Vegreville News Advertiser - May 1, 2024

WHAT’S INSIDE

April 24

April 22

10:17 – Report of fraud when client attended the detachment to report a scam where they e-transferred $1,500 for the purchase of a sea can. The sea can was never delivered as agreed upon. Statement and supporting documentation provided. Under investigation.

10:30 – Report of a suspicious vehicle parked at a residence in Vegreville. Members attended and noted the vehicle was on private property and not drivable. The back window was covered, but plain view search determined no one was inside. Complainant updated.

12:23 – Report with a 24 hour time delay of a grey Dodge pick-up truck in Mundare with no license plate. Members conducted patrols but no vehicle matching the description was located.

13:59 – Report of a collision where the complainant had pulled over to the shoulder of the highway in a tractor trailer. The subject was driving westbound and clipped the complainant’s trailer. The subject of complaint was issued a ticket for failing to pass safely.

16:07 – Report of vehicle vs cement pillar in a Vegreville parking lot. The client attended the detachment to report and obtain a damage sticker.

17:45 – Report of someone pulling a trailer and swerving multiple times outside the lane of travel. Complainant agreed to provide a statement. Ticket being issued for failing to maintain lane.

April 23

09:55 – Report of children ringing doorbells during the evening and night causing a nuisance to neighbours. Statement on file.

14:28 – Report of two license plates missing from vehicles at a Vegreville business. Plates entered in the RCMP database.

06:09 – Report of a Ford F250 and 20 foot flat deck stolen from a fenced yard. CCTV shows one male and one female subject walk across the open field next to the yard, entered the truck and then drove through the entrance gate smashing it with the truck. Truck was unlocked with spare keys in the vehicle. Vehicle added to the RCMP database. Under investigation.

08:38 – Report from a commercial location that the company compound was broken into over night and fuel was stolen. Registration for a vehicle stolen the night prior out of Bonnyville was recovered.

14:09 – Report of a snow blade, pipe and old tires located at a commercial site. Complainant was advised that they could dispose of the items.

April 25

08:42 – Report of mischief related to an ongoing neighbour dispute.

12:16 – Complainant reports that the neighbour shot both of the complainant’s cats.

23:13 – Report of a tenant who packed up and left while stealing a toolbox and other items from the property. Tenant also left a mess but did not cause any property damage.

April 26

11:11 – Report of a family member who was intoxicated and causing a disturbance in the complainant’s home. Member responded but the subject was gone on arrival. Complainant advised that they did not want the subject to return for the remainder of the day. Members notified the subject.

12:58 – Report of someone driving a white Dodge truck who the complainant believes is a scammer trying to sell asphalt. Complainant indicated that the interaction was from the previous day and they believed the subject was headed to Viking.

April 27

03:15 – Report of tools stolen from the box of the complainant’s truck while he was working in his shop. Tools worth approximately $2,500. CCTV shows a male in a white hoodie. Under investigation.

15:00 – Report of a suspicious vehicle on property. Members responded and located the subject who had parked his vehicle and went for a walk with his two sons carrying two airsoft rifles. Complainant requested the subject be educated about coming on to private property.

23:00 – Report of excessive noise. Members attended and observed a house party. Members advised the gathering to keep the noise down.

During the week there were 60 calls for service made in total including: 0 false 911s, 1 false alarms, 1 animal strike, 3 relationship violence, 4 calls under the Mental Health Act or related to mental health, and approximately 15 tickets or warnings from traffic enforcement.

18:16 – Complainant reports witnessing a drug deal. Under investigation.

21:51 – Reports of a deer in the middle of Hwy 15 between Hilliard and Mundare. Sheriffs were dispatched to the location but patrols for the animal turned up negative.

14:29 – Report of disturbance and a request for members to attend the complainant’s home. Complainant stated that there was a verbal and physical altercation, and the subject was told to leave. Subject left and members later informed the subject not to return.

14:41 – Report of a vehicle thought to be stolen. Vehicle was later located and determined not to be stolen. Complainant was updated.

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.

Beaudette

Minburn County Land Use Bylaw Open Houses Spark Community Engagement

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Interest by community members in the County of Minburn’s recent Land Use Bylaw (LUB) open houses in Lavoy and Mannville was excellent.

County of Minburn Director of Planning and Community Services Davin Gegolick, stated, “The recent open houses held by the County of Minburn to discuss revisions to the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) have proven to be a resounding success, with a total attendance of 60 residents eager to participate in the discussion and provide feedback. The Lavoy Open House on April 16 saw 40 attendees, while the Mannville Open House on April 17 attracted 20 participants.

These were some of the best open houses I’ve been a part of, expressing a general sense of satisfaction among residents regarding the proposed revisions” says Davin Gegolick, Director of Planning and Community Services for the County of Minburn. He goes on to explain that the exciting aspect of these changes is that they go beyond mere practical adjustments and could have a significant impact on residents’ daily lives. For instance, the revised bylaw may make it easier for residents to keep bees or hens in their backyard or to pursue their dream of owning a tiny home. Additionally, the County is streamlining the approval process for certain land uses, reducing the time spent on permit applications and allowing residents to focus more on enjoying their properties.

The engagement and enthusiasm displayed by residents at these open houses underscore the importance of community involvement in shaping local policies. By actively participating in these discussions, residents are not only voicing their opinions but also contributing to the development of a more inclusive and responsive regulatory framework that reflects the needs and aspirations of the community.”

Gegolick added that, “The high level of community engagement is not surprising, considering the importance of the LUB in governing various aspects of land use, such as permitted and discretionary uses, lot sizes, setbacks, building heights, and other regulations.

We also took the time to explain to residents what benefits they might see from the changes. These topics often resonate strongly with residents, motivating them to actively participate in the discussions.

The feedback gathered from these open houses is currently being incorporated into proposed bylaw tweaks, which will be presented to County Council in May. This process will culminate in a final report and an open public hearing with Council on June 17 at 10:30 am.

Residents can expect to find a summary of the proposed changes posted on County website.”

Open House in Lavoy on April 16. (County of Minburn/Submitted Photo)

Planning to Fail

Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser – Opinion

There have been many interesting conversations prompted by the release of the federal budget a couple of weeks ago. Much of what was revealed was to be expected, while other parts came as quite a surprise to many.

One theme that caught my attention was the argument about how competent some feel the current government IS or ISN’T. On the surface, we have PM with a BA in literature and an education degree and a Finance Minister who studied Russian history and literature, has a Masters in Slavonic studies and worked in journalism. Both are obviously smart individuals, but are either really qualified to do the jobs they are currently employed in? Each of us will have an opinion on that question.

The biggest surprise to many Canadians, a large portion of whom are struggling (federal data states 1 in 4 Canadians struggle to make ends meet) was surrounding the changes to Canada’s capital gains tax. While the Canadian tax system is insanely complicated, the bottom line is that the share of capital gains over $250,000 which will be taxed is increasing from 50 percent to 67 percent.

The government says the change will affect about 12 percent of Canadian corporations as well as Canadians with an average

income of $1.42 million, but we are learning that reality may be more than a little different. Some people are now realizing that the Trudeau government now considers them “wealthy.” While a person’s primary residence is not impacted, if someone had purchased a cottage or a rental property or fixer-upper, any money they make over $250,000 will be taxed at a higher rate. So much for working hard and investing wisely. The government doesn’t care that you don’t get a golden pension from a government office and that the rental property may be your retirement plan, they are going to tax you without any concerns.

Business organizations and entrepreneurs are voicing concerns about the move impacting innovation and investment in Canada. The Canadian Medical Association has voiced concerns for the same reasons. Doctors, like small businesses do not have pension plans and invest in their practice for retirement. For our more urban readers, this holds true for famers as well. These rules also impacts property that is inherited.

Circling back to the original question of competence, I have heard the argument that this move is either pure genius or the first step to a complete implosion of the Liberal party. Why else would you tax the core wealth (and tax) generating sector in the country when productivity is on a steady decline? Some think since the phrase “ultra-wealthy” is being bandied about, this is a political move to engage voters who feel corporations are taking advantage of them and create a wedge issue on which to campaign. They are looking to the same voters as it happens, who brought Trudeau to power when promised sunny ways and a budget that balanced itself.

There is also the notion that, given the recent news of a rush to sell off investment properties, the government could reverse course at the last minute, collect all the capital gains tax at the current level and use the influx of cash to bolster the bottomline showing Canadians they are running less of a deficit and are also the good guys. This could also provide the cash injection so desperately needed to prevent Canada from being handed a credit downgrade because of the current lack of fiscal management.

A few things to note while you draw your own conclusions. The Chrétien Liberals actually cut the capital gains tax rate in 2000. Despite the promise to tax big companies, last Thursday, the federal government along with Ontario announced a Honda EV battery plant. The federal portion of the handout to Honda was about $2.5 billion or $2.5 million per job.

I’m finding it harder and harder to locate the “generational fairness” in the federal budget. Is it increasing taxes on small businesses and those who invested or worked to get ahead, or is it burdening the coming generations with unprecedented debt?

Someone needs to remind Trudeau and his team that wealth re-distribution is not wealth creation.

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

Vegreville Psychic Fair and Market

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Some of the answers to life’s deepest questions were revealed during the Vegreville Psychic Fair & Market at Vegreville Suites on April 20 and 21. Around 400 people attended the two day event which featured everything from tarot and oracle readings, tea leaf readings, tattoos and piercings, aura pet pictures as well as meditation and pendulum classes.

When questioned what people’s primary reason they attend these events, Coordinator Carmen Rae Pynylo-Bruce responded, “People tend to visit psychics when they are unsure of an answer to an issue that may be weighing heavily on their minds. Just being able to talk it through with guidance from either oracle cards or tarot cards or a reader who can “feel” a possible solution to the issue, really brings a tremendous sense of relief to the person who is coming for guidance and suggestions.”

Pynylo-Bruce provided an overview of offerings available to attendees. “We were offering workshops throughout the weekend starting with a Beginner’s Pendulum class taught by Valerie Anne Psychic Medium, next was Tanya Mackie teaching an Intuitive Tree workshop with Laura Pryatel from Lamont teaching a Tea Cup Planter workshop. Tanya then ended the evening of April 20 with ‘Discovering the Sacred You’ workshop. April 21 started us with the workshop

We had 14 product and food vendors, as well as, Crave Appetite was on site and Gogo’s Tea and Health showcased and sold her very popular fresh teas.

We featured six readers with two different therapies (access bars and sacral cranio) as well as offered meditation under a quantum copper pyramid which was a very unique experience and was appreciated by all.”

Fabulous You by Jodie Ward, as well as, another Tea Cup Planter workshop and Beginner’s pendulum class for those unable to attend on April 20.

Shaman Rebeka from Mystic Roots Apothecary offered free mini tea leaf reading classes for 30 minutes on April 20 and 21. She was able to use Gogo’s Tea and Health Teas to offer an idea of how tea leaf reading can be done.

We had 14 product and food vendors, as well as, Crave Appetite was on site and Gogo’s Tea and Health showcased and sold her very popular fresh teas.

We featured six readers with two different therapies (access bars and sacral cranio) as well as offered meditation under a quantum copper pyramid which was a very unique experience and was appreciated by all.”

When asked how it went overall, Coordinator Carmen Rae Pynylo-Bruce explained that the place had a positive buzz type of atmosphere. “People felt seen, welcomed and listened to. My objective for having this event was to help people who wish to know more about themselves, the world and the universe we live in.

I brought in Deanna Miller, a popular local artist to showcase how art can create and deepen that emotional connection and intuition we all have.

As a sound bath practitioner, I use sound where Deanna uses art, to help people become more open and less restrictive in their own lives.”

She went on to say, “I could not have had such a successful event without volunteers and community support. We all worked together to lift each other!”

Psychic Medium Sarah Jane Kazarian from Vegreville has a 20 year background in social work and juggles an interest in spirituality and intuition on the side. “There are many similarities between social work and psychic mediums/spiritual teachers. I think being able to connect with people, being empathetic, and being a good listener are the big ones. These professions are ultimately about helping people find ways to cope, heal, and come through life’s challenges to move forward. They both deal with grief and loss, addictions, mental health, family dynamics, and tragedy that shape and change us. And both are about helping people through those life events, without judgment.

I connect with people’s energy through their name and date of birth and with oracle cards, and from there I start to sense, see, hear, feel, and get messages from their guides, angels, and loved ones on the other side. I do find it’s an extremely accurate system that I use with

People enjoying the event.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

90 Years Ago – May 2, 1934

Mr. Bender took another job last Friday night when he graciously consented to accept the presidency of the baseball club for this season. As chairman of the public works committee of the town council, he claims he already puts two-thirds of his time into that job; the baseball club will take up another third, and the rest of the time he will hoe his garden and dispense the odd hair-cut and shave. Saturday’s rainfall was a blessing to most farmers in the Shandro district as dust storms were beginning to be quite common. S.M. Fedoruk and N.A. Shandro finished seeding their wheat several hours before the shower.

Calves and pigs are springing up all around Whitford. Albeston Bros. have fifty-five young ones.

Last of April in Whitford and we are covered with a blanket of snow. It will do a lot of good for grazing pasture as well as make summer-fallow land easier to work.

Two large buildings were moved from Willingdon last week and placed on the corner of Whitford town site. Carpenters and painters have been at work and reports say they are for Engine Houses.

75 Years Ago – May 4, 1949

Alf Neibrandt, a farmer of Wallace district near Yorkton, owes his life to his faithful dog. Mr. Neibrandt was attacked by a purebred Hereford bull. The animal tossed him into the air. Stunned by his fall he was unable to move when the animal began to gore him. The cattle dog, however, came to the rescue and kept the bull away until help arrived. Mr. Neibrandt disposed of the bull.

J. Hyska, warden at Riding Mountain National Park recently shot the largest timber wolf he has ever seen. It measured seven feet in length and weighed 125 pounds.

Fifty million cocoa trees on the African Gold Coast are said to be threatened with a virus disease that endangered the world’s supply of cocoa.

The amount of work that has gone into the mining of medals campaign stars, clasps, and oak leaves – the eagerly awaited Service decorations of hundreds of thousands of Canadian men and women – is revealed in figures released this week in Ottawa. As almost everyone who enlisted for “active service” is entitled to a War Medal, some 1,060,000 have been ordered. For sheer numbers, this is rivaled only by the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal of which 900,000 medals and 524,000 clasps – denoting service outside Canada are being struck.

50 Years Ago – May 2, 1974

Hot on the heels of one of the worst floods Vegreville has seen came a two to three-inch snowfall which will rapidly disappear and contribute to an additional flow of water in the Vermilion River. While no particular concern is expressed about the snow at present, any amount of moisture only delays the cleaning up of the flooded areas of the community.

At the Vimy Night Social at the Vegreville Legion, Miss Trudy Sribney, a grade eight student from St. Martin’s, was the happy recipient of a certificate and medallion, which was the Zone level first prize award for her Remembrance Day poem entitled “The Hand of Peace.”

A poorly attended meeting of the Vegreville Golf Club held in the Curling Rink saw the election of Bill Boyd to the presidency of that group. Mr. Boyd will be assisted by Willie Hantiuk, vice president, Norm Henderson, secretary, and Mrs. Marion Stewart, treasurer.

Sister Ruth, administrator of St. Joseph’s General Hospital, Vegreville, has sent out an emergent appeal for people to refrain from attempting to visit the Hospital.

25 Years Ago – May 4, 1999

A committee of concerned residents has been formed and is ready to put together a presentation to forward to Health Minister Halvar Jonson pertaining to the closure of the third floor in St. Joseph’s Hospital. The committee consists of Town Councillor Richard Coleman, Lawyer Peter Dobbie, Town Councillor Rod Stewart, St. Joseph’s Administrator Eugene Rudyk (in an advisory capacity), former Mayor Kay McKenzie, former Mayor Larry Ruptash, Mayor Dave Kucherawy, and County Deputy Reeve Orest Berezon.

The Vegreville Regional Museum Society is the recipient of a grant from the Alberta Museums Association in the amount of $2,550 for the computerization of museum records.

“This year the Board is pleased to announce an allocation of 3% to our members based on their purchases,” Vegreville and District Co-op President Steve Babych announced at the annual meeting.

The Eagle View Senior’s Lodge in Myrnam underwent a complete renovation which included the addition of an attached medical clinic run by three physicians and an attached Alzheimer’s Lodge.

The Two Hills Fire Department was called out to Richard Serna’s residence approximately one mile north of town late Sunday evening, but by the time they arrived, the house was engulfed in flames. The fire flattened the house but fortunately did not spread to any surrounding buildings.

Letters Welcomed

One role of the Vegreville News Advertiser is to promote dialogue on various issues of concern to area residents. We accomplish this by welcoming Letters to the Editor and allowing various issues to be debated through our pages. All letters must contain the writer’s name, address and phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, however the writer’s name may be withheld from publication in special circumstances deemed appropriate by the Publisher. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity, spelling and grammar, taste or for reasons of potential libel. A maximum of 150 words is preferred. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to withhold letters from publication.

Food Insecurity in Canada at a Crisis Stage

Sylvain Charlebois Dalhousie University

There are various metrics to assess a nation’s wealth, and one telling indicator is the proportion of disposable income that its citizens spend on food. While the Trudeau government has expressed a commitment to aid the impoverished and disadvantaged, new data from Statistics Canada reveals that, since the beginning of the pandemic four years ago, their plight has deteriorated.

A vivid illustration of Canada’s economic disparities is evident in the kitchen pantries across the nation, with the divide deepening over time. A longitudinal analysis comparing household disposable income to the percentage of income spent on food highlights an alarming trend of growing disparity.

A troubling trend emerges for the 20 percent of households with the lowest incomes in Canada. In 2001, this group spent 21.2 percent of their disposable income on food purchases, excluding dining out. This percentage peaked at 23.9 percent in 2005, dipped to 21.3 percent in 2012, and then rose again to 23.5 percent in 2016.

Although the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) initially provided some relief during the pandemic, it was short-lived. By 2020, this figure had dropped to 19.1 percent, only to climb back up to 21.3 percent by 2023, with no sign of declining anytime soon.

In stark contrast, the top 20 percent of households with the highest incomes in Canada show a dramatically different economic trajectory. While their disposable income has soared, the percentage spent on food remains consistently low. In 2023, this group allocated only five percent of their income to food – a fraction of what the 20 percent of households with the lowest incomes spend.

This contrast is even more stark against the national average of 9.2 percent, underscoring a grim reality: the poorest Canadians spend more than twice the national average of their income on food. It’s not solely a matter of food inflation: stagnant wages also play a crucial role, as evidenced by the growing reliance on food banks.

national policies on food affordability. They challenge the effectiveness of current social programs and cast doubts on the fairness of our tax system, indicating a systemic problem where the economically disadvantaged devote an excessive portion of their limited resources to meeting basic needs such as food. Despite years of expansive government spending under the Trudeau government, the trend of food affordability continues to move in the wrong direction.

Policy interventions are urgently needed to address the root causes of this inequality. Revisiting the concept of a guaranteed minimum income could help ensure that incomes rise in line with the increasing cost of living. While the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) provided valuable insights from a policy perspective, it also highlighted the limited financial flexibility of households, with food emerging as a primary expense.

Subsidies and tax incentives must be restructured to effectively aid those most in need rather than implementing broad measures that often miss the mark. At a broader level, these disparities prompt us to re-assess the effectiveness of our country’s food programs and underscores the urgent necessity to develop a comprehensive national food policy that prioritizes affordability and access for all Canadians. Regrettably, recent federal budgets have fallen short of addressing these critical issues.

The data from Statistics Canada reveal a tale of two Canadas: one where food security remains accessible and another where it is a constant struggle. This division highlights systemic issues within our society and demands a multifaceted approach to ensure food security for every Canadian.

While the government plays a pivotal role, relying solely on national programs is not the only solution. Many NGOs and community groups, which perform miracles daily, could, with enhanced support, make a significant impact.

As we move forward, it’s crucial for Canada to forge a new path – one that measures the prosperity of its food economy not only by GDP but also by the well-being and food security of all Canadians.

These statistics are more than just numbers; they represent a clarion call for a revaluation of our

the call

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

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A Time to Care

Canadian Royal Purple Lodge No. 125 Finance Committee members who are wearing purple blazers presented a cheque on behalf of this service club to Vegreville Care Centre staff on April 24 to purchase an action mattress overlay ROHO mattress sections to assist residents with maintaining skin integrity and promoting wound healing. People from L-R: Marian Lemiski, Shirley Rattray, Rose Hook, Tammy Eleniak, Shae-Lynn Illingworth, Jasmine Massey, Mary Karbashawski, and Janet Kobylnyk. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

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EMERGENCY RESPONDER

Town of Viking Dives into World of Water Conservation

The Town of Viking officially opened its seasonal raw water pumping station on April 26. Mayor James Buttner had the honour of officially cutting the ribbon before guests headed over to the community hall for an open house and speeches.

Buttner told guests in attendance that Alberta is no stranger to droughts and 2024 is shaping up to be another one of those years, however, they have something in place to tackle it head on.

Father’s Day Event

The Seasonal Raw Water Pumping Station is now officially open! It’s here to make sure that even with the looming drought, we’ve got enough water to go around, not just for now, but for years to come. This pumping station isn’t just some quick fix either. It’s a long-term investment in our community. It’s our way of saying, “Hey, we’re in this together, and we’re making sure everyone’s got what they need.”

Town Council and administration chose to run with this idea for two reasons: First the conservation of drinking water, and

two, drought mitigation to support our Ag neighbors, as well as Fire Fighting efforts.

Currently treated water at the water tower is $12.00/m3. We are offering filtered raw water for $6.00/m3. This system is set up for dual fill with Ag members’ precious time in mind, as well as the urgency of fire-fighting efforts. We have a flow rate of 300 m3 and filtering to 10 micron to suit their needs. This system is completely separate from our

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Bright and Beautiful Jessie Bodnar Turns 104

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

This milestone 104th birthday celebration was hosted by Jessie’s family at Homestead Senior Citizens Lodge in Vegreville on April 29.

Then she lived at this lodge for nine years and the staff has been fabulous. Maybe she has lived long because she has a good environment where she has flourished.”

Jon Zaozirny added that everything was special about his grandmother. “She is just a kind soul and has been such a rock in our lives. She hasn’t aged in 30 years.

I believe she lived so long because she never had a mean bone in her body.”

Some brief notes written in an article submitted by Donna Zaozirny in the Vegreville News Advertiser were: Jessie was the youngest of 13 siblings. Her parents immigrated to Canada from Ukraine in 1901 and started their family on the Babysh Homestead property north of Innisfree. Jessie grew up on the family farm. With her brother’s assistance, Jessie moved to Myrnam to seek employment.

It was at the New Year’s Eve celebration in December 1946 that she met Frank Bodnar.

Frank, a local Myrnam resident, had been stationed in England in World War II, and when he returned he was offered the Postmaster position there.

Jessie’s daughter, Donna Zaozirny admitted that her mother is special because she was always there when her children needed her. “Right now at 104, she still remembers her great-grandchildren Jackson and Hannah Zaozirny’s birthday who are four and two. I credit her longevity to the fact that she never smoked.

When Jessie was asked what she credited for living this long, she replied, “I don’t feel like I am 104. I looked after myself and ate healthy foods. I have a nice family and some good friends. But mostly I think I lived so long because I never drove a car and liked to walk a lot. Homestead Lodge is a nice place to live. The people are all nice and we get along well.”

Jessie and Frank were married on July 29, 1947, and settled in Myrnam. They had two daughters, Edith and Donna. For several years, Jessie stayed home raising the girls; however, as they grew older and started school, Jessie commenced working parttime at the Post Office in Myrnam.

In the early 1980’s, both Frank and Jessie retired from the Post Office and continued to enjoy retirement in Myrnam. In November 1984, Jessie and Frank were blessed with a grandson, Jonathan Michael Zaozirny. In November 1991, Frank passed away and Jessie continued living in Myrnam for an additional year.

Jessie moved to Vegreville in 1992 where she knew many past acquaintances.”

The Town of Vegreville Municipal Development Plan (MDP) has been finalized. The public hearing has been scheduled and will allow the public to speak to Council regarding the proposed bylaws.

Date: May 13th, 2024

Time: 6:30 pm

Location: Town of Vegreville - Council Chambers (4829-50th Street)

Thank you in advance for your participation and feedback.

In the back row from L-R: Edith Bodnar, Jonathan Zaozirny, Jessie’s sonIn-law Marvin Zaeozirny, Donna Zaozirny, and sitting in the front row is Jessie Bodnar. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

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Vegreville and Zone 7 Archers Take Home Medals

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Submitted

Vegreville Wildlife Federation Archers and Zone 7 athletes, were a force to be reckoned with at the Alberta Indoor Archery Provincials held in Red Deer April 5-7. Most of our local archers were the same athletes who competed at Alberta Winter Games 2024 under Coach Jamie Lowes, President of Vegreville Wildlife Federation (VWF).

Archery is a technical sport where details matter, one small deviation can set the arrow off two inches, which means a difference of three to four points. There isn’t much room for error. “We were

competing against close to 125 archers from big clubs all over Alberta. I am very proud of all of our local athletes, their attention, focus and patience; not to mention the amount of training and commitment, helped to deliver amazing results, including a number of personal best scores,” said Coach Jamie.

“We had an awesome time, seeing new friends from the Alberta Winter Games. As well as trying to meet the goals we set for the competition it was a different experience then going to the games, since there were so many archers shooting at

Archery - CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

MOBILE HOMES

Jocelyn Mouyios

VWF Archers and Coaches at Indoor Target Provincials. L-R: Coach Corey Skinner, Sophia Mouyios, Ellyott Perillat, Shaemus Miller, Silas Skinner, Tobias Lehmann, James Lowes, Bryce Lowes, Adianna Monoghan, Kate Bibkewich and Coach Jamie Lowes. (Jocelyn Mouyios/Submitted Photo)

CONTINUED from Front PAGE

stretching the muscles. Dancing is an art form that creates beauty with movement, rhythm, and music. Dance creates an opportunity for personal as well as group development.”

When asked, Owner and Instructor for Vegreville School of Ballet Laura Fleming explained, “Roughly 100 dancers were participating in the show on April 27 ranging in age from three to 18 years of age.

The highlights from the dance season included three festivals, at which our dancers were very successful.

I believe our dancers have

grown together as a team this year. They cheer for each other and are happy when the other dancers are successful.”

When asked, dancers then spoke about their journey with dancing, Dancer Yaleena Gusnowski commented, “I decided to start dancing because I watched other people do it and it made me happy because it looked beautiful.

My favorite part about dancing is dancing on the stage and having fun. Then I like it when the audience encourages us.

My achievements this dancing season have been I won first place for Jazz and I got all gold for my

solo performance in the solo show.”

Another young dance performer Madyson Ziprick said, “When I was three I decided to start dancing because I watched a movie about dancing. I liked this movie because a girl in the show thought she couldn’t dance and then she tried it and she turned out to be the best dancer.

My favorite part about performing is having the experience of entertaining people.

My achievements this dancing season have been it helped me be more positive and helped me make new friends.”

(Rosanne Fortier/Photos)

Emily Malo performs a tap solo. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Hip Hop 2 performs. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Jazz 1 performs. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Tributes

MICKLICH, Shelby Tara-Lee

August 10, 1995 - May 4, 1996

In loving memory of my granddaughter who passed away suddenly twenty-eight years ago.

“THE LITTLEST ANGEL”

The littlest angel in Heaven

Loves kittens and cowboys and fun.

Heaven will never be just as it was

Now that her life there has begun.

She’ll turn fluffy clouds into snowmen

And swing on the stars above.

She will turn golden streets into playgrounds

And fill God’s home up with her love.

She’ll make dandelions out of sunbeams

And find grassy meadows for playing

Her laughter will ring where the great choirs sing,

But she’ll hear us whenever we’re praying

The Littlest Angel in Heaven

Is the one we are longing to see,

For the child that now belongs with Jesus,

Is the child that belonged once to us.

Love always and very sadly missed by Baba Olga Miskiw

Dad, Gido

April 25, 1935 - April 21, 1999

Time may heal the broken heart,

Time may make the world less sore,

But time can never stop the longing

For the loved one gone before.

I think of him in silence,

His name I oft recall,

There is nothing left to answer.

But his picture on the wall.

His weary hours and days of pain

His troubled nights are past;

In our aching hearts we know

He has found sweet rest at last.

You’re not forgotten, Father, dear

Nor ever shall you be.

As long as life and memory last

I shall remember thee.

Nothing can ever take away

The love a heart holds dear,

Fond memories linger every day

Remembrance keeps him near.

Those who we loved go out of sight,

But never out of mind;

They are cherished in the hearts

Of those they leave behind.

His dear bright eyes and cheerful face

Are pleasant to recall;

He had a loving word for each

And died beloved by all.

Remembering you with love, Crystal Kuhn, Brayden Zabrick & Kuhn family

MICKLICH, Shelby Tara-Lee

August 10, 1995 - May 4, 1996

In memory of our daughter and sister who passed away suddenly twenty-eight years ago.

JESUS IS SHE WITH YOU?

Jesus is she with you?

I wonder everyday

I sit and wonder why she’s gone

And why she could not stay

Every part of me is empty

I feel I can’t go on

But then I look to Heaven

I hear this beautiful song

Mommy I am with Him

He holds me in His arms

Whenever I am with Him

He keeps me safe and warm

He always says you shouldn’t worry

I am safe and loved right here

With all the other baby angels

That passed within the years

We have a special place up here

He thought that you should know

Where the blessed mother takes

Your place for now until you show

When I hear this precious little voice

From the Heavens above I know that all the angels

Are showering her with love

For everyone that wants to hear

Their baby’s voice so innocent and sweet

Just close your eyes and begin to pray

And embrace them in your sleep

We miss you very much Shelby Luv Always, Mommy, Daddy, Joshua and Kiara Micklich, Caylib and Hayley Micklich, and Zachary Micklich

GIEBELHAUS, Arnold Wayne

June 16, 1950 – April 25, 2024

On Thursday, April 25, 2024, Arnold Giebelhaus, formerly of Vegreville, Alberta and Two Hills, peacefully passed away at the Mary Immaculate Health Care Centre in Mundare, Alberta at the age of 73 years.

Arnold is survived by his brother Ernie (Charlene) and their children Tracey (George) Tourigny along with their family Candace (Logan) and their children Brecken and Greyden: and Kody; and Blair Giebelhaus; also survived by numerous cousins and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Autumn Rose Funeral Home (5036-51 Ave) in Vegreville, Alberta with Chaplin Dwayne Buhler as the celebrant. Interment to follow in the Salem United Church Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Covenant Health Foundation c/o Mary Immaculate Health Centre –Mundare; Hillside Senior Citizens Lodge – Two Hills; or the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at the Hillside Senior Citizens Lodge- Two Hills for the care shown during the 19 years that Arnie was a resident.

To send condolences, please visit www. autumnrosefuneralhome.com

AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. Vegreville, 780-603-5800

TYMCHYSHYN, Iris

August 24, 1940 – April 25, 2024

On Thursday, April 25, 2024, Iris Tymchyshyn of Vegreville, Alberta passed away at the age of 83 years.

Iris is survived by her loving family, sons and their families Tony (Gina) and their children Melissa (TJ) along with their sons Zander, Damien and Vincent; Richard (Elle) and their daughter Scarlet: Doug (Barb) and their children Richelle (Lucas) and their son Liam and daughters Tessa and Madison; Kyle (Brittany): sisters Lillian (Stan) Tymchyshyn, Nat (Larry) McLeod, and Pat (Ray) Lemont; brother Billy Lakusta; sister-inlaw Dianne (Orest) Humeniuk; brothers-in-law Joe (Wanda) Tymchyshyn and Bill Poliakiwski; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Iris was predeceased by her husband Jack; daughter Deborah Ann; parents Joe and Helen Lakusta; parentsin-law Joseph and Victoria Tymchyshyn; sisters Mary Hinton, Liz Hinton and Zenovia Lakusta; sisters-in-law Bernice Chanysk and Phyllis Poliakiwski; brothers-inlaw Stan Hinton, Jim Hinton, and Mike Chanysk.

A Private Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place. Inurnment to follow in the Vermilion Cemetery in May of 2024. Memorial donations may be made to the “Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta.”

To send condolences, please visit www. autumnrosefuneralhome.com AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD.

CHILKO, Paul

It is with great sadness that we announce on April 24, 2024 the passing of Paul Chilko, our Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather. Forever cherished and remembered by his loving family, his wife of 64 years, Allie; one daughter and two sons, Joyce (Dave), James (Carman), Darrell (Donna); three grandchildren, Pamela (Michael), Jared (Amanda) and Amber (Stuart); and seven great-grandchildren, Gavin, Ronin, Mila, Rhett, Maxx, Harper, and Bell. Predeceased by his parents, Ludwig and Katarzena; and brother, Walter.

Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, St. Michael, Alberta. Father Abraham Durai, SAC officiating with interment in Church Cemetery. Donations in memory of Paul may be made to Akasu Palliative Care, Vegreville.

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

PARK MEMORIAL LTD.

VEGREVILLE 780-632-2000

FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORIUM

LAROCQUE, George May 28, 1947 – April 22, 2024

It is with profound sadness that the family of George Larocque announces his passing on Monday, Aprill 22, 2024 at the Cold Lake Healthcare Centre at the age of 76 years, after a painful battle with cancer. George will be forever remembered and loved by his 3 daughters: Annette (Terry) Kotyk, Tammy Larocque (Gabe Solway), Kathy-Jo Larocque (Jeff Metcalf); 8 grandchildren: Travis (Jocelyn) Kotyk, Terri-Ann (Kristian) Denis, Amber (Jeff) Byrd, Stephanie Larocque (Micheal Fletcher), Darren Larocque, Ryan (Haley) Larocque, Mercedes Larocque (Lee Streets), Porscha Larocque (Colton Ward); 11 great-grandchildren: Chloe, Caleb, Owen, Jillian, Everly, William, Cameron, Nolan, Avery, Eve, Jayden; 4 siblings: Madeline, Mabel, Rene (Blanche), Jerry; 2 sisters-in-law: Evelyn, Yvonne; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

George was predeceased by his parents: Samuel and Marie Annie Larocque; 4 siblings: Margaret, Irene, James, Raymond; brothers-in-law: Rodderick, Ken; sister-in-law: Theresa.

George was born in Lac La Biche, AB to Sam and Annie Larocque. George loved his family; at the age of 9, he left school and began working on the railroad. At the young age of 19, George began his own family with former wife, Mary. George lived in Elizabeth Metis Settlement, AB; Edmonton, AB; and Vegreville, AB; commonly employed as resident manager, overseeing maintenance, or in the field of construction. George was a “jack of all trades” and a collector of tools. George was always reliable to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. If something was broken, he certainly had a tool to fix it or knew where to find one. George frequented pawn shops and flea markets in Edmonton, AB; Cold Lake, AB; and St. Paul, AB. A simple man, with a lot of treasures; he could never drive past a garage sale without stopping to look around because, “Never know what you might find.” When George wasn’t working, he was in the wilderness, fishing and hunting. He spent timeless moments by still Springs, and in quiet woods. George loved spending time with his family fishing, hunting and gathering. George was always prepared with a survival bag and taught survival skills to anyone who wanted to learn. He would share stories about his family and adventures with such enthusiasm, anyone around stopped and listened. Once he started, George could share for hours, he would even belly laugh so hard he had to hold it.

George lived as a son of God, reading, and studying the Bible. His love and faith for his religion was well known and practised. George’s Bible and clipboard always followed him along his journeys; filled with notes, questions, highlights and copied scripture. Throughout George’s life he helped countless individuals; family and strangers alike. During the last 13 years, he helped his granddaughter Mercedes, raise her son, his great-grandson Jayden.

In George’s memory, thank the Lord for those loved, and especially for those disliked.

To honour George’s wishes cremation has taken place.

Archery - CONTINUED from PAGE 10

once,” said U15 barebow athlete James Lowes.

At Provincials our local athletes competed in the compound or barebow division.

Results: U13 Compound

VWF Bryce L - BRONZE U15 Compound

VWF/Zone 7 - Sophia M - BRONZE

VWF/Zone 7 - Adianna M - 8th

U15 Compound

Lloydminster Archery Association/Zone

7 - Silas S - GOLD

U17 Barebow (Recurve with no scopes)

VWF/Zone 7 - Kate B - GOLD

U18 Barebow (Recurve with no scopes)

VWF/Zone 7 - Tobias L - GOLD

U15 Barebow (Recurve with no scopes)

VWF/Zone 7-James L. -Silver

U18 Compound

VWF/Zone 7 - Shaemus M - 7th

VWF/Zone 7 - Ellyott P - 12th

Mundare Mayor Reacts to Impending Closure of Seniors Lodge

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Mundare Mayor Cheryl Calinoiu said she was “deeply saddened” by the lack of communication received from the Lamont County Housing Foundation (LCHF). She contends that Town of Mundare council, along with Lamont County council were not notified by LCHF about the intended closure of Father Filas Manor

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in Mundare until after the decision was made.

She added that, “There was also a lack of communication between the Foundation and the 14 residents, their

families, the staff, the community and even our MLA.

I understand that meetings were held at the Foundation level where members were sworn to secrecy under the Closed Closure of Seniors Lodge - CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Father Filas Manor is located at 5024-53 Avenue in Mundare. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Camera Code. Coming out of camera there is information that could have been shared like the financials. If town council and county council, along with members of the community knew what was going to happen, there could have been an opportunity for the board of the housing foundation to discuss options.”

LCHF Chief Administrative Officer Shahad Bharmal was asked if Town of Mundare and Lamont County councillors were ever notified by the housing foundation about the intended closure? He replied, “No one was informed of the closure as it was discussed in camera. The letter went to the Minister after the board’s motion.” That motion was made at the LCHF on March 29.

Bharmal clarified that the LCHF Board of Directors were, “Not sworn to secrecy, but confidentiality is adhered to given the sensitive nature of the business, seniors’ services and care that we provide.” He also pointed out that, “The Foundation is a private legal entity and governed by the Board of Directors.”

He pointed out that, “Residents and Staff were, and needed to be, the first to be informed of the closure.” Bharmal said that occurred on April 9. The following day, a news release was sent to at least one news organization. The Vegreville News Advertiser (VNA) did not receive the news release, but it was forwarded to VNA following a brief discussion with Bharmal on April 29. Bharmal also answered ques-

tions from VNA in time for its May 1 edition.

Bharmal said Father Filas Manor dates back to 1973 and is owned by the Government of Alberta. Calinoiu said, no renovations had been done to interior of the building since the units were built in the 70’s. “Simple upgrades like flooring or adding a shower to some units, could have been done over a period of time to keep the building sustainable with more residents wanting to live there.”

Calinoiu would like to know if grants were applied for and what the government response was. She pointed out that the Andrew Seniors Lodge had been upgraded to include self-contained units, but Mundare was not given the same opportunity.

Andrew Seniors Lodge was also operated by LCHF and closed at the end of 2018.

Bharmal said, “Renovations were made to a few suites but not the whole facility. Four of the 38 suites are bigger and have full bathrooms, otherwise showers/baths are shared. We currently have 14 residents out of 38 suites (i.e. 64 percent vacancy rate.) Any new renovations will cost a lot more. It would be better to decant and rebuild if there is a need. Currently, there are six or seven lodges that are 30 minutes away from Mundare.”

Calinoiu said Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk had requested and scheduled a meeting with LCHF CAO and Board

Myrnam River Ridge Riders Break Ground on Clubhouse

Chair, two Town of Mundare councillors and Lamont County councillors who sit on the LCHF board. “The board declined to attend the meeting,” stated Calinoiu.

Bharmal said he was invited to that meeting and then received a cancellation request. He does not know why that meeting was cancelled.

Armstrong-Homeniuk was asked to comment on the impending closure and that meeting. She stated, “The closing of the Father Filas Manor is a decision that I know has troubled many constituents. I reached out to the Lamont County Housing Foundation for a meeting which they declined. As the Lamont Seniors Housing Foundation is a county entity with an independent governing board, they are not required to consult with myself as per the guidelines set out in their mandate. As your MLA, I always have and will continue to advocate on behalf of the needs of our seniors in the Legislature to find solutions that address seniors and their housing needs within our community.”

Calinoiu has called for a public apology to the community for the “lack of communication from LCHF and especially to the residents who have been forced out of their home.”

According to the LCHF news release, Father Filas Manor will close by Dec. 31, 2024.

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

from scratch with something that suited our current and future needs.”

The Myrnam River Ridge Riders snowmobile club are breaking ground on a new project. A special sod turning ceremony was held at the future site of its new clubhouse on Main Street in the Village of Myrnam on April 27.

In attendance were: President Addam Saruk, Secretary-Treasurer Dennis Maksymiuk, Mayor Donna Rudolf and Councillor Kurt Ewanec. The 1,500 square foot facility will be a welcome addition to Main Street and will include a clubhouse and storage area to house two groomers. “Having a heated convenient space is required to keep them safe and to do maintenance.

Saruk said they were originally going to add on to an existing building, but discovered there were problems with the foundation. “After a lot of thought we decided to sell the old building and start

The club purchased the property last May. They sold the old building that once housed a pool hall and bowling alley called the Penguin Club in the late forties. It also served as a liquor store up until about seven years ago.

As to the construction process ahead, Saruk said they will be removing the black dirt on the lot, adding a clay base before Star Construction installs the concrete. Southridge Construction is the builder and Saruk expects the building to be up in mid-June. Estimated cost of the project is $100,000. He anticipates that provincial grants through the Alberta Snowmobile Association to pay for most of the costs associated with construction.

“We are excited to be on Main Street. We still have close and easy access to our trail system and are looking forward to holding our antique show and shine on Main Street when it’s complete.”

From L-R: Dennis Maksymiuk, Addam Saruk, Donna Rudolf and Kurt Ewanec. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Closure of Seniors Lodge - CONTINUED from PAGE 14

treated water system at the tower, so you will need to set up a new account for the raw water station. You can take an application form today and go to the town office to get it all set up next week.

Viking has maintained its reservoir water infrastructure since the 80s, and all together our three reservoirs can hold 274 million gallons of raw water. Two of these reservoirs are located south of Viking, and are filled by Iron Creek.

So, bottom line: we’re prepared. We’ve got the infrastructure, the know-how, and the determination to keep our community thriving, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way.

Camrose Constituency MLA Jackie Lovely told attendees, “This all started because Doug Lefsrud (Town of Viking CAO) wrote a proposal and we had a conversation. I put it Minister Rebecca Schultz’s hands and said the Town of Viking has a solution for you. They want to give you a body of water and we are facing a serious drought. You would not believe the big smile on her face and I just wanted to thank you so much. You guys as a council are so proactive in addressing your problem, so community give them a big round of applause.”

Gene Hrabec stated, “As Chair of the Ag. Service Board and Deputy Reeve of Beaver County I’d like to thank CAO Lefsrud, Mayor Buttner and all of the Viking council and their staff for all of their proactive and forward thinking while working on this project.

As a lifelong agricultural producer, water is the most critical source for life,

Introduction to School Days

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

There were many excited people when A.L. Horton Elementary School presented a Kindergarten Information Night on April 23.

Principal Mrs. Busenius said around 35 parents and caregivers attended. Twentytwo children attended which is over 65 percent of the children currently enrolled; an additional 15-20 Kindergarten are expected to be enrolled in the next four months, based on community averages. The other staff members at this event were the Kindergarten teacher and School

Counselor Ms. Giebelhaus, Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Bortnick, KinderCare teacher Ms. Jenny Powley, Mental Health Capacity Building (MHCB) coach Mrs. Folk, Assistant Principal Ms. Rice and the new School Principal for 2024/25, Mr. Howell.

When asked about what type of programs the school has for this age group, Busenius explained, “KinderCare is offered on non-Kindergarten days and focuses on play-based learning that matches what is being taught across the hall on Kindergarten days. This program is helpful to full-time working parents and establishes a routine for children of

PUBLIC NOTICE

Environmental Protection And Enhancement Act Notice of Cancellation

Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) Registration No. 136849-01-00 was issued on January 13, 2015, to Border Paving Ltd. for the construction, operation, and reclamation of a pit located on SW 1/4 of Section 28 in Township 053, Range 10, West of 4th Meridian. Reclamation Certificate 00463051-00-00 has been issued by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas and EPEA Registration No. 136849-01-00 is no longer required for the above-mentioned pit. In accordance with the EPEA and the regulations, the Director has cancelled EPEA Registration No. 136849-01-00.

but it also very important to management. Your council has made a strong commitment not only to agricultural producers in Beaver County, but to producers within that radius that covers the County of Minburn, Wainwright, Flagstaff and all the municipalities within Beaver County. Making this project come forward is something not only council should be proud of, but community members should be very proud of that. It’s made a strong commitment in stepping up and delivering this in a short amount of time. It’s pretty amazing. Thanks from the agricultural producers. Everyone I’ve talked to is very happy, but you will get something from me, you will get my support to talk to Jackie about funding, because one of the issues is these projects go ahead without the funding in place, it’s hard to get grants. So, hopefully any granting streams that come forward this summer, we can work with the Alberta Government to ensure these types of projects are funded.

Thank you on behalf of agricultural producers for taking the lead, and hopefully, we can ride off the coattails of this.”

In a post-presentation interview with the Vegreville News Advertiser, Mayor Buttner said $375,000 had been budgeted for phase one of the project, the pumping station. Phase two would be a $6 million investment and would include a second source of potable water in case of emergency or disaster as well as retention pond on the outskirts of town and back up battery for power in case of blackouts in the community.”

what going to school every day to learn is like.

The Ukrainian Language and Cultural program is an optional class offered every day in kindergarten. In this program, Children engage in many cultural activities: making paska and babka, embroidery, visits from St. Nikolai, and learning language through songs, conversation, and instructional activities. Students do not need prior experience with the Ukrainian language to enroll.

When questioned about how the kindergarten program prepares children for school, Busenius noted, “Kindergarten programming includes instruction and immersion in activities promoting the development of social

skills and literacy, numeracy, communication, thinking, problem-solving; regulation, and motor skills. Children learn through language, play, and connection with peers and adults. Going to Kindergarten and experiencing the routines and expectations of outdoor play, classrooms, libraries, and bus rides become familiar and well-established in kindergarten and benefit children for the rest of their school careers.”

Busenius closed by saying, “Highlights of the evening included the children exploring the Kindergarten classroom and interacting with each other, as well as, it gave opportunities for parents and caregivers to ask questions and speak with school staff.”

People enjoying the event.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photos)