so many skills like leadership, public speaking, volunteering, respect for animals and people, hard work ethics, etc. from this program so thank you so much Love's Custom Cut Meats for your support.

The bike park is in the same location as the town’s previous bike track. Leggett doesn’t know when the original bike track was put in, but it was done under former Community Services Director Phil Rowe.

The last couple of years it’s been a maintenance challenge because part of the issue with bike parks is that you need to keep the grass off them. Grass is the number one enemy of those and once they get overgrown you eventually go from a bike park three, four feet wide with all the features and jumps to basically the width of the bike tire down the middle of it. We

were definitely seeing that.

Last year in the budget council had given us the green light to spend a little bit of money to get it done. We reached out to our local excavation contractor Colville and they gave us a phenomenal price to help out with this town initiative.

That’s how the new bike park came to be. There were thoughts of doing it last year but it was at the end of their construction season and because of weather that didn’t happen. We’d been in regular contact over the winter and they committed to doing it this spring.

Funds were carried over from last year and was about $18,000 all in. I’ve built a couple of these bike parks in the past with other municipalities and it’s about 10 percent of what the cost is, but part of the reason being we didn’t go out to design companies that specialize in these types of things. We didn’t want something that detailed or fancy or wooden structures or teeter totters and stuff.

It just so happens these guys, Jacob Coville and Harlie Dinwoodie, are avid mountain bikers and I’m a former sponsored downhill rider in my younger days, so the three of us got together and figured we could make something that’s pretty good without having to spend $50,000 without a set of professionally designed plans.

I think that’s one of the good things about this. You know people are interested in that and getting together to do something that will benefit the community, because it’s something we’re passionate about we were able to save a lot of money in the process.

We utilized dirt used in ground work for the subdivision so the material was right on site and we used it to reshape it and expand the bike park so we didn’t even have to ship in any material or anything like that.”

Coville said he and his business partner are very happy to have been a part of the project. All in all, construction went very well and now all that is left to do is enjoy the town’s newest amenity.

Thank You

I would like to thank Deerland Equipment Vegreville for purchasing my Grand Champion Steer at the Innisfree-Minburn 4-H Beef Club Show and Sale on May 31. Thank you for supporting me, and our 4-H club. It is greatly appreciated.

Rylan Jackson

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Pictured in foreground with his bicycle is Councillor Jerrold Lemko. Back row L-R: Mayor Tim MacPhee, Councillor Dave Berry, Contractor Jake Colville and CAO Chris Leggett. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Innisfree-Minburn 4-H Beef Club May Report

Peyton Hess Submitted

What a great 4-H season it has been! We kicked off the year with our weigh-in day and ended with our show and sale day on May 31.

This month, we held a club meeting, we participated in our Mock Achievement night, and we gave back to the community with Ag. Grounds cleanup in Minburn. We also helped with setup and takedown at the Courage Canada Trail Ride in Innisfree. Our annual show and sale went very well, even in the hot sun! Our club had several great looking steers that were up for auction,

and all of them cooperated for our show too. We will be having a club meeting as well as awards night and supper this month. Sadly, we will be saying goodbye to two of our 4-H members, Kason Swanson and Carson Kassian. We all congratulate them on their high school graduation and wish them all the best in their future!

We hope to see everyone back for our 2024 year and hope to see some new members join our club as well! This was an amazing year, and I can’t wait for next year!

World on fire - CONTINUED from PAGE 4

tion is that all that dry, dead wood sure looks like it would burn well. Hmmm. Back to forest management. It is reported that Parks Canada had only 23 scheduled burns for 2023. Compare that to the USA where in 2019, 150,000 were planned. In 2016, (there’s that year again), Mark Heathcott, a 23 year veteran of Parks Canada in the burn division stated that Canada was “way behind American counterparts” in the area of controlled burns.

Many Indigenous groups in Canada have been stopped from doing controlled burns and continue to call for more action. In a 2021 interview with CBC, Chief Russell Myers Ross stated, “it’s as simple as lighting a match.” Unfortunately, it’s hard to take the logical path when you have an agenda.

There IS so much on fire. You can believe what you read on Twitter from people who are convinced the cause is some complex system beyond our comprehension other than “oil is bad” and that only the next carbon tax will save the forests. Or… you can subscribe to the simple explanation and believe experts in the subject matter, realizing that deliberate neglect caused by our governments is to blame. If only they could find…Oh, let’s say $10+ billion somewhere to go towards important things like forest management. I bet even $100K by cancelling a trip by the Gov. Gen. would be a good start.

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

Weekly Crop Market Review

Members with buyers on May 31. (Colleen Berg Photography/Submitted Photo)

Vegreville Line Dance Club

This s Weeks s Numbeers

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Since November of 2022, Vegreville Line Dance Club has been meeting weekly at the Dance Studio at Vegreville Aquatic and Fitness Centre.

It’s going fantastic so far, we have a core group of dedicated dancers who faithfully come most weeks and they’re getting really good at picking up new dances I bring in. I am so proud of how far they’ve come and how much fun they’ve been having.

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Instructor Lana Syms explained, “Any age can join but the pace isn’t really geared towards kids. We do have young and old alike. The club has about 90 members. We typically see 15-25 dancers each week.

I decided to start this dancing club because I have been line dancing for seven years now with a club from Olds where I am from, and I know probably at least 50-75 different line dances and I didn’t want to forget them. I often helped with the teaching in my other club so when I realized that Vegreville didn’t have a line dance club, I figured that the only way I would be able to keep line dancing and not forget them all was to teach others, who would then be able to dance with me!

Line dancing has been around for a long time but has recently been seeing a big surge in popularity. I think it’s because you don’t need a partner but there are a ton of people on the dance floor all enjoying the same groove. There are many new line dances out there that are very popular and easy to learn.

On April 4, they learned a new dance in less than 10 minutes.

We have tentatively planned to dance at senior centers and do some flash mobs around town during events so Vegreville will have to stay tuned for that.

Beginners are still encouraged to join in the fun as we are still in learners’ mode. I have taught 15 dances this season. We’ll dance until gardening season starts and then we will break for the summer and start back up in the fall.”

Dancer Elizabeth Nawrot offered her feedback. “I really enjoy this class because everyone is welcomed. What I like best about it is when everyone is doing something at the same time, there is a real sense of cordiality. It feels like we are all doing something together and it becomes bigger than ourselves. I have danced before but I also like that it is for all ability levels and Lana explains everything and every time you learn something new. Also, every time you review something.”

Toby Starko added, “I love participating in this because I do mostly Ukrainian dancing so this is something new for me. But it is similar to Ukrainian dancing expect the dances are shorter and not as technical.”

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Holden Rural Academy Holds Inaugural Graduation

think your community and your parents decided that some time ago when they set on this journey of bravely or crazily starting this school

Secondly, I’d like to say to you that there is joy in giving…. Give back to this community, and whatever community eventually becomes your home. If we all give in our communities we have a better place to live and we have a better sense of purpose, especially in rural communities that we live in.

And finally, I’d like to say that responsibility is a privilege. We often talk about rights being a privilege, but I believe responsibility is also a privilege…So, enjoy the responsibility of life.”

Teacher Nikayla Keohane addressed her graduating class. Keohane said it had been a “pleasure and a privilege’ to be their teacher and get to know each of the graduates.

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Cayden Brisson, Cordell Janzen and Alyssa Zimmer were the first students to ever graduate from Holden Rural Academy on June 8.

The graduation ceremony began shortly after 2 pm in the historic Paragon Theatre with family, friends, schoolmates and community members in attendance.

Principal Brian Dewar welcomed everyone to the celebration. Dewar said, “The best part about our school, and I said it in my June newsletter, it’s not us. It’s not the accolades we get from everyone. It’s the kids out there who pour their heart into that school every day.”

Dewar handed over the microphone to MC’s Grayson Zemlak and Cheyenne Suchy to introduce Holden Rural Academy Board chair Justin Ewasiuk. On behalf of the board I would like to thank everybody for coming out today to celebrate the first grad class in Holden in almost 40 years!

I’m glad that you guys got to experience this new type of education that we’ve brought to Holden and to be the first grad class. You guys are going to be setting the example for everything going forward. So, once again congratulations to the grads of 2023 on behalf of the Holden Rural Academy Board.”

Superintendent Wes Oginski said, “This day would not have been possible without the contributions of so many people. Holden Rural Academy, (HRA) would not be here if not for the hard work and dedication of our founding members and board of directors. Besides developing the framework of our charter, bylaws and policies, they brought in a dedicated group of people whose goal has been to educate each and every child that enters our program.”

Oginiski also commended the teachers, educational assistants, staff and volunteers who all contributed to ensuring students have a “welcoming, caring, respectful

safe and healthy learning and work environments.”

He went on to say, “Our students have had opportunities this year to apply their learning to real world situations. It is through this lens, our first group of Grade 12 students have been successful in completing their graduation requirements.

I look at our three graduates and I see our future. These three are brave. They made the decision to leave the traditional school systems and chose HRA as the school they wanted to complete their education. They wanted the opportunity to have opportunities in the community. These young adults are transitioning to new adventures.

Guest speaker Kevin Van Lagen aka Prairie Principal, has turned two rural schools with declining enrolment in east-central Alberta into thriving educational academies specializing in agriculture and baseball in the span of a few short years. It’s not only been a boost for Altario and Consort Schools, but the communities as well.

“I spoke a few years ago in this community when there was talk about shutting down Holden School, and since that time I’ve worked closely with members of your school board in particular to come up with this vision of Holden Rural Academy. So, when I was asked to speak today I felt it an honour and a privilege to be here today.

Graduates this is a milestone for you. This day is really about you and celebrating you. Sometimes at small graduations people start to roast the graduates a little, but what we’re really talking about as Wes mentioned is how special you are, how brave you are, what sets you apart; and I want to leave you with just three words of advice that I think encapsulate probably who you are. It shows what this school is and what this community is.

First of all, good enough is never good enough, and I

“It’s true that my colleagues and I have been tough with you at times when it comes to deadlines and expectations, but this was all part of a larger effort to prepare you for the greater challenges that lie ahead, and to nurture you into building a strong foundation for your futures. Under the guidance of your parents and teachers, you have reach this impressive milestone in your life with great honour and integrity.

I can only hope that you continue to rise to the challenges of adulthood that lie ahead with the kind of positive attitudes that you have shown me this year and that you look back on this year with great fondness of the memories we as a community share.”

Valedictorian Alyssa Zimmer then delivered her address. “Approximately, 13 years or 2,430 days or 56,160 hours is how long ago our school careers started. All that time, but it only felt like one minute. One minute until classes are over. One minute until practice is done. One minute until we leave the school. One minute.

We are always rushing and waiting until time is up. One year left before graduation turns into one semester which turns into one month and eventually one week. Next thing we know it’s the morning of and we’re getting ready to head to school. No one see’s it coming until it hits you. One minute until we never have to set foot in high school again. All that wishing just to be like the big kids and finally be able to graduate. I wish I was still that little kid watching the big kids walk down the halls to the next class or watch them leave the school to go to work. Standing here realizing that now I’m that big kid all the little kids watch wishing that they could be. Everyone always say high school flies by in the blink of an eye and I never realized how true that was until now standing in front of all of you.”

Zimmer provided a detailed overview of her high school years and wish she had one more minute to enjoy things like walking the halls or driving around town with her friends at lunchtime. “Never have I wished more that I could go back in time and tell myself there’s no rush take your time be a kid cause one day you’re going to look back and wish time hadn’t gone so fast.”

She wished her two classmates all the best. “I hope

Holden Graduation - CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Graduates from L-R: Cayden Brisson, Cordell Janzen and Alyssa Zimmer. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Tributes

April 25, 1937 - June 11, 2018

In memory of my Dear Loving Husband

Who passed away five years ago.

I lost my life’s companion, A life linked with my own, And only God knows how much I miss him

As I walk through life alone.

So those of you who have your partners

Love them when you may,

Because the world is not the same

When they are called away.

What I would give to clasp his hand

And see his happy smiling face again.

Then to go with Albert to a dance,

To see his favorite Emerald band.

Oh what a treat that would be.

If all this life were mine to give

I’d give it, yes, and more, If I could only see my dear husband Albert

Come smiling through the door, Who is always in my thoughts And forever in my heart.

Dearly loved, remembered and always

Sadly missed by our loving wife Angeline Memory Eternal

Vichnaya Pamyai

FEDUN, Albert

April 25, 1937 - June 11, 2018

In Loving Memory of Our Dear Special Dad, Kind Gido and Great Gido

Who passed away five years ago on June 11, 2018

A Golden heart stopped beating With hard working farmers hands at rest, It broke our heart to see you go, God only takes the best.

Dad, you were so special in so many ways And there was so much left to do and to say. There was so much love in your warm embrace, No one could ever take your place. They say that memories are golden, Well maybe that is true, But we never wanted memories, We only wanted you. Your life was love and labour, And the love for your family tree, You always did your best for all of us. We will always remember your kindness. We sat beside your bedside, Our hearts were crushed and sore, And we did our honour to the end, While we watched you fade away, And though our hearts were breaking, We knew you could not stay. Our lips cannot speak how we love you, Our hearts cannot tell what to say, But God only knows how much we miss you In our home that is very lonely now.

Loving you and missing you always Jamie, Roger, Bernice, Charlotte, Larry, Joshua, Katie, Addison, Gabriel, Kelsey, Erin, and Dallas.

YAKIMETZ, Courtney

June 14, 2021

In loving memory of our beautiful Courtney

Who passed away Jun 14, 2021

I feel a warmth around me, like your presence is so near. And I close my eyes to visualize your face when you were here. I endure the times we spent together, and they are locked inside my heart. As long as I have those memories, we will never be apart. Even though we cannot speak anymore, my voice is always there, because every night before I sleep, I have you in my prayer. Forever loved and dearly missed.

Mike, Drayson, Dallin, Genevieve Mom and Rob Kendall, Ben and family Robin, Arielle and family Brittiny, Jason and family

LYPKA, Judy

April 8, 1963 - June 16, 1983

In loving memory of our dear Daughter, Sister & Aunty

Who passed away 40 years ago on June 16, 1983.

The moment that you left us, our hearts split in two.

One side filled with memories, the other side died with you.

We often lay awake at night when the world is fast asleep, and take a walk down memory lane with tears upon our cheeks.

Remembering

Those we love, don’t go away they walk beside us everyday.

Unseen, unheard but always, near so loved, so missed, so very dear.

‘Til we meet again

Mom and Dad

Sisters

Audrey, Debbie, Michelle and Families

Cody Sharun

June 14, 2021

Today, like many other days brings special thoughts of you, of happy times we shared and caring things you used to do. And once more, it’s a reminder that life’s road is sometimes rough, because the time we shared, just wasn’t long enough. For you were someone special who was thought so highly of, who’ll always be remembered with affection, warmth and love. So sending thoughts to Heaven on the day you went away, And hope you know you’re missed more than words can say.

Lovingly Remembered and Deeply Missed, Baba Sharun

Auntie Sharon & Jim

Auntie Charlotte, Trevor, Stephanie & Family, & Travis

Aunty Marilyn, Uncle Gordon & Family

Uncle Dwayne & Auntie Kim & Family

DOUGLAS, Margaret Fay

March 3, 1937.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother Fay Douglas on June 7, 2023. She leaves behind her husband Ken of 68 years children Shirley, Janice (Cam), Judy (Robin), Jim (Carrie), Darlene (Doug) and Lisa (Arron). Numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren that will miss her dearly. A private celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Hainstock’s Funeral Home & Crematorium 9810 34 Avenue Edmonton, AB T6E 6L1 (780) 440 2999

FEDUN, Albert

Tributes

CARD OF THANKS

SOKALSKI, Jim

PEHOWICH, Eugene Alexander

On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, Eugene Alexander

Pehowich was called home at the age of 92 years. Eugene is survived by his nephew, golf partner and caregiver, Brian (Sandra) Sokalski and family; along with numerous other nephews, nieces and their families. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lil Pehowich; parents, Matthew and Nancy Pehowich; siblings, Joseph (Helen), Josephine (Stan) Gulinosky, Anne (Bill) Huley and Marsha (Eddie) Sokalski; numerous nieces and nephews; and his special friend, Vicki Kiefiuk.

A Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, 5705 - 51 Street in Vegreville. Basilian Fathers officiating with inurnment to follow in Riverside Cemetery. Cremation has taken place in Park Memorial Crematorium.

In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made to the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, 800 College Plaza, 8215 - 112 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8 or to the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, 5705 - 51 Street, Vegreville, AB T9C 1H8. Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com. Park Memorial Vegreville 780-632-2000

Family-Owned Funeral Home And Crematorium

RIDENOUR, Joanne Francis (nee Boyd)

March 3, 1958 - May 30, 2023

Joanne (JoJo) Ridenour, 65 of Barrhead, AB and formerly of Ranfurly, AB passed away peacefully at the Misericordia Hospital in Edmonton, AB on Tuesday May 30, 2023. Her son Courtney was by her side. She was pre-deceased by her parents Maxine Boyd (1995) and Art Boyd (2020).

Joanne is survived by one son, Courtney James Ridenour (Lisa) and one grandson, Annex Ridenour all of Caslan, AB.

She is also survived by 7 siblings, 5 sisters and 2 bothers, Sandy (Don) Fisher of Royston, BC, Don Whyte (Sue) of Surrey, BC, Debbie (Karl Pickup) of Bruce, AB, Linda (Lester Geier) of Two Hills, AB, Patricia (Harvey Kuzio) of Ardrossan, AB, Karen of Ranfurly, AB, and Barry of Ranfurly, AB. Joanne is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Joanne grew up on a farm north of Ranfurly and attended Vegreville Composite High School. After graduation she moved to Edmonton and worked in the accounting and clerical field. In her mid-twenties she married Brian Ridenour of Vegreville. Sadly, in less than a year after marriage Joanne was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, which slowly, year after year, compromised her health and mobility. Happily, earlier on, she was blessed with her son Courtney. As time passed, JoJo’s health progressively declined and she spent most of her adult life with mobility and pain issues. She could no longer be employed. She spent decades in her wheelchair. Joanne was a fighter and she had a strong will to battle her physical challenges. Miraculously she remained lucid and composed until her passing. We are proud of her tremendous endurance and her quick wit and humour when it often surfaced. It was there until she passed.

Prior to her physical restrictions holding her back she was active in sports, especially curling and softball. Horseback riding was a favourite pastime too. She liked to cook and garden and watch hockey on TV. Joanne had a treasured dog, Jessie, and cats over her lifetime.

To these pets she was very loyal. She continued to enjoy watching farm cattle and horses at her small rural property in Barrhead.

Joanne will be truly missed by all her friends and family left to cherish her memory.

Please join us for Joanne’s Celebration of Life which will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Ranfurly School. Interment of her urn will follow at the Ranfurly Cemetery.

WIRSTUK, Erna

September 29, 1935 – June 9, 2023

On Friday, June 9, 2023, Erna Wirstuk of Andrew, Alberta passed away at the age of 87 years.

Erna is survived by her loving family, three sons Randy (Christine), Ron (Heather) and Arnold (Wendy); four grandchildren Trent (Shantel), Trevor, Krystal and Evonne (Myroslav); great grandchildren Jackson, Abby, Chase and Cohen; one sister Evelyn (Eugene) Lamash; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Erna was predeceased by her husband Peter; grandson Clayton; her parents Andrew and Rose Andriuk; siblings Bill, George and Mary.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kahwin. Reverend Father Benny Ambrosie officiating with interment to follow in the Church Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the “Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kahwin” or the charity of one’s choice.

Special thanks to the staff at the Two Hills Health Care Centre along with Jennifer and Kim from the Lamont Home Care Team for all their care and compassion shown to Erna.

To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com

Autumn Rose Funeral Home Ltd. Vegreville, 780-603-5800.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Ranfurly Cemetery (In Memoriam of Joanne Ridenour) Box 155 Ranfurly, AB T0B 3T0 Or cash donations are also graciously accepted by contacting Sandy at the Celebration of Life or calling 780-432-1601 (South Side Memorial Chapel) to have your phone number forwarded to Sandy for e-transfer contributions.

ULAN, John July 7, 1929 – June 8, 2023

On Thursday, June 8, 2023, John Ulan, formerly of Vegreville, Alberta passed away peacefully at the Lamont Health Care Centre at the age of 93 years.

John is survived by his sister Alexandra Yakimchuk; his brother Ray (Darlene); along with numerous nieces, nephews and their families. John was predeceased by his parents Andrew and Jessie Ulan; brother Orest (Esther); brother-in-law William Yakimchuk.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 16, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Russo-Greek Orthodox Church - Mundare, Alberta (directions from Mundare, travel north of Mundare on SH 855 to TWP RD 540 turn left (west) travel 1 mile to RR170 – 540022A RGE RD 170) with Father Alexios Surayev officiating. Interment to follow in the St. James Russo-Orthodox Church Cemetery – Mundare. Memorial donations may be made to the St. James Russo-Orthodox Church –Mundare or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. The family would like to thank the staff at the Lamont Health Care Centre and the Vegreville Manor for their care and support.

To send condolences please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com

AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD.

Vegreville, 780-603-5800

We extend our deepest gratitude to our family, friends, church family and the rest of our community who have shown us such love and support since Jim’s passing. We thank the EMS, Vegreville Fire Department, RCMP and Victim Services for working tirelessly and with great respect to see that Jim’s dignity was preserved. We are also grateful to Janet, Dale and Steve at Park Memorial, Fr. Damian and Fr. Robert for their compassion and great care in carrying out Jim’s wishes. Thanks to the choir, altar servers, readers and kitchen helpers at the funeral service. Thank you for the offers of help, baby-sitting services, lawn mowing, gardening, horse trading, food, yard security, emails, flowers, phone calls, cards, visits and donations made in his name. We thank God for each one of you and keep you in our prayers. Most importantly, we thank God for blessing our lives with Jim. Hedi and Family

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KOTYSHYN, Anna

August 29, 1928 – June 13, 2023

It with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Anna Kotyshyn (nee Sorochan) of Vegreville, Alberta formerly of Myrnam on June 13th after a brief illness.

Anna was 94 years of age.

Anne is lovingly remembered by her son Terry and her daughter in law Denise; along with many nieces and nephews, and numerous friends and family members.

Anne was predeceased by her loving husband Jerry; her two babies, Eugene and Boris; her brother Bill (Loretta); and her parents Mike and Mary Sorochan.

Anna was an integral member of her church community and loved to help the Women’s League in the kitchen.

A huge thank you to the staff at both Heritage House and Vegreville Manor, the nurses at St. Joseph’s Hospital and also to Dr. Hassaballah for their kindness and support.

PHILLIPS, Daryl Lawrence

January 25, 1963 – May 27, 2023

On Saturday, May 27, 2023, Daryl Phillips of Vegreville, Alberta passed away. Daryl is survived by his loving family, wife Brenda; son Bretton; his father Robert Phillips and his mother Margo Phillips; brother Howard (Michelle); sisters Angie Phillips, Debbie (Brian) Kirby, Laura Kelly (Doug Langkow) and Jamie Phillips (Clay Mackinnon); along with numerous relatives and friends. Daryl was predeceased by his grandparents George and Edna Phillips and Otto and Margrita Thiel.

Cremation has taken place. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to KidSport Vegreville (County of Minburn) Box 101, Vegreville, Alberta,T9C 1R1 or by following this link https://kidsportcanada.ca/alberta/vegreville/ donate/

AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD.

Vegreville, 780-603-5800

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. with Rt. Rev. Fr. Slawomir Lomaszkiewicz officiating. Interment to follow in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the “Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Vladimir” or “charity of one’s choice”. To send condolences, please visit www.autumnnrosefuneralhome.com Autumn Rose Funeral Home Ltd., Vegreville, 780-603-5800.

Love of Aviation - CONTINUED from FRONT PAGE

Some of the people who helped out with the breakfast. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

dent so Cameron was assigned the role of saying how the event turned out. “It went really well. It was a lot of fun. Everyone got together to help out and everyone enjoyed it. Children always like this event.”

VFC President Ed Lefsrud, who is a hobby pilot, told his own story about pilots. “I have been flying planes for 33 years.

I am a farmer so I use it to do business too. The best part is the people who fly planes. I took a trip to Oskosh, Wisconsin with another pilot for a big aircraft

show where around 7,000 people showed up. We got there and two days later, I lost my cellphone and it got returned to me. People involved with aircraft are some of the most honest people around; you can tell your family’s secrets to them or anything else.”

Jerry Kallal from Tofield mentioned that he just loves aircraft and he owns three planes.

Six-year-old Avery Yaremcio who got to go inside one of the planes said he definitely wants to fly a plane when he grows up.

Pilots fly in with their aircraft. (Rosanne

Guests visiting and looking at the aircraft. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Families enjoying the event. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Zach and Avery Yaremcio conducting pre-flight checks. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Fortier/ Photo)

Vegreville RCMP Execute Search Warrants and Charge Four People

Alberta RCMP

Submitted

Vegreville, Alta. - On June 6, 2023, Vegreville RCMP executed two search warrants on two separate properties in the Town of Vegreville in relation to stolen property. The search recovered methamphetamine and approximately $7,000.00 in stolen property linked to numerous investigations in the Vegreville area. As a result, four people were arrested and charged.

Brendan Leid (40), a resident of Vegreville, has been charged with:

• Break and enter into a residence

• Theft over $5,000.00

• Mischief

• Possession of stolen property over $5,000.00

• Breach of a release order

• Breaches of probation order (x5)

Amanda Hawke (41), a resident of Vegreville, has been charged with:

• Possession of stolen property over $5,000.00

• Breach of a court order (x2)

Curtis Spencer (43), a resident of Vegreville, has been charged with:

• Possession of stolen property over $5,000.00

• Break and enter into a residence

• Theft over $5,000.00.

Clayton Males (26), a resident of Vegreville, was charged with:

• Escaping lawful custody

• Break and enter into a residence

• Theft over $5000.00.

After Judicial Interim Release hearings, Brendan Lebid and Amanda Hawke were remanded in custody for Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville on June 12, 2023.

Curtis Spencer was released by the courts on a $150.00 Promise to Pay with a court date of June 26, 2023, in Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville.

Clayton Males was released by the courts on $50.00 cash, also appearing in Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville on June 26, 2023.

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

Only

Internet Service Representative

DigitalWeb is a local family-owned Internet Service company that operates alongside our IT company VM Systems.

Our research and development approach at DigitalWeb allows us to continue to provide flat rate internet service in the rural areas surrounding Vegreville as well as in-town.

We are actively seeking a dynamic, organized, and self-motivated individual to join our in-house team.

This new position will be all about DigitalWeb and looking after its in-house needs.

If you are looking to join a company at the entry level and be given the opportunity to learn and grow, we have the ideal position for the right candidate.

Duties include:

● manage customer accounts

● manage hardware

● arrange/manage service calls

● prepare tickets and reports

● assist technicians

● troubleshoot internet services

● opportunity to join the technicians on service calls

ASSISTANT CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OPPORTUNITY

County of Two Hills No. 21

Are you interested in how the wheels of government turn? If so, then we have a job for you. Under the general supervision of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) the Assistant CAO, will assist the CAO with managing day to day operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of success in municipal government, with expertise in managing budgets, leading teams and working collaboratively. This candidate will possess excellent communication skills and have the ability to build positive relationships with the CAO and Management Team.

We are seeking a candidate who:

• Demonstrates a high degree of personal initiative, organizational skills, reliability, professionalism and respect

• Has exceptional communication skills

• Excels in a fast-paced environment

• Possesses excellent time management skills and can balance multiple priorities and jobs

• Can evaluate and determine priority of all tasks

• Can maintain professionalism with all political and sensitive matters

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Strong interpersonal skills to assist effectively with the public

• Municipal Government experience is preferred

Skills required:

● completed grade 12 education

● strong command of the English language, spoken

Contact: VM Systems, P.O. Box 315, Vegreville, AB T9C 1R3

Fax: 780-632-7981

E-mail: hr@vm-systems.com

• Work closely with the senior management team

• Attend all meetings of Council and Committees of Council and meetings of such Boards, Authorities and other bodies as are required by Council

• Minimum of 3 years experience in a senior leadership role

• Experience in strategic planning, succession planning and team management

• Any and all duties assigned by the CAO

Interested applicants are invited to submit their detailed resume, outlining your skills & experience (together with no less than 2 references) & salary expectations to the undersigned, until a suitable candidate is found.

Please send your resume no later than June 16th along with 2 references to: Sally Dary, CAO Box 490, Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0 sdary@thcounty.ab.ca

The Great Benjamins Circus Presents a Storm of Entertainment

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

People were able to witness an unimaginable array of feats and stunts at The Great Benjamins Circus at Wally Fedun Arena in Vegreville on June 8.

John Davenport is a third-generation circus performer who created this circus with his brother Jairo. The performers originated out of Mexico and the United States. They are supporters of multiculturalism and have diverse multi-cultural performers in their acts.

The acts offered a family friendly experience which included a hula hoop lady, high flying aerial acts, gravitydefying jugglers, clowns and more. The audience gasped, cheered and clapped during the performances.

Chase Flasha, who is seven-years-old, said the circus was good. “I liked the cotton candy treat the best.”

Cindy Flasha, who is an adult, admitted that this was the first circus she ever attended. “It was really good. I really like

You

the hula-hoop lady. It was amazing the way she could keep all the hula-hoops on her and the stunts she could do with them. She is very talented.”

This event was possible because Daniel Kuzmic, Parks, Recreation and Facilities Manager for Town of Vegreville, said the workers from this circus reached out to them last winter, and they facilitated them.

Circus performers entertaining the audience. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Some of the people in the audience. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

The hula-hoop lady. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

you never forget this school and how much it and the people within its walls have helped us. I’m so glad I get to have the two of you as classmates, even if it was just for one year.”

Zimmer expressed her appreciation to the board, parents, superintendent, principal, fellow students and community for working so hard to open HRA and have a successful school year.

Even though it only feels like it’s only been a minute, I think I speak for all three of us when I say this has been my favourite school, with my favourite people, my favourite teachers and the coolest principal. Thank you to all my friends and classmates for making this year one to remember. We maybe a small class, but we are proud to be the first graduating class of Holden Rural Academy. Be bold. Be courageous. Be your best.”

Zimmer’s mom Lee-Ann provided the response on behalf of the parents. “Be bold. Be courageous. Be your best. Which is a fitting theme for the first graduating class of Holden Rural Academy. It took a bold, courageous be your best group of people to take an idea and turn it into the reality of Holden Rural Academy. Thank you to all of those involved in that endeavour.

And for Alyssa, it does feel like just a minute ago you were starting pre-school and we blinked and here you are graduating this school. Congratulations to the three of you as you all took a bold step attending this school for your Grade 12 year. We hope you continue to be bold and courageous and take on new challenges in the next

Notice of Public Hearing

The County of Minburn No. 27 has completed a full review of its Municipal Development Plan (MDP) document to reflect the following revisions: updated vision statement, simplified Agriculture and Rural Residential policies and regulations to be consistent with the Land Use Bylaw, new policy to provide direction for future development in Ranfurly, new policy to reference the County’s Broadband Strategy, new policies for Conservation Reserve and Conservation Easements, new objectives for renewable energy development, simplified references to Conceptual Schemes and Area Structure Plans to provide clarity, and minor edits to improve the flow and readability of the document.

On March 27, 2023 County Council granted first reading to proposed Bylaw 1339-23.

A public hearing has been scheduled for Monday, June 19, 2023, at 11:00 am, in the Council Chambers of the County of Minburn No. 27, located at 4909 – 50 Street, Vegreville, AB. The purpose of the hearing is to allow persons to make known their own views with respect to proposed Bylaw 1339-23.

Written comments regarding the proposed bylaw may be emailed, dropped off or mailed to the County of Minburn No. 27 at Box 550, 4909 – 50 Street, Vegreville, AB T9C 1R6 until 4:30 PM, Thursday, June 15, 2023. Written comments must contain the name and address (including legal land description) of the person(s) making the submission as well as their comments regarding proposed Bylaw 133923. Please note that your comments will be made part of the public record.

Should you wish to make a verbal presentation to County Council at the public hearing, you must contact the County office at 780-632-2082 and indicate your wish to do so prior to 4:30 PM on Thursday, June 15, 2023.

A copy of the bylaw is available for public inspection during regular office hours at the County of Minburn office located in the County Administration Building, 4909 –50 Street, Vegreville, AB. An electronic copy of the document may also be viewed on the County’s website at www.minburncounty.ab.ca.

Should you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Davin Gegolick, Director of Planning and Development at 780-632-2082 (ext. 1111) or at dgegolick@minburncounty.ab.ca.

chapter of your lives. As parents we only want you to find your happy and create your best self. Be bold. Be courageous. Be your best. Congratulations Holden Rural Academy Class of 2023.”

Following the ceremony, Principal Dewar talked about the graduates, their special qualities and their plans for the future. Overall, Dewar said the school year has been great. “We’ve had great support from every community. You can go to Mundare, Vegreville, Viking, Bruce, Daysland, Ryley, Tofield, Lindbrook and Holden.”

Enrolment continues to grow, and Dewar said they will be adding a bus to serve the areas of Vegreville and Mundare. We got a couple more calls from the Bruce area, and two new students from Daysland this morning.”

There are many things that set HRA apart and even in such a small span of time it is proving to be one of rural Alberta’s greatest success stories yet.

For Sale or Rent

Holden

Holden Graduation - CONTINUED below

Holden Graduation - CONTINUED from above

Principal Brian Dewar. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Principal Brian Dewar shakes Cordell Janzen’s hand. Looking on is teacher Carmen Nicholson. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Motorcycle Ride for Dad Participants Enjoy Warm Welcome in Mundare

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

An estimated 750 bikers rode into the Town of Mundare on June 10 and stayed for a couple of hours to enjoy down home hospitality and lunch during the Motorcycle Ride For Dad which raises funds for prostate cancer research.

Established in 2007, the Edmonton Chapter of the Motorcycle Ride For Dad has raised more than $3 million for the fight against prostate cancer.

John Breen, who is involved in sponsorship and held the position of Ride Caption for this year’s edition of the Edmonton Motorcycle Ride For Dad, stated: “It started off in Ottawa with two guys, Garry Janz and Byron Smith, who had a friend who was dying of cancer and they asked if there was anything we can do for you. The doctors said they know what it is, but they don’t know why and they don’t know how so get some people together and get some research going and that’s basically how it happened. Three good friends who rode motorcycles together and one of them near death and it

Antique

went from there.”

Breen said the Ride For Dad takes place in every province and in every territory throughout the nation. “The people are all in. As I said this morning, one family, one fight, and here we are.”

Co-organizer Terry Willisko said it feels great to be back in the community Mundare has always been a great supporter of us. The Town of Mundare has been incredible. Stawnichy’s has been incredible.” Co-organizer Nelson Santos added, “They have stepped up fabulously, and done an amazing job.” He introduced researchers Desmond Pink and Catalina Vasquez. “These people do amazing things.”

Pink said that, “Coming here to do this re-energizes us every single year. To get to that first big success there’s a lot of failures and this gives us energy to keep doing this.” Vasquez added, “This is very

powerful. We have hundreds and hundreds of people all working together towards a common goal not to have a single man die of prostate cancer.”

She went on to say, “Our hope as well is that we start to get more early detection because more and more men will get screened.” Pink said the most important thing avoid unnecessary biopsies so they actually get treated as early as possible.

In terms of where funds raised through the ride have been allocated, Vasquez replied, “We have used all the money to develop a better test to diagnose prostate cancer. That is very important because right now the screening test for prostate cancer is PSA, (prostate specific antigen) which is very unspecific for cancer. That means that up to 85 percent of men with elevated PSA don’t have cancer, but because they have an elevated PSA a lot of them are going for biopsy to see if they

cancer or not.

Biopsies are invasive procedures that come with adverse events. Some men have actually died of because of the biopsy and did not have cancer. So, since we started out doing our research more than 10 years ago we knew we need something that was better than PSA and less invasive than biopsies to start diagnosing men with prostate cancer.

So, we have run clinical studies. We have recruited thousands of patients to validate the test that we developed for prostate cancer. So, basically when a man has an elevated PSA they are going to run our test. The tests predicts the results of the biopsy. With that we’re hoping to avoid close to 40 percent of unnecessary biopsies in the province.”

How close are you to implementing this test? Vasquez responded, “We did all of the validation. We already met with the FDA and with Health Canada. We are partnering with DynaLife Medical Labs here in Alberta and we’re launching in either September or October of this year.” The plan is to make the test available across Canada and the United States in the future.

Mundare Mayor Cheryl Calinoiu expressed her gratitude to Ride For Dad organizers and participants on behalf of town council, business owners and community members for “honouring our town with such a meaningful charity event.

Watching the bikes drive in was so overwhelming and beautiful. People I have talked to on Saturday either know someone or have went through it themselves. I look forward to another event like this to come to our town.”

Main Photo: Participants heading over the railway tracks to the downtown area. Above: Official Ride for Dad flag. Top Right: Stop over on Main Street in Mundare. Bottom Right: For Dad volunteers Dwight Thomas and Gordon Creelman. (Michelle Pinon/Photos)