Vegreville News Advertiser - May 10, 2023

WHAT’S INSIDE

May 1

10:10 - 911 call to report a male sleeping in an abandoned garage. Members attended and the subject of the complaint was removed.

10:37 - Report of mischief over the weekend where vehicles had been vandalized at a Vegreville business.

11:15 – Members attended a commercial alarm. No signs of forced entry and the property Rep was spoken to.

14:14 - Vegreville fire requested RCMP attendance to assist with traffic control while a grass fire was extinguished along Highway 16. Members attended until fire crews were finished.

19:39 - Report of a lost or stolen phone at a local drinking establishment. CCTV being reviewed.

May 2

00:17 – Report of someone selling unstamped cigarettes. Information was provided about the subject of complaint, however, the complainant refused to provide a statement.

07:57 – Information provided on multiple locations and subjects selling drugs. Under investigation.

09:10 – Complainant attended the detachment to report that their neighbour is flying a drone over their house. Pictures and statement provided.

11:52 – Report of a suspicious black, 2 door Honda Civic parking in front of the complainant’s home then driving away before returning to park in front again. This continues throughout the day. Members conducted patrols, located the vehicle and spoke to the subject.

12:21 – Report that a light pole and hazard sign had been damaged in Vegreville.

20:26 – Report of a large, (160lb) dog located in the complainant’s backyard. When approached, the dog was unfriendly. Members attended, however, the dog had left. Members checked with neighbouring homes, but none owned a large dog.

23:04 – Members attended the scene of a vehicle rollover. Liquor was located in the vehicle, however, the driver was not present. The vehicle was towed and the matter is under investigation.

May 3

06:52 – Report of an abandoned vehicle on the road. Members attended and found a truck parked in the middle of the roadway. Members spoke to the registered owner who indicated the truck had been stolen overnight. The truck was recovered and is being held for forensic investigation.

07:47 – Members located a vehicle that had been reported pulling out election signs. The subject refused to stay in the vehicle and was arrested for obstruction as well as provided a ticket for not producing a driver’s license.

08:12 – Members attended location on a report of a male sleeping in an abandoned garage. Members removed the subject and the property Rep stated they would do a better job of securing the location.

08:14 – Report of a suspicious male laying in a field. Members attended but the subject was gone.

12:15 – Report of a very suspicious vehicle with a female that had been parked there since 8:00 AM. Members attended and spoke to the female driver who indicated she wanted to go to Sherwood Park to speak to the RCMP. There were no safety concerns so the individual was allowed to carry on.

13:05 – Report of an intoxicated person laying on the lawn. Members attended and found the subject awake and responsive. EMS was requested to examine the subject and determined there were no medical concerns. The subject was assisted back into the home.

17:13 – Report Of shoplifting at a Vegreville store. Members attended and took a statement.

19:25 – Report of an attempted theft of a vehicle. A male and female ran off. Damage to the ignition was noted. A description was provided but patrols turned up negative. CCTV being reviewed.

May 4

02:07 – Members assisted the fire department with a grass fire on Hwy 16A. Traffic control was conducted until the fire was extinguished.

10:41 – Complainant reported that movers stole her pellet guns. The incident happened 1.5 years ago and the report was for information.

16:18 – Members provided assistance to Vegreville fire who were dealing with a structure fire. Traffic and crowd control conducted. No injuries reported.

18:25 - 911 report of a vehicle theft. The complainant parked the vehicle outside of a business and left it running while they went inside. Members attended, reviewed CCTV and identified the subject. A warrant has been requested.

18:27 – Report of two dirt bikes and one ATV riding in the park. Members attended but no off road vehicles were present.

May 5

04:36 – Report of a Chevy Tahoe being stolen overnight and another vehicle left in the driveway. Members attended and determined the vehicle left had been

reported stolen. The Tahoe was added to the RCMP database and the vehicle left was recovered for forensic investigation.

13:45 – Neighbour dispute where the complainant indicated their neighbour was walking around taking pictures of their property.

20:49 – Report have a suspicious white Mazda 4 door car in the driveway. As soon as the complainant pulled in the car left. Patrols conducted but turned up negative.

21:23 – Report of a blue semi pulling tankers swerving and driving into oncoming traffic. Patrols were made but the semi was not located. The owner of the semi was identified.

23:10 – Suspicious red Ford car backed into an approach near HWY 855 and TWP 820.

May 6

06:37 – Break and enter to a Vegreville business. Members attended and cleared the property. Entry was gained by breaking the front glass door. Approximately $60 was taken. Under investigation

07:30 – Report of trespassing on a rural property when a green Chevy or GMC half ton Crew Cab drove approx. 1 mile on the property. Video and other information provided. Under investigation.

09:02 – Report of a truck break in overnight. A toolbox, tools and booster cables were taken.

21:02 – Report of heavily intoxicated male leaving a Vegreville business barely able to walk. Members attended and located the male nearby unable to stand and very intoxicated. The subject refused to attend the hospital to sober up. They were arrested and provided a safe place to sober up.

May 7

06:27 – Report have a break and enter that occurred overnight at a Vegreville business. CCTV showed the original break in at 03:41 with the subject returning at 6:00 AM. Multiple tools and other items stolen.

During the week there were 85 calls for service made in total including: 3 false 911s, 1 false alarm, 2 animal strikes, 3 relationship violence, 6 calls under the Mental Health Act or related to mental health, and approximately 16 tickets or warnings from traffic enforcement.

The RCMP encourages members of the community to contact them if they have any information on files listed in the Blotter.

Have questions about the blotter? Reach out to us at blotter@newsadvertiser.com and we will do our best to provide answers to your queries.

RCMP files from May 1 - 7 Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser

Re-Election Bid for Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk is hoping to secure a second term of office. Reflecting back, she says, “It has been an immense honour and privilege for me to serve the residents of Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville as your MLA for the past four years.”

One thing she is very proud of was the introduction and passing of her Private Member’s Bill, The Protection of Students with Life-Threatening Allergies Act.

“Additionally, I successfully advocated for the $60 million Vinca Bridge replacement, to improve connectivity and economic development in the region, and I also led the successful push for new overpasses at the intersections of Highway 830 with Highways 15 and 16, which are now in the engineering and planning stages respectively. I have also advocated for improving and updating the TWP 560 and Highway 830 intersection, and multiple other paving upgrades and safety improvements being conducted on Highway 16.

As the former Associate Minister of Status of Women, I am also very proud to have brought in additional supports for the survivors of sexual assault in rural areas. These new supports will ensure that survivors don’t have to travel long distances to access important medical services.

I am pleased to be part of a government that committed to reigniting Alberta’s economy through strong fiscal management. It is because of this that our economy is booming, hundreds of thousands of jobs have been created, billions of dollars of new investment have flowed into the province and we are leading the nation in economic growth.

Our government is also committed to fixing the healthcare system. We have spent an additional $1 billion to hire 3,600 more doctors, nurses, paramedics and support staff. I also supported the launch of our Health Care Action Plan to improve emergency response times, decrease hospital wait times, reduce surgery wait times, and restore front-line decision making. After 90 days Albertans are spending less time waiting for the medical

Greetings! This is Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, United Conservative Party candidate

Over the past four years, I have been a strong advocate in government for improving rural broadband.AndinMarchof2022,my efforts paid off, as our United Conservative Government announced a partnership with thefederalgovernmenttoprovidea combined $780 million to provide highspeed internet for rural Albertans. And last September,ourUnitedConservative Government announced an investment of up to $70.6 million, as part of this partnership, tobringhigh-speedbroadbandtoover 10,400 rural households in Alberta.

IhavebecomeawareofarecentNDP promisetoprovideruralAlbertanswith broadband connectivity. I must admit, it's a greatidea-whichiswhyourUCP Government is already doing it.

Connectivity is more important in today's world than ever before, and so I and the UCP remaincommittedtoensuringevery Albertan has access to high-speed internet and connectivity. I will continue to be a strong advocate on the matter.

care they need.

I also want to make it clear that under the UCP, Albertans will never have to pay for the medical care or treatment they need. The Premier recently signed the healthcare guarantee committing that under no circumstances will any Albertan ever have to pay out of pocket for access to their family doctor or to get the medical treatment they need.

I also supported the $2.8 billion inflation-relief package to ensure Albertans are able to put gas in their

vehicles, heat their homes and buy groceries. It is because of these efforts that Alberta has the lowest rate of inflation in the country at 3.3 percent.”

Armstrong-Homeniuk served on the Advisory Council on Alberta-Ukraine Relations and several regional caucus, standing committees and working groups. On Oct. 24, 2022, she was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Ukrainian Refugee Settlement. She was first elected as MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville on April 16, 2019.

UCP Candidate Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk Opens Campaign Office in Galleria Mall

While we are discussing the topic of the NDPre-announcing our UCPGovernment's projects, I am pleased to share that Budget 2023 provided funding for a new overpass on the intersection of Highway 830 with Highway 15. I know that this is a critical intersection in our community, and am glad myadvocacyhasbeensuccessfulin securing this funding - months before the NDPdecidedtoannounceitasanew initiative.

This project is currently in the engineering stage.Additionally,IknowFort Saskatchewan-Vegreville constituents will be happy to know that Budget 2023 also provided funding for an overpass on the intersection of Highway 16 with Highway 830.Fundingwasalsoprovidedforthe intersection of Highway 16 with Highway 837, the intersection of Highway 830 with TWS 560, the replacement of the Vinca Bridge, the replacement of the Chipman Bridge, and a variety of safety improvements and repaving for Highway 16.

Transportationinfrastructureinour communities is a top priority of mine, and of the United Conservative Party as a whole.

WiththeProvincialElectionjustafew weeks away, my team and I have been hard at

work, knocking on doors and reaching out to residents. We are always looking for more volunteerstojointheteam.Ifyouare interestedinvolunteering,orhaveany questions,pleasereachouttomeat VoteJAH@outlook.com.

Authorized by the Official Agent for Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, UCP Candidate for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville. 587-280-8683 voteJAH@outlook.com

L-R: Joe Homeniuk, Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk with Jacklyn Homeniuk and Joey Homeniuk. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser – Opinion

We’ve all heard the analogy or argument of a “slippery slope.” In formal terms, a proposed course of action or idea is rejected because, often with little or no evidence, the opposition insists that it will lead to a chain reaction which will result in an undesirable ending.

For instance, there was an argument that by legalizing cannabis that entire populations would devolve to zombie hordes walking aimlessly among us. That simply didn’t happen.

On the opposite end of the federal government spectrum was the thought that if the Emergencies Act was not implemented, chaos would ensue, and the government would crumble, (or be overthrown). In this instance, a law was used to prevent a possible slide down a slope into the abyss.

The latest slippery slope in Canada is that of Bill C-11, also known as the Online Streaming Act. On the supporting side, the government states that the bill will reduce misinformation and promote the interests of Canadian content creators. On the opposite side, many content creators don’t agree because of the way online companies’ algorithms promote traffic and the concern that while the bill does not stop people from speaking their mind it creates a situation where the government ultimately decides who will hear those opinions. Detractors affec-

Canada?

tionately refer to the bill as the “online censorship bill.” Since its introduction, there have been questions about how the CRTC would use their new powers. Large streaming companies have taken out ads and trialed blocking content to put pressure on the Canadian government.

A 2022 decision by the CRTC to ban Russia Today, (RT) from Canada’s TV was welcomed by most Canadians. The Kremlin, (Russian Government) funded news outlet/propaganda machine, is well known for broadcasting outright lies and dangerous vitriol. I believe it was RT that was more than happy to promote the use of nuclear weapons and recite the blatantly false narrative of Nazis in Ukraine.

Now the CRTC has a new target.

The CRTC recently launched a public consultation on whether to ban Fox News from Canadian “airwaves” after receiving a complaint from Egale Canada, a Toronto based LGBTQ2 advocacy group. The complaint was lodged following what is described as “false and horrifying claims” by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson on a March 28 broadcast.

Following a court case which saw Fox settle a defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems for $787 million Tucker and Fox “parted ways.” Interestingly, CNN also parted ways with Don Lemon. Now, anyone not in one camp or the other, could clearly see that Carlson and Lemon were like two sides of the same coin. Carlson, is more prone to bravado and shockingly slanted opinionating of “news.” Lemon on the other hand, was much more subtle, but no less slanted in his own right.

For future reference, it has been reported that Fox is paying Carlson $20 million per year NOT to work. Carlson has since hinted at starting his own news outlet in competition. His contract runs out in January of 2025.

Will the CRTC blocking RT, possibly Fox, will they soon turn their attention to CNN? Who else may be on the list of news outlets or independent media? Rebel Media, Blacklock, Project Veritas or maybe even Sun Media? Well, before you scoff at that suggestion, look no further than 2021.

In September 2021, Sun columnist Lorne Gunter wrote a piece on the Immigration and Refugee Board, (IRB) about how they were changing the definition of a refugee. The new definition would be so broad that almost anyone setting foot in Canada could not be turned down. Well, IRB board Chair Richard Wex and the IRB did not like this and insisted the article be removed or changed. When Sun editors refused, the IRB went to Facebook and Twitter and insisted that references to the piece be removed because it constituted “dangerous misinformation.” Facebook and Twitter also refused.

This all came to light in early April when the Liberals released a list of close to 200 attempts to control social media from 2020

Censorship - CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Spring 19th Annual Home Business and Makers Market

not an adrenaline junkie, but when they announced this was their last year running this type of fundraiser and because I was the highest fundraiser in 2021, I decided to do it again.”

Also on this site were volunteers from RCL Branch No. 39 Danny Landry and Larry Chmilar who were selling raffle tickets for ‘Where’s the Beef’ where there will be five draws total to win parts of beef. “This is a fundraiser for the legion,” Landry explained.

Denise Komick and Karen Clements were selling their handcrafted greeting cards. “We have been doing this for 25 years. We like it because we get to use our creative minds. It takes about five hours to make two cards as we make them with love and care.”

L-R: Aggie Golinowski with her daughter Laura Wenzel where Laura was recruiting people to become a member of Senior Citizens Sunshine Club of Vegreville.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

The Spring 19th Annual Home Business and Makers Market featured 30 vendors who were selling handmade and commercial products at the Senior Citizens Sunshine Club of Vegreville on May 6. Coordinator Jennifer Hladilo partnered with Vegreville Farmers Market to host this event. “We have this market to promote local businesses and to support a non-profit organization. It is also meant to give people something to do where they can shop, visit and have lunch. It’s a fun event which has a great mix of regular and unique new vendors.”

Hladilo went on to explain a project she was raising awareness and fundraising

TICKETS

ROLL TICKETS

for the Adeara Recovery Centre which helps women recovering from abuse, addiction, trauma and poverty.

“I support them because my cousin was hit by a drunk driver. After surgery and through healing, she became addicted to drugs. This facility helped her overcome that addiction.

I did take part in their sky dive fundraiser in 2021. I didn’t care for it as I am

Laura Wenzel was telling people why they should join the Senior Citizens Sunshine Club of Vegreville. “This club provides people with a vibrant community with intergenerational activities. Currently we have monthly Music Jams and the snooker tables are open six days a week. We are eager to learn about what the community would like to have so we can implement new activities.”

Nataliia Stativa-Zharko was selling Petrykivka paintings. Nataliia was born in the village of Petrykivka. She is a craftswoman who does Ukrainian folk art that uses traditional symbols and techniques.

Marlene and Glen Giebelhaus vendors for Watkins and Lamplighter Books and Gifts. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

People shopping at the market. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Marti Payne and Bryan Bilyk from Sipology. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

90 Years Ago – May 10, 1933

Spring weather, up to the date of the issue had not been very favorable, with cold, raw winds making life uncomfortable. There had been only two or three spring-like days up to May 15th.

Mr. Theo. Tomanshewsky of Chipman is opening a general store in Hilliard. He is remodeling Mr. Balash’s building into a groceteria and confectionary department.

Stanley Simaschuk, a blacksmith of only a year in Hilliard, has managed to build a blacksmith shop and this week is putting up a two-room house.

When sparks from a small rubbish fire were carried by a sudden gust of wind to the haystack containing 45 tons of hay, the calf shed and the chicken house was completely destroyed on the farm Geo. Lyons, 4 miles north of Ryley. The barn was in great danger but was saved.

Members of the curling club or shareholders in the Heather Rink Co. Ltd. Or both are requested to roll up their sleeves, grab a paintbrush or an old broom and hike to the rink on Friday next. The purpose is to give the rink roof a coat of oil and turps.

75

Years Ago – May 12, 1948

Weather conditions have continued cool throughout the week, but drying winds have made it possible for some seeding to be done, although the low-lying land is still very much on the west side. Seeding operations call for quick work this year, as it is so late. Probably there will be a stiff cut in the wheat acreage in this district, with more emphasis put on oats and barley.

The U.S. state department has asked the United States navy to set up communication facilities in Jerusalem at the U.S. consulate. Regular communications at Jerusalem have been carried on by a British cable and wire concern. It has said it plans to leave when British troops do.

The Corner Grocery, situated just north of the CNR tracks, the newest store in town, announces that the firm has installed a phone and that orders will be gladly accepted by phone 51.

After a long period of years in the same location on Main Street, S. Sysak, the barber, was ousted last week to allow for the expansion of Paul Hewco’s Victory Café. Mr. Sysak has moved across the street and his customers now find him with Emil Olson in the Mayfair Barber Shop.

50 Years Ago – May 10, 1973

The Vegreville Fire Department was the April 1973 winner of the President’s Plaque donated by Grant Fowle. This Merit Award is in recognition of the efforts of an organization with the highest percentage of its members (and spouses) giving their blood t the Canadian Red Cross Blood Donor Service. Irvin Cowan, president of the Vegreville Branch of the Red Cross was on hand to present the President’s Plaque to Art Baxandall, President of the Vegreville Firemen’s Club. Other executive members of the Firemen”s Club included Brian Henderson, Sandy Eliuk, and Darryll Horyn. The program for extended area telephone service to eliminate toll charges between many country points will be reactivated and the former limit of fifteen miles will be doubled to 30 miles, according to information released by Ashley Cooper, MLA for VermilionViking Constituency.

Town Secretary Bob Wemyss informed us that residential building permits are running over $100,000 ahead of last year. The total amount issued by the beginning of May this year is $206,500.

Mike Bakala relinquished control of Diachuk Construction Ltd. last week following many years of business in Vegreville. The new manager is Marshall Petruk.

25 Years Ago – May 10, 1998

On Monday, April 27, the Vegreville fire department responded to a fire burning northwest of Vegreville where a house and barn were burned to the ground. Firefighters also had to tend to the burning brush around the buildings, making their jobs even more dangerous. Owner Arthur Nitschke was not home at the time. The cause of the fire is believed to be an electrical short.

Jumping rope for the heart at St. Martin’s School was a blur of action as students in grades 3 to 6 raised money for the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation. In the nine years that the students have participated in this event, they have raised over $51,000.

Braden Ewaschuk won first place in his school A.L. Horton and was a third-place provincial winner in category four, in a Drug and Alcohol Awareness Literary and Poster Contest sponsored by the Royal Purple and Elks. On hand to present the certificate were HRL Rose J Hook, Exalted Ruler Mike Paranich, and Lady Anne Markowsky. The school also won $25.00 for having a winner.

Gwyn Morgon

After more than two weeks of shutting down virtually all federal government services, 120,000 of the picketing workers returned to work on Monday.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) walkout had been brewing since last fall when PSAC president Chris Aylward declared: “The government can’t expect workers who have been getting us through the pandemic to shoulder the costs of Canada’s recovery.”

Shoulder the costs of Canada’s recovery? Aylward’s PSAC members were not only paid full salary during the pandemic but also thereby added two more years to their generous pension benefits. What about all the private-sector workers who either lost their jobs or were forced to work part-time for lower wages and fewer or no benefits?

Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that in the 2020-2022 two-year pandemic period, all of the country’s 206,000 job losses were private-sector workers, while public-sector employment increased by 305,000.

The most rapid growth was federal. Government of Canada data show the federal public service now employs more than 336,000 people. As Jack Mintz, Palmer Chair in Public Policy at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy, wrote in the Financial Post in January, annual federal employee compensation has risen from $38 billion to $58 billion since the Trudeau government gained power in 2015. And a recent Fraser Institute study, using data for the pandemic year 2021, found that government-sector workers enjoyed a 5.5 per cent wage premium over private-sector workers even after controlling for differences in education, experience, unionization and other labour market factors.

The benefits dispar-

ity is much larger: over 86 per cent of government workers are covered by a registered pension plan compared with just 23 per cent of private-sector workers. Government workers are much less likely to lose their jobs and take five more days off for “personal reasons” than private-sector workers. Moreover, they retire more than two years earlier, most likely because of their generous pensions.

PSAC was determined to increase that public/private compensation disparity with wage increases of 4.5 per cent in each of the next three years. But even that wasn’t enough for the 35,000 Canada Revenue Agency workers who remain on strike demanding a staggering 7.5 per cent per year. I guess that’s to compensate them for “taxing” their brains pushing the keys on an almost fully automated tax return system.

No wonder Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre observed during Question Period that “its one thing to increase the size and cost of the public service … and another thing to be faced with a massive strike by public servants … but it is an especially incredible achievement of incompetence to do both of those at the same time”.

Normally, PSAC’s excessive demands would have been tempered by the possibility of back-to-work legislation, but the NDP’s support of PSAC’s demands made the chances of that virtually nil. That put the Trudeau government between the proverbial rock and a hard place: either leave government services that people count on shut down or agree to a settlement that adds many more billions to already perilously dangerous deficit spending.

In the end, the union’s demands were met but dressed up in different clothes. Rather than the 13.5 per cent over three years, it settled for a nominal 11.5 percent over four years, but retroactive to 2021 and added a 0.5 per cent special adjustment for 2023. The union’s website shows a total wage increase” of 12 percent, with 9.5 percent coming immediately. But that’s not all.

Every time a newspaper dies, even a bad one, the country moves a little closer to authoritarianism... -

Andrew School to Close End of June

possible to make the transition to Mundare School smoother and asked members of administration to do their best to ensure that that happens.

While the decision did not come as a shock to Village of Andrew Mayor Merwin Haight and Deputy Mayor Tammy Pickett, they both expressed their disappointment following the decision.

Andrew School Parent Council President Dayle Juhasz and Secretary Kylie Rude were also in attendance at the meeting along with former student April Kliachik.

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Elk Island Public Schools, (EIPS) board of trustees were tasked with the difficult decision on whether to close Andrew School or not, and on May 4 they voted in favour of closing the school during a special meeting.

After three and a half hours of deliberation Trustee Don Irwin made the motion to close the school with all of the trustees except for Board Vice-Chair Colleen Holowaychuk voting against the motion.

Holowaychuk represents the Lamont County ward and completed her schooling at Andrew School.

Holowaychuk is one of nine trustees on the board. Trustee Ralph Sorochan asked for an amendment to the original motion to allow EIPS to waive the school of choice fees for pre-registered Kindergarten to Grade 6 Andrew students for the 2023-24 school year.

Holowaychuk also did not vote in favour of Option B regarding transportation as

she felt it would be best to have all the elementary students that reside in the Village of Andrew as well as the Andrew attendance area all attend Mundare School.

Under Option B all of the elementary students who reside in the Village of Andrew, 22 in total, will be bused directly to Mundare School. Elementary, junior and senior high students who reside in the Andrew attendance area would be bused either to Lamont or Vegreville.

EIPS Division Principal Dave Antymnick said they will be reopening registration process to accommodate those K-Grade 6 students.

Emotions were raw and Holowaychuk could not hold back tears. She was not the only trustee to cry over the heartbreaking decision as they wrestled over the issues of low enrolment, funding, infrastructure repairs, transportation costs and ride times, quality of education as well as limited staffing and service delivery.

Holowaychuk did say she would like the students to stay together as much as

Both Pickett and Haight made presentations to trustees before Superintendent Mark Liguori gave his final report. Pickett said she had volunteered for “everything imaginable” in the community, including the playground that she asked if the Village of Andrew could retain it. She also asked if they would be able to retain artifacts from the school as well as items from the library that had been donated by various individuals and groups or were purchased through the Northern Lights Library System. That request was granted as well.

Pickett also requested to keep the Bell Tower and Liguori said they would look into that. The other request was for the fitness equipment that was purchased prior to the high school closing. She asked if they could retain Chrome Books and Smart Boards that were acquired through fundraising efforts, but that

request was denied as she was told those items move with the students to their designated school.

Haight asked for a copy of the original transfer agreement that dates back to 1992. An agreement, Haight said was “inherited” from Lamont County and the Village of Andrew. He also requested a cost estimate for demolition of the building and any necessary abatement as well as an expected timeline as the Village of Andrew will need to consult with residents regarding next steps.

The school will officially close on June 30.

(News Advertiser/File Photo)

Vegreville Food Bank Society Hosts Get a Free Hot Dog Lunch

Rosanne Fortier

Correspondent

Human Services professionals and volunteers were assisting Vegreville Food Bank Society, (VFBS) at North Pointe Community Church to recruit people to fill out a Housing and Service Needs Estimation Survey in return for a free hotdog, orange, coffee/pop/water and candy on April 25.

VFBS Coordinator Joanna Karczmarek explained they were hosting this in partnership with Vegreville Housing and Basic Needs Task Force. “I think it is essential that people fill out this survey so we can have the data to back up the things that we think the community needs before we would ask any government body or the community to come up with a solution. For example, affordable housing which I don’t necessarily mean government subsidized housing, but instead, I think we need cheaper housing.

VFBS would benefit from having a lot of people filling out the survey because if people would be able to afford their rent and living expenses more, they would be able to not have to come to the food bank as often. People are always welcome to

come to the food bank but this would make them be able to not rely on the food bank for the rest of their lives.”

Tasha Barfoot, Coordinator for Vegreville Housing and Basic Needs Task Force, said they are trying to understand what people are experiencing through this survey. “Prices are rising and housing costs are rising. So, people are having a lot more trouble being able to afford their basic needs. We want to know what community needs look like so we can provide programs, housing, apply for grants and funding so we can improve life for people in Vegreville. So far, we had around 200 surveys filled out, but we haven’t done the final countdown. If anyone has opinions on how Vegreville should be run and what Vegreville can do better to suit their needs, they should complete the survey and let us know because all this information is going to be presented to town council and it could really make an actual difference; people could have their voices heard. The more data we have, the more likely we are going to get in with grants and funding. There are things like large project funding which is upwards of $125,000 we could get which we could use to get buildings and programs.”

Innisfree-Minburn 4-H Beef Club

April

Report

Peyton Hess Club Reporter

Show day is right around the corner! Make sure to save the date. Achievement Day will soon be held at the Minburn Ag Grounds where our club members will have their project animals available for the show and sale.

On April 5, we held our regular monthly club meeting in Innisfree where we worked on plans for our busiest month, May. Looking ahead, we are wrapping up our 4-H year with our Mock Achievement Day and our Community Service evening in Minburn.

April 12 was our annual Showmanship and Grooming Clinic, where special guests Lexi and Kailey Wirsta showed us some tips and tricks on how to properly groom and show our projects.

We really enjoyed the afternoon and learned so much.

On April 22, we toured the Minburn Colony Dairy Barn. It was a great

afternoon seeing how the milking machines worked and how the cows rotated through.

L-R: Coordinator for VFBS Joanne Karczmarek with volunteer and Board member of VFBS Caren Bilyk. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Showmanship and Grooming Clinic held on April 12. (Innisfree-Minburn 4-H Beef Club/Submitted Photo)

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

The 2023 growing season has just begun and farmers were out in full force last week seeding their crops.

Agriculture Minister Nate Horner voiced his optimism about the potential of this year’s season and said he is looking forward to seeing the fruits of farm-

Seeding Time

ers’ labour in the months to come.

Horner stated, “Alberta’s agriculture industry plays a critical role in our economy by providing food, creating jobs and contributing to our province’s growth and prosperity. Despite facing new and complex challenges posed by climate change and shifting market conditions, Alberta’s producers have shown great resiliency and commitment to their work.”

CERTIFIED D SEED D FOR R SALE

CWRS S Wheat

AAC Brandon - improved FHB resistance, most widely grown CWRS variety in Western Canada for 5 years

AAC Wheatland VB - wheat midge tolerant very good lodging resistance

CWSWWS S Wheat

AC Andrew - In demand for both milling and feed industry, great silage option

Fababeans

219-16 - shorter height and improved yield over CDC Snowdrop, smaller seed size than Snowbird

Yellow w Peas

CDC Canary - improved standability, early maturity

6- Row w Feed d Barley

AB Advantage - improved grain and forage yields, increase in plump and bushel weight, smooth awned

2- Row w Malt t Barley

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Seeding near the Town of Mundare on May 6. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Seeding a couple of kilometres north of Lamont on May 4. (Michelle Pinon/Photos)

Tracy Laschowski-Semeniuk’s Journey Through the Great Calling of Motherhood

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Tracy Laschowski-Semeniuk lives on a farm near Hairy Hill with her husband Travis and two sons Rhett who is almost four-years-old and Judd who is almost two-years-old.

Tracy admitted that she felt overjoyed, overwhelmed and a bit terrified once her babies were born. “When they were born, it suddenly became very real. I remember feeling so relieved when each of my children were born. Their deliveries both

went well and without complications, they were born healthy and strong. I experienced an overwhelming feeling of love but also it felt a bit surreal. I was instantly completely devoted to those little humans.

For me the feelings of being a mother expand and change every day. Nothing is really the same after having children but in a really special kind of way. My priorities, hopes, fears, interests, boundaries all shifted after having children and continue to change as my children grow. Children learn and grow so quickly that there is constant change, something is always new. It is a really beautiful thing. I absolutely adore my children and every day I feel so grateful.

What I find rewarding is hearing my children say things like, “Thanks Mama, you’re the best!” Even though I don’t always feel like “the best”. Through their eyes I am. The innocence in that is pretty amazing.

There are so many challenges with being a parent in general, whether it is today or 40 years ago. I think there are many differences and many similarities. Forty years ago, the Maternity

Leave options for working moms were not near as long as they are today where for mothers I believe Maternity Leave options were three to six months. Today we have 12 to 18 months options.

The other piece to that is that today fathers are also offered parental leave options from their jobs to be stay at home Dads. I think that is huge progress in terms of gender equality. There is still a way to go but in the 80’s it was extremely rare to see a stay at home father.

I also think that the childcare options for working parents has

really shifted. Forty years ago, it was not difficult to find childcare for your children when you went to work. Often a grandparent or family member or even a neighbour or close friend would watch children. I think we see less of that now for a variety of reasons. Often grandparents or other family members are working out of the house at full time jobs themselves until later in life. Childcare today for working parents is very difficult to find and can be quite expensive.

Being a mother is a unique profession that is different from any other callings in life because there are no coffee breaks, lunch breaks, paid vacation, or retiring at 65 years old. Once you are a mother you are always a mother. The role obviously changes as children grow and become adults. Even so, moms are always on call. Being a mother is one of the most rewarding and stressful jobs there is. It is also highly emotional, unpredictable and ever changing. As a mother I have to show up every single day for my children.

What comes with ease to one mother may be a challenge for another. There are many challenges with being a mother but even on the hardest days I would still choose it, I would still choose my kids.

We all have different skill sets, experiences and personalities as moms and that reflects on our parenting styles. One of the biggest challenges that I have is trying to raise my boys with traditional values in an ever evolving world. It is challenging finding a balance between building a traditional foundation of values that are important to my husband and me, and making sure we are setting our children up for success in a modern world.

Choosing to become a parent or not to become a parent is a very personal choice. Obviously, it is not a choice to be taken lightly. Becoming a parent involves growth and change, not just for the littles you are raising but especially for you as their mother. For me to be the best, most present mother that I can be for my boys, I need to be healthy and grounded. That is not always an easy task to stay on top of during the hustle and bustle of parenthood. However, I have to prioritize myself in order to show up as my best self for my children. They deserve that! My boys know I am not a perfect mom, however, they also know that they are loved, safe and adored every single day.”

Tracy with Judd. (Michaela Charlebois’s Photography/Photo)

Tracy with her husband Travis and their two sons, Rhett and Judd. (Michaela Charlebois’s Photography/Photo)

Vegreville Lions Club Hosts Multiple District C Lions Convention

Club has always contribute to the quality of life in our community.”

Deputy Mayor for County of Minburn Tara Kuzio announced that she was excited to be there to celebrate all the work the Lions Clubs do locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally. “I welcome you to our community and hope you have the opportunity to take in everything we have to offer from our local artists’ work to our culturally diverse restaurants.”

Some interesting facts which Judge and Past International President Brian Stevenson mentioned were Lions Club International is the largest service club organization in the world, with more than 1.4 members in 48,000 clubs serving 200 countries and geographic areas worldwide since their founding in 1917.

On April 28 and 29, Vegreville Lions Club played host to the Multiple District C Convention at Vegreville Social Centre which saw 125 attendees.

Vegreville’s own, Multiple District C Council Chair Frances Sawiak chaired the event which she said Vegreville Lions Club were able to have this convention because they bided on it. “The highlights were the visit of the International President Brian Sheehan. Everyone said they enjoyed the convention and found the speakers to be interesting.”

International President Brian Sheehan stated in his greetings, “My wife Lori and I are grateful to you for having us over here. We come from a very small community of 956 people in Bird Island Minnesota.”

Honourable MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk who is also the Parliamentary Secretary for Ukrainian Refugee Settlement mentioned that she knows how important Vegreville Lions Club is to the Community of Vegreville. “They build a sense of community and give back with noble projects locally such as the Lions Playground and Spray Park, as well as, initiatives such as Meals On Wheels, the Wendy Brook Festival, the Vegreville Food Bank, and they give to Vegreville Composite High School and St. Mary’s Catholic School. I know many Vegreville and Area’s residents’ lives have

been touch by these initiatives. We are grateful for all that you do. Volunteerism and giving back are the backbones of communities and nowhere else is it as evident as it is here in Alberta and especially in Vegreville.”

Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee said he hoped that people who traveled to Vegreville took the time to tour the community. “Vegreville is so blessed to have as many active service clubs that we do like the Lions Club. The Vegreville Lions

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

In no particular order are Frances Sawiak, Brian Stevenson, Darryl Rawleigh, Brian Sheehan, Lori Sheehan, Susanne Leshchyshyn, Lynda Wackenhut, Ron Wackenhut, Phil Dube, Lyle Gustafson, Jill Gustafson, Michelle Harris, Dave Leshchyshyn gathered for a picture at Vegreville Elks/Kinsmen Park on April 28. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Town of Two Hills Receives $100,000 Alberta Community Partnership Grant

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

At the March 28 Town of Two Hills regular meeting Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, (CAO) Ava Clark informed

members of council that the town’s application for an Alberta Community Partnership, (ACP) Grant was successful and the municipality will be receiving $100,000.

Clark explained during a follow up inquiry with the Vegreville News Advertiser that, “It’s like a restructuring grant with the Village of Myrnam.” However, documentation of the 2022/23 ACP Intermunicipal Collaboration Grant Application only lists the Town of Two Hills is the managing partner and the County of Two Hills as the participating municipality. The Village of Myrnam is not listed in the application.

The application states, “The partnership between the Town of Two Hills and the County of Two Hills is a collaboration with a history of shared municipal service delivery in areas such as regional land use, emergency management, transportation, water management, waste management, and recreation.

The partnership recognizes the importance of well-maintained municipal infrastructure for the enhanced delivery of these regional services and want to ensure we are positioned to address future operational and infrastructure requirements through the development of a collaborative infrastructure master plan (IMP).”

the amount of $100,000 for the purposes of conducting a regional governance study which will explore options that may lead to some form of municipal restructuring. The investigation into different municipal structures, (status-quo, dissolution, amalgamation) will provide Council and village residents with options to choose what is best for the majority of village residents.”

When asked about opportunities for community engagement, Kiziak said, “The details and specifics have not yet been discussed but there definitely will be engagement opportunities from community members.”

Vegreville Insurance

Is Looking For

An Enthusiastic Individual To Join Our Team!

The ideal candidate MUST be a licensed broker, demonstrate commitment to exceptional customer service and share our core values.

Job requirements:

● Must currently hold a Level 1 or Level 2 General Insurance License. Consideration will be given to those who may not have a current license, but have held one in the past.

● Exceptional people skills with a true desire to help clients in a service position.

● Flexible and able to adapt to changes.

● Experience with Applied Systems an asset.

What you will be doing:

● Assist clients with servicing existing accounts and quoting new business.

● Obtain account updates, renewal reviews, service calls and follow-up.

● Maintain accurate records of all client activity.

● Recommending and maintaining appropriate insurance coverage for clients.

This position includes a positive work environment with hours, Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm. Resumes may be emailed to ashley@veginsurance.com or dropped off in person during regular hours.

Thank you for your consideration, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Insurance Vegreville

4914 50 St., Vegreville, AB Phone: 780-632-2666

NATURAL GAS UTILITY WORKER 2023 Summer Job

Post secondary school is complete and high school is almost over, so if you are looking for an exciting job opportunity…then gas utility wants you!

Need some credentials to put on your resume? Look no further

– County of Two Hills Natural Gas Utility is hiring! Under the Canada Summer Jobs program, the Natural Gas Utility is looking for a 16-30 yr. old with a driver's licence, No work experience necessary. Training will be provided.

Some tasks include:

• Working outside with maintenance of gas pipes and stations. • Working with an experienced team on construction. • Grounds keeping of gas facilities. • On rainy days, assist in the office Interested applicants are invited to submit their detailed resume, inclusive of references to the undersigned.

Pat Gordeyko

Box 428, Two Hills, AB, T0B 4K0 Phone: 780-657-2446

Email: pgordeyko@thcounty.ab.ca

County of Two Hills CAO Sally Dary stated that, “there is no discussion to date regarding involvement.”

When asked what the parameters of the grant are, Clark responded by saying, “We are just the managing partner. So, I guess it would be up to the two municipalities to decide what is going where. They don’t say $50,000 to Two Hills and $50,000 to Myrnam or how we’re supposed to work together for that portion and we have not met.”

And that doesn’t include the County of Two Hills at all? “No. Because this is us kind of preparing to see if we would join the county. So, it’s just a restructuring feasibility study basically. It’s not an amalgamation study at this point. This is sort of a phase one sort of deal. It’s just between the two of us as of yet,” noted Clark. She added that the grant funds must be used within a year of receiving them.

Village of Myrnam CAO Elsie Kiziak said, “The Village of Myrnam, together with the Town and County of Two Hills, have applied and successfully received the Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) – Municipal Restructuring Stream grant in

On April 4, Municipal Affairs informed the Town of Two Hills in a formal letter from Deputy Minister Brandy Cox that its $200,000 grant application for a Regional Infrastructure Master Plan had been denied. Cox stated, “The program received a significant number of applications for grant funding, which could not all be accommodated within program funding levels.”

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:

This is an entry level position with someone who has good people skills, good spelling & attention to detail.Must be organized, able to multitask&abletomeetdeadlines. Bookkeeping experience not necessary, but an asset.

Dutiesinclude,butnotlimitedto:serving customers,assistingwithtakingorders, answering phones, typing, assisting accounting with circulation audits, filing & office duties.

The Vegreville News Advertiser also offers a great benefit package.

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

will

contacted.

point in any way and young fans got a chance to get up close and personal with their cowboy heroes before the bulls started bucking Saturday evening. Lamont & District Agricultural Society SecretaryTreasurer and Event Committee Chair Rebecca Green said they hosted the meet and greet back in 2015 and decided to reintroduce it this year.

Green stated that, “As part of our mission statement, educating our community on the sport of rodeo is important, so we wanted to incorporate that into this event a little further with our youth. We have the Kid’s Rodeo as part of the Summer Sizzler events, and needed to add something to Bullarama. It was a great turnout, especially for something we planned a little last minute. We want to grow it into something bigger for next year, so stay tuned.”

Volunteering plays a huge role in the success of the event that has been in the planning stages since January. Green said they have a planning committee of 10 members who have been working diligently hard over the past three months.

Additionally, “We had approximately 60 volunteers on site during the event that put in 300 hours that day. We do offer other community groups who want to fundraise for their projects $15/hour. The only group who took us up on this opportunity was the Ardrossan Bison Football Club, who will get approximately $1,500 for helping us.”

As far as the bull riding action, the evening belonged to cowboy Beau Gardner, who hails from Arrowhead, Alberta. He took home $8,600 for his efforts. Green explained that, “We are a

double point event for the BRC, (Bull Riders Canada) as we pay out more than $5,000 in added money. There are a number of other events that also give double points, but we are the first of the season. So yes, Beau Gardner made out huge on Saturday night with the winning ride being a double point for his season standings, but he also was a double entry rider with the 2nd place ride. Double entries typically become available due to a rider becoming unable to compete between the day entries close and the event.”

Bullarama Supreme is one of two major fundraisers for the Lamont & District Agricultural Society, with the other fundraiser being the Summer Sizzler Rodeo which takes place in early July. Green said, “The majority of our profits will go to operations. However, we have a couple major renovation projects we have been considering and have grant applications pending for. We are hopeful those will come through and these proceeds can also be put towards our matching portion.”

NOW HIRING

for o r Vegre ille and T o Hills Loca ons

Trailer Assemblers & Welders

Skills & Experience:

-Ability to work in a fast paced manufacturing environment

-Basic knowledge of hand tools & power tools

-Be able to handle items weighing up to 50lbs

-Able to work effectively in a team setting

-MIG welding experience

-Willing to train the right candidates

Responsibilities:

-Use power hand tools safely

-Work on assembly line

-Assemble and weld trailer frames

-Wiring, decking, assembling trailers

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Two Hills Adult Learning Council Program Coordinator

Two Hills Adult Learning Council is looking for a Part-Time Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator will work with the Executive Director to plan, organize, promote, and implement Two Hills ALC’s learning opportunities, programs, and events. In addition, the Coordinator will work with learners to help reduce barriers to participating in programs.

Qualifications:

● Minimum Grade 12 education or 3 years experience working with client demographics.

● Excellent time management, planning and organizational skills.

● Good oral and written communication skills.

● Working knowledge of computers and Microsoft 365 as asset.

Seasonal Employment Opportunities

Emcon Services is currently seeking:

ã Labourers ã Flaggers

Vegreville, Two Hills and Lamont Areas

For the upcoming summer season

Job duties may include but are not limited to:

Flagging, Crack sealing, Rest area maintenance, Highway Inspections, sign and guardrail repairs, bridge washing, pot hole filling, grass trimming.

Ability to work extended hours and weekends as required

Applicants must have a valid Class 5 drivers license Emcon Services Inc. offers competitive wages and maintains a substance abuse policy.

● Ability to speak, write and translate Low German an asset.

● Valid Class 5 Alberta Motor Vehicle Operators License as travel will be required.

● A Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector Search will be required.

A detailed job description is available upon request. Position requires 21.5 hours per week, with the possibility of some evening and weekend work.

Submit resume by email, mail or dropping them off at the office by May 17th, 2023 to:

Executive Director

Two Hills Adult Learning Council

Phone: 780-208-3754

Office Address: 4712-50th Street, Two Hills, AB

Mail: Box 1065, Two Hills, AB, T0B 4K0

Email: admin@twohillsalc.com

Only those selected for an interview will be notified.

High flying action. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Bullarama Champion Beau Gardner on his final ride of the night. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Young fans enjoying the meet and greet session. (Lamont & District Agricultural Society/Submitted Photo)

Bullarama Supreme - CONTINUED from FRONT PAGE

New Myrnam School Participates in Youth Environmental Leadership Summit

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

New Myrnam School was one of 20 high schools from across northeastern BC selected by Inside Education to come together in Canmore from March 16-19 to better understand the science, issues, technology and careers related to energy, climate and water.

Assistant Principal Robert Tymofichuk stated that, “Six students from New Myrnam School formed a delegation that participated in the Generate & Navigate youth conference, where they engaged with 19 other schools from various

regions of Alberta. The conference’s primary focus was to enhance education on energy, water, and climate, and it attracted over 160 students, teachers, and 70 experts. The program’s highlights were interactive sessions, workshops, and tours that fostered exchange of ideas and discussions on crucial topics. Attendees gained insights into cutting-edge technologies and innovations that are shaping the future, making it a source of inspiration and leadership for young minds.

As part of the conference, each school had the opportunity to select a project, and our team’s choice was ‘Leading Our

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COMPUTERS

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Looking for a new computer? VM SYSTEMS has all you’ll ever need in computers! Installation – Sales –Service – Internet. One call will get you in touch. Phone 780-632-2859 9am – 5pm

FEED

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GARAGE SALE

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HOMES FOR RENT

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Community Towards Net Zero.’ This project centers around reducing Myrnam’s carbon footprint. In the first phase, junior high students performed an energy audit of the Village of Myrnam’s CTEC facility, revealing that significant energy could be saved with simple modifications to the building’s HVAC control system. The students presented their findings to the Village of Myrnam Council in November 2022. In the second phase, the project involves expanding the 6KW grid-tied solar array installed in a previous project.”

Student Sydney Chanasyk shared her thoughts to Inside Education at the end of the experience. She stated, “Thank you for the absolutely amazing conference this weekend. There were so many insightful and educational panels, presentations and so much valuable information for our project. Also, so much fun meeting so many new people and collaborating on our projects. Thank you to all the Inside Education staff and everyone who made this conference happen.”

Upon completion of the Summit, each school is challenged to develop and implement an education and action proj-

ect to engage their peers and their community about the energy, climate, and water topics they learned about throughout the Summit. These projects will occur from Spring Break to the end of the school year and beyond.

“We expect to see a multitude of positive outcomes as a result of each school’s participation in the Summit. What has already become apparent is that students left Generate/Navigate informed, inspired, and empowered to work toward a sustainable future for our environment, economy, and society,” according to Kathryn Wagner, Inside Education Program Director.

Inside Education is Alberta’s largest environmental and natural resource education charity. In addition to provincewide Youth Leadership Summits like Generate/Navigate, Inside Education is committed to inspiring students and providing support for K-12 school teachers through various avenues, including inclass learning resources, interactive presentations, experiential field trips, securing grant money where needed, and much more.

ment that represents an

3.7 percent of salary.”

Moreover, the union gained a protection against contracting out provision designed to “protect public service jobs and reduce contracting out in the federal public service.”

It’s hard to comprehend how the settlement could have been worse, both for taxpayers and for increasing the already dangerous disparity between public and private sector workers. As public-sector workers try to justify their excessive wage demands, private-sector workers struggle with the rising cost of groceries and other necessities. These are the same private-sector workers whose taxes pay the cost of the public service. But it has become quite clear that PSAC workers just don’t care, a shamefully selfish behaviour that tears dangerously at the fabric of our nation.

The worst may be yet to come. A Government of Canada website lists 32 federal and provincial union contracts due to expire in 2023, covering a total of 99,000 workers. Those unions have been waiting for the PSAC settlement to set the

benchmark, and I’m sure they’re delighted with the outcome. The result is sure to not only expand the already dangerously disparate compensation of public- and private-sector workers but also significantly accelerate the very inflation the unions claim to justify their rich wage demands.

This is a dangerous time for our country. We have a federal government that sinks the nation further and further into debt with wasteful spending and hobbles the resource industries that provide much of our GDP and export revenue. It is kept in power by a deeply socialist party whose sole agenda is to blackmail the minority Liberals into expanding social welfare programs that are already unaffordable. And now we have clear evidence that members of our largest publicsector union don’t care about their fellow Canadians who pay their wages.

Our prime minister talks constantly about environmental sustainability. The real question is the social and economic sustainability of the course he has plotted for our beleaguered nation.

Gwyn Morgan is a retired business leader who has been a director of five global corporations.

PSAC - CONTINUED from PAGE 6

New Myrnam School students planning their post-Summit project plan. (Inside Education/Submitted Photo)

Vesna-Spring Concert at A.L. Horton School

Students from A.L. Horton School performed a VesnaSpring Concert in the gymnasium on May 3.

Principal Mrs. Busenius welcomed everyone and acknowledged the audience for taking the time in this early summer like evening to take in the accomplishments of the Kindergarten to Grade Six Ukrainian

Language and Culture’s students. “Vesna means spring in Ukrainian. It is a time of work, and growth, and hope and you will see and hear all of those things reflected in the poetry, and the songs, and the movements of this evening.”

Like always, the concert began with the Kindergarten to Grade Six students singing O Canada in Ukrainian. The event continued with solo, duets, and group per-

formances.

One highlight was when the Kindergarten’s students took on a surprise performance where they made a wreath by joining in action around the gym with their parent.

Audience member Georgina Stark said she thought the concert was great. “They all sang well and I understood some of the Ukrainian songs.”

Vegreville Parochial District Perogy Supper

News Correspondent

To the delight of over 200 people, the Vegreville Parochial District Perogy Supper was offered on May 6 at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Vegreville.

This meal included: perogies, nachinka, coleslaw, souvlaki, pickles, Mediterranean rice, baklava, strawberry trifle and other foods.

Natalia Toroshenko a volunteer who belongs to one of the five parishes which include Ukrainian and Greek Orthodox Churches in the District of

Vegreville, Camrose, Lloydminster, Sich Kolomea, Suchava said this was a fundraising event for these parishes in the Vegreville Parochial District. “The profits raised will go to the district which is the entities that has members from each of the five parishes and then the district will pay for the priest or whatever they need the funds for.

Some of the best compliments we got were that we had the idea of having the Ukrainian and Greek combination of food. Many of the members of the Orthodox Church in Lloydminster are Greek.”

Attendee Donna Deal said the food was simply delicious and she loved that it was so plentiful.

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Rosanne Fortier

People enjoying the meal & volunteers in the kitchen. (Rosanne Fortier/Photos)

Grades One to Six students sing Oi u Luzee Chervona Kalyna. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Tributes

SARAFINCHAN, Annie

August 9, 1923 - May 16, 1990

To hear your voice and see your smile

To sit with you and talk awhile, To be together in the same old way Would be our greatest wish today.

So please God take a message

To our precious Mom up above, Tell her we miss her terribly And give her all our love.

Forever Loved and Remembered By Children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren

STAWNICHY, Edward E.

July 4, 1943 - May 11, 2009

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.

If all this life were mine to give

I’d give it, yes, and more.

If I could see my dear husband

Come smiling through the door.

You are always in my thoughts And forever in my heart.

STAWNICHY, Edward E.

July 4, 1943 - May 11, 2009

You can shed tears that he has gone or you can smile because he has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back

Or you can open your eyes and see all that he’s left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him

Or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he’s gone or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back or you can do what he’d want, smile, open your eyes, love, and go on.

With Love, Cheryl, Colette and families

to present day.

With C-11 now law, the result could be very different. A complaint lodged, like the one against Fox, will result in public consultation and possible removal of content the government deems “inappropriate.”

Despite being blocked from TV, anyone with access to…you guessed it, the Internet can watch RT and Fox as well as any number of far right or far left news outlets, not to mention content covering any other subject matter.

We very well might be on a slippery slope to even more censorship in

SEMENIUK, Josephine

June 25, 1942 - May 8, 2017

The Garden of Life is just a cycle. Beginning from a seed we sprout and grow, extending branches and then buds. As the buds turn to flowers, we flourish, provide beauty and nourishment to the life that breathes around us. Then slowly as time passes, we wilt, and our colour fades and we fall away from the branch that once helped us thrive. Our Wife, Mother and Bapchee grew in “our Garden of Life.” She was a lovely bloom that brought color to our worlds and put beauty in our hearts. Although we no longer have you in our “bouquet,” you are never more than a thought away and we miss the glow you provided to each of us, down the paths we call life. May you be blooming once again and shining your bright light upon our lives.

We love you to the moon and back…The Bear & Cubs

SOROTSKY, Helen

In loving memory of Helen Sorotsky

May 14, 1987

We think of you in silence, We often speak your name. All we have is memories And your picture in a frame. Our hearts still ache in sadness And our tears continue to flow. For what it was to lose you, No one will ever know. Love Tracy & Wanda, Darcy & Carol, Tammie & Brian and their families

STAWNICZY, Woytkiw

May 11, 1989

Don’t think of him as gone away, His journey has just begun. Life holds so many facets, This earth is only one. Just think of him as resting From the sorrows and the tears, In a place of warmth and comfort, Where there are no days and years. Think how he must be wishing That we could know today, How nothing but our sadness, Can really pass away. And think of him as living In the hearts of those he touched, For nothing loved is ever lost, And he was loved so much. In our hearts forever, Jane, Cheryl, Colette & Family

In loving memory of George M Pawliuk

March 10 1926 - May 18 2021

A loving husband, father, and friend who will be forever missed.

“Those we love do not go away They walk beside us every day Unseen, unheard, but always near Still loved, still missed, and very dear.”

Your Loving Family

Canada. Censorship that in the past has been reserved for countries like China, Russia and North Korea. In the future it’s possible we will not hear news of SNC Lavalin, holidays on private islands, WE Charities or Chinese interference. We already know that if someone doesn’t agree with those currently in power, they could be labeled a bigot, a fool, or an insurrectionist. It also seems clear we are not intelligent enough to decide what to watch. Tell me what you think. Email me at abletters@newsadvertiser.com

ANTONIUK, Jean

In loving memory of a Dear Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother who passed away May 15, 2019

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; For part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

Lovingly Remembered and Sadly Missed By Russell and Barb; Grandchildren; Ross & Kayla, Savanna Great-Grandchildren; Anika and Sawyer

4 Fun Mother’s Day Activities

Do you want to organize a special, fun activity this Mother’s Day to create unforgettable memories? Take inspiration from these four ideas.

2. Treat mom to dinner and a show

If you know your mom’s tastes, buy tickets to a concert, theatre show or comedy act. Combine the experience with a meal at a restaurant to make it even more special.

3. Unwind at a spa

A trip to the spa is a great way to relax and take a break from the daily grind. Extend the relaxation by booking an overnight stay at a hotel.

4. Go on an outdoor adventure

1. Recreate a special moment

Think of an activity you and your mom did together in the past that brought you joy. See if you can recreate it to bring back happy memories and create new ones.

If the weather permits, take the family on a hike in the great outdoors. Slow down and enjoy the scenery and fresh air. Don’t forget to pack snacks! Need a change of pace? Go somewhere you’ve never been before.

There’s no shortage of activities to celebrate Mother’s Day! For example, you could go on a bike ride, arrange a photo shoot or attend a cooking class. Discover what’s available in your area.

MEMORIAM MEMORIAM

MEMORIAM MEMORIAM

Censorship - CONTINUED from PAGE 4

Lamont County Council Rescinds Appointment of Deputy Reeve

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Lamont County council met behind closed doors on May 3. The sole item on the agenda was Council Code of Conduct. Following discussion council agreed to rescind Motion 2022521, appointment of Deputy Reeve. Div. 5 Councillor Neil Woitas was appointed Deputy Reeve at the last organizational meeting. On May 9, Councillor Dan Warawa will be sworn in as Deputy Reeve. In a news release issued by Lamont County on May 3, it stated, “Discussion related to this motion was completed in closed session as per FOIP, (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy) Act. No further details can be provided.” Woitas was first elected to council in 2017.

Councillor Neil Woitas. (Lamont County/Photo)

Alliance Church Community Nerf Day

Everything at this event was free which included a 3 vs 3 Nerf Tourney, Fairway Nerf Games, Bouncy Castles and BBQ Lunch.

Associate Pastor Josh Whincup, who coordinated the event, said, “We wanted to host this event as an opportunity to reach out to the community and provide a fun family friendly event as the spring started. I got the idea for the event from two of my volunteers, Roy Koop and Hunter Moore.

The community response was great, and we are excited to continue hosting this event for years to come.”

People participate in the 3v3 Nerf Tourney. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Top Left: Children enjoying the bouncy castles. Above and Below: People take part in the games. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Speaking in Class Gives Kids Life Skills

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Students at A.L. Horton Elementary School had a chance to hone their public speaking skills at the Speaking in Class Competition at the school on April 26.

Judges were: Larissa Bombak, Jeff Dyck, Gladys Menzak, Tina Warawa, Judy Anderson and Colleen Welsh.

Students Ada G and Logan A emceed this event.

There were 12 speech contestants who wrote topics ranging from a scavenger hunt which Brynn W created for her sister, why we shouldn’t have winter by Elliot A, how to convince your mom to buy you a horse by Corbin L, and especially fitting was Samar B’s statement in his speech, “Education is a basic human right. It provides freedom and empowerment. One child, one teacher, one pen, and one book can change the whole world!”

There were also speeches by Livia G, Nick M, Corbin L, Savannah G, Tahlia R, Becca A, Danica K, Maddi Z, and Ella B.

Contestant Danica Kuhn wrote her speech, ‘A Leopard Gecko Named Gex in about 40 minutes. When asked if she owns a reptile and what the experience was like for her, she answered, “I live on a farm and I do have a reptile for a pet because I am very passionate about animals. The best thing about reptiles is watching them eat. The best thing about this experience was doing it as it was fun to get to speak in

front of the whole school. The hardest part was being scared in the very beginning. But I would definitely like to do it again.”

The judges’ feedback were they thought all the participants did well. The contestants were well-prepared, made good eye contact and they demonstrated a high level of confidence.

Teacher Mrs. Stephanie Kuhn organized this event with a committee of teachers who included: Tracey Palamarek, Melanie Semeniuk and Chloe Giebelhaus.

Mrs. Kuhn said, “Personally, I feel that public speaking, at a young age, develops communication life skills that will benefit students now and in the future. It encourages confidence with speaking in front of an audience and allows students to have an opportunity for self-expression. It involves research, preparation, storytelling, practice, presentation, leadership and creativity. They figure out how to captivate an audience, persuade, share their opinion and deliver a message in a variety of ways. They reflect on their strengths and recognize areas requiring further growth.

The students did a fantastic job and we support and applaud them for having the courage, motivation and perseverance to get up in front of a large audience! It was a really great competition and I am certain the judges had their work cut out for them in their decisions!”

For Sale or Rent

Judges and contestants in no particular order: Larissa Bombak, Jeff Dyck, Gladys Menzak, Tina Warawa, Judy Anderson, Colleen Welsh, Brynn W, Elliot A, Samar B, Livia G, Nick M, Corbin L, Savannah G, Tahlia R, Becca A, Danica K, Maddi Z and Ella B. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Judges from L-R: Tina Warawa, Colleen Welsh, Gladys Menzak, Larissa Bombak, Judy Anderson, Jeff Dyck. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Thrifters Paradise in Mundare

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

It was a thrifters’ paradise in Mundare during the annual Town Wide Garage Sale on May 6.

With 48 garage sales scattered throughout the community there were plenty of amazing bargains to be had. There was everything from a toilet seat to tank tops to tires to motor oil, and antiques. There was a quilt and bake sale at the Mundare Seniors Centre as well as a multi-family sale at the Mundare

Recreation Centre. Firefighters were busy cooking and serving delicious hot food at the fire station to keep hungry shoppers happy throughout the day.

At one of the stops, Jamie MacNeil had some of her puzzles displayed on antique window panes. MacNeil said her husband picked up a puzzle one day and they decided to give it a go. She and her husband like to do puzzles in winter with their daughter.

MacNeil said puzzles are the one thing that Santa still brings and are a great way

to pass the time.

Rhonda Yurkiw was also looking for something to pass the time during the winter months and decided to try crafting planter boxes. Last year alone, she sold 65 planter boxes to people who purchased them for Mother’s Day gifts and had a beautiful assortment available at the Town Wide Garage Sale.

Yurkiw said he husband cuts all of the wood pieces and she paints and assembles

the planter boxes. Of course, her favourite planter box is the one painted with the signature green and gold of Edmonton’s professional football club. Even though they changed the name of the team, Yurkiw said she will be an Eskimo’s fan forever.

Friends of the Mundare Library hosted a book sale in the town office to raise funds for supplies for the three programs it operates. There are three programs, one geared for three-year-olds, pre-school children and the Vegreville Association for Living in Dignity, (VALID) which supports people with developmental disabilities.

Servus Credit Union also hosted a book sale with proceeds going towards the Mundare School Breakfast Program.

Dogs on Duty: Canadian Canines Keeping Communities Safe

National Police Week takes place every May. This year, it happens from May 14 to 20. It’s a time for police officers to connect with their communities and increase awareness about their services. Today, officers use advanced tools and technology, including police dogs, to keep the public safe. Here’s an overview of how dogs help Canada’s policing system.

Purpose

Many police units across Canada, including the RCMP, use dogs to track suspects, locate missing people, find evidence and uncover drugs, firearms and explosives. In many situations, police dogs are the first to put their lives on the

line and engage armed suspects.

Training

German shepherds are the most commonly used breed; however, Belgian Malinois and Labrador retrievers also make great police dogs.

Police dogs typically start police training between 14 and 18 months. Each must be carefully paired with the right handler. To perform efficiently, the dog and its handler must form an equal partnership based on loyalty and trust. The handler’s job is to refine the dog’s natural drives and instincts to deal with situations they may confront effectively.

Retirement

Police dogs usually retire at seven or eight years old. A dog’s handler can keep it as a pet, which happens in most cases. If the handler doesn’t keep it, the dog will be adopted into a suitable home.

This National Police Week, take the time to thank the hard-working police officers and dogs helping to keep you and your community safe.

Mundare Servus Credit Union Branch Manager Shelly Taylor, left, with staff members Becky Sankowski and Jamie Wasylciw. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Quilter Gail Patrie had many of her gorgeous quilts for sale. From L-R: Amanda Cender, Gail Patrie, Corry Klose and Morgan Klose. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)