Vegreville News Advertiser - May 31, 2023

Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk Re-elected

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

United Conservative Party, (UCP) candidate Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk was successful in her re-election bid earning a total of 14,616 votes in the May 29 election. She won by 5,175 votes over her nearest competitor New Democratic Party, (NDP) candidate Taneen Rudyk, who garnered 9,441 votes.

Rounding out the candidates were: Kathy Flett, Independence Party of Alberta, Kelley Zeleny, Advantage Party of Alberta and Granny Margaret MacKay, Solidarity Movement of Alberta. The vote count was 823 for Flett, 239 for Zeleny and 112 for MacKay.

Armstrong-Homeniuk commented by saying, “The

constituents of Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville have spoken and have chosen to continue to move Alberta forward.

Over the course of the campaign, my team and I knocked on over 16,000 doors and we heard time and again that Albertan’s didn’t want to go back, and the election results reflect this.

I am very grateful and proud that the constituents and communities of Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville have once again placed their trust in me to continue to represent them and I will continue to work hard to do so.

I would like to thank my team for their dedication and

Premier Danielle Smith takes a selfie with Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk and some of her supporters at a campaign rally. (Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk/Facebook Photo)

Jackie AH Re-elected - CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

WHAT’S INSIDE

May 22

10:27 - 911 report of erratic driving for a gray Grand Am traveling east on Hwy. 16. Caller estimated speeds of 150 kmph with the driver cutting others off. A description of the driver provided, however, the license plate did not match vehicle description. Patrols turned up negative.

11:13 – Report of an erratic driver in a dark green Chevy weaving between the lines. An update provided indicated the vehicle turned north towards Mundare.

Patrols turned up negative

15:52 – Report of an erratic semi-truck driver eastbound on Hwy. 16 near the Mundare corner. Truck was described as red and white with Idaho license plates. Caller indicated other drivers needed to slam on their brakes.

17:12 – Report of items stolen from a company truck. Possible dash cam footage available. Under investigation.

20:00 - Members attended a residence to arrest a subject of complaint on outstanding warrants. An investigation and search warrant resulted in drug paraphernalia and contraband cigarettes being seized. The matter is before the courts.

May 23

09:39 - Report of the theft of a power steering pump from under the hood of a truck.

12:10 – Ticket issued for a driver not wearing a seat belt. Voluntary penalty option of $162.

12:27 – Report of a lost or stolen license plate by a client traveling from Vegreville to Saskatchewan. Plate added to the RCMP database.

13:23 – Member on patrol clocked a vehicle driving 137 kmph in a 110 kmph zone. Ticket issued carrying a voluntary penalty option of $126.

14:52 – Report of a multi vehicle collision at the intersection of Hwy. 16 and Mundare turnoff. Multiple injuries reported with one patient transported by STARS air ambulance. Under investigation.

19:51 – Report of a break and enter at a rural property. Locks were cut to gain access and a yellow 2006 Suzuki LTZ 250 quad was stolen along with other items. ATV added to the RCMP database. Under investigation.

20:08 – While searching a residence on another matter, members observed 30 to 40 cannabis plants in the residence. Due to extenuating circumstances members were unable to secure the plants at that time. A search warrant was granted and later executed with members finding only four

plants. The subject of complaint was arrested and released with documents for court.

21:57 – Report of a male attempting to break into a shed. Members attended and located the subject who was intoxicated and trying to get their bicycle. Arrangements were made to get this subject back to their residence for sleep.

May 24

12:56 - Report of shoplifting at a Vegreville business when the subject attempted to run out of the store with multiple products. It is believed the subject has been to the business before driving an older maroon truck with trailer and the truck seems to have different plates when observed.

13:27 – Complaint of excessive phone calls from a collections agency. The complainant was advised that this was not a police matter.

14:06 – Report of lost or stolen keys. The client indicated the set included keys to a gun safe as well as approximately 10 keys for trigger locks. The keys were last located in a vehicle parked at a residence in Vegreville.

16:06 – Report of fraud where the complainant lost over $24,000. Statement obtained and client provided information for the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

16:48 – Caller reported a camper trailer in a quonset on vacant property. The trailer came back as stolen out of Two Hills. Members attended and confirmed the trailer was stolen. Nothing additional left behind and the registered owner of the trailer was notified.

20:38 – Report of bedbugs. It is believed the bugs entered the premise via a mattress donation. Not a police matter.

21:18 – Report of a suspicious male on a motorcycle. The caller indicated that the rider was stuck in the ditch and wearing flip flops. Last seen northbound on HWY 855. No license plate obtained and patrols turned up negative.

May 25

01:02 – Report of a possible break and enter to a trailer located near a Vegreville lodging establishment. The caller indicated two people appeared to be prying open a door on the trailer. Members attended but did not locate anyone in the area. No sounds were heard and no damage to any trailer.

13:00 – While arresting a subject on EPS and RCMP warrants, members observed a firearm. Further investigation located a large amount of ammunition, forged documents, printer and stolen documents. Subject was held for a hearing.

18:43 – Complainant reports they believe

they found their stolen e-bike on Facebook marketplace. They indicated the bike looks identical to theirs and they would know the combination for the lock. Under investigation.

May 26

16:38 – Complaint that the caller’s daughter took the car and they want it back. The complainant later called back indicating the car was returned and RCMP assistance was not required.

May 27

10:30 – 911 call to report a collision. The complainant was driving on country roads in very dusty conditions when they rearended the vehicle in front of them. EMS and fire attended. There were injuries and a collision report was completed.

21:03 – Members assisted a confused senior on the side of the road reported near Vegreville. Members escorted the male to Vegreville where they were met by his family.

23:08 – Report of a possible intoxicated driver in a grey Dodge Ram truck. Traffic stop conducted, roadside demand given, and the driver blew a zero.

23:19 – Complainant reported that a subject was threatening to kill his friend. Members attended and cleared the area, speaking to all intoxicated parties. The subject was charged for uttering threats.

May 28

01:47 – Traffic stop conducted and the driver was charged for operating a vehicle without registration, VP of $324.

02:24 - Traffic enforcement on Hwy. 16 and TWP 524. Several vehicles stopped and checked. All drivers passed mandatory alcohol screening.

10:16 – Report of a business being broken into. Photographs taken. Awaiting additional information. Under investigation.

12:36 – Complaint regarding the installation of a privacy wall that neighbors are complaining about. Not a police matter. The issue forwarded to bylaw.

21:23 – Report of a break and enter in progress. Members attended and located two subjects inside a motorhome. Both were arrested for break and enter. Under investigation.

During the week there were 75 calls for service made in total including: 1 false 911, 1 false alarm, 0 animal strikes, 0 relationship violence, 8 calls under the Mental Health Act or related to mental health, and approximately 6 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 22 - 28 Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser

Sowing Seeds of Sustainability

free course on fruit tree grafting.

“We have the same ambition and goal,” added Cathrine, and now they both are making new connections and gaining more interest and members along the way.

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

The Lakeland Seed Swap is a relatively new initiative that is quickly gaining momentum in the region. Whether you’re a beginner or novice or advanced gardener it doesn’t matter, says Cathrine MacKenzie, who founded the group.

Cathrine said she fashioned after Seed Swap Lethbridge, of which she was a member, until she moved to Myrnam. She began the Lakeland Seed Swap in June of 2020 and now has a following of more than 350 people on its Facebook group.

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“It’s about everybody helping everybody,” said Cathrine. As for the purpose of the initiative, is: “To encourage gardeners to grow plants locally, save the seeds, and share what they have saved with other gardeners. Saving seeds year after year makes the seeds better adapted to regional climates and locales.

Among the many benefits, seed swaps are a great way to save money as you can get a vast variety of seeds for free, not to mention a network of knowledge from seasoned gardening pros.

It is our goal to protect Alberta’s seed biodiversity by growing seeds ourselves and sharing them with others. Every year, we multiply as many seed varieties as we can, exchange seeds with each other, and keep those varieties alive and in cultivation for future gardeners to enjoy.”

Cathrine feels very fortunate to have met Gerald Delorme, who started an initiative of his own in Derwent. He began a garden club and said it is going very well. One of his goals is to start a community garden and eventually incorporate an orchard with it. He has extensive knowledge in gardening and recently hosted a

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The e

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

Twin Lakes Ready Mix & Aggregate Ltd.

Adam's No Frills

Broadcast Booth

R.J.V. Gasfield Building

Century 21 – Kody Kuchik

KM – Vegreville Engineering Inc.

Speedy Septic Tanks Synergy CPA's

Veg Fire & Safety

Woodcraft Canada Richardson Pioneer

Randy's Bobcat Service

Kal Tire / Extreme Clean Truck & Car Wash

Tower Plumbing & Heating / Tower Tack & Western Wear

Hair Fantasies

Child Find Bilyk Financial Bench Show

Rotary Club of Vegreville

Event Sign

Lakeland Power Co-op

Quest Disposal & Recycling

Town of Vegreville

Vegreville Insurance

Vegreville Liquor Store

Vegreville News Advertiser

Flash Distributors Ltd. (NAPA)

Heat Sponsor

Hayday Fitness Studio

Canalta Panels Ltd.

Kids Mini Tractor Pulls

Deerland Equipment

Kids Zone

McDonalds - Vegreville

Mini Banner Veg Auto & Industrial Supply Ltd.

Jiffy Lube & Car Wash

Bucky's Welding Ltd.

Recycle Bins

Quest Disposal & Recycling

Steps

Derek Fox Financial

Synergy CPA’s

Vegreville Accounting

Vegreville Co-op

Webb's Machinery

Vegreville Mechanical Ltd

Vegreville Auto Body

Rotary Club of Vegreville

Hi-Way Registries

Strong Person Competition Snap Fitness

Track Sponsor

Xtreme Equipment

Fireworks

Woodwynn Farm Ltd.

It’s unofficial!!

Another Four Years

Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser – Opinion

Even though, when this News Advertiser reaches your home, the results will still be unofficial, we can be confident that we will have another majority UCP government for four more years. Most readers will have the results via the TV or the radio, so this is no surprise.

The UCP with 49 Seats have the needed votes to win a majority over the NDP with 38 seats. And that’s it. As a percentage of votes, the UCP received 52.56 percent, the NDP 44.02 percent with the next closest party being the Green Party of Alberta with 0.8 percent. Alberta is officially a two-party province which likely surprises no one. Whether that is good or bad, depends on who you ask. It is similar to the question of majority vs minority government.

When it comes to turnout, the unofficial numbers show 62.38 percent of eligible Albertans made an appearance at the polls. Of those, 745 people declined to vote and another 8,052 had their ballots rejected. The turnout could be considered “average” by historical Alberta numbers.

By Canadian standards, the turnout was pretty good. However, for those party faithful and countless volunteers who were knocking on doors and making phone calls, I would not say there was any huge success in getting people out to vote. When the NDP won in

2015 there was a 58.4 percent turnout and following that in 2019 we saw 64 percent of voters come to the polls bringing the UCP back to power. Much better than the dismal, (some would same shameful) 2008 turnout of 40.59 percent. By comparison, in 1935 the Social Credit were voted into power with 88.8 percent of the seats and an 81.8 percent voter turnout. Australia with compulsory voting sees voter turnout in the 90 percent range regularly.

So with the election unofficially over, and another four years ahead, what will we see? The leaders’ speeches late Monday evening give us a bit of a hint.

Danielle Smith, in her acceptance speech, promised more money in our pockets, growth in the green energy sector and “emerging technologies” while not sacrificing our economy. She touted the Alberta tax advantage and stated the Alberta was “open for business” expressing that people thrive when businesses thrive. Smith told viewers that the first Bill in the fall would be to guarantee that business and personal tax will not go up unless decided by referendum.

Moving on to healthcare and education, Premier Elect Smith stated the desire that Alberta should be leaders… the “best in the world” and could achieve that by studying the best from around the world. She also expressed the desire for engagement from others and wanting to hear from teachers, parents, doctors, nurses and other front-line professionals.

Finally, Smith promised to battle the federal government on their energy policies, specifically regarding natural gas. I was surprised that she did not touch on the fact that most parts of the world consider LNG a way to reduce carbon emissions, (by burning that rather than coal), but there was no question that the UCP is ready for a battle with Ottawa.

As would be expected, Rachel Notley was professional and graceful in what was a personal win, but ultimately not the party goal they were looking for. They did gain ground by adding 14 seats at the expense of the UCP, but not enough to form government. She promised to be an effective opposition to the UCP and be the voice of Albertans.

What I took from the election was largely in the numbers and the maps. While there were some blowouts such as a 5:1 ratio in Drumheller-Stettler, there were also many close races like CalgaryNorth with a 113 vote difference. Looking to the maps and percentages, it is clear we are a province divided. With the UCP garnering 52 percent of the vote and the NDP 44 percent, it would be foolish for either party to try to spin that they represent the ideals of all Albertans. The maps show a clear division between rural and urban voters and those mindsets.

Let’s hope, (and it is truly wishful thinking) that the two parties can at least try to work together for the betterment of ALL Albertans.

Just once I’d like to hear someone in the legislature say the words “my colleague across the floor had some great ideas and we would like to work on that together with them for a stronger Alberta” (trademarked & mic drop).

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

Doll Quest and Toy Treasures Doll and Toy Show

helped her.

Patricia Roadhouse from Sturgeon County was a vendor who had many dolls and a few reborn dolls for sale. “I have been a doll collector since I was a child but I am selling some because I have decided to downsize.

I especially like reborn dolls because they are handmade and they are more realistic than other dolls. They are sculpted by hand, all painted by hand, and rooted by hand, one hair at a time. It takes about three months to make one.

I just love dolls. I think adults should buy reborn dolls because they are used as therapy dolls for people who have lost babies or lost children and for people who have dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

People with Alzheimer’s sometimes don’t relate to anything but when they handle a reborn doll, it is realistic and they start talking, rocking, and cuddling it. These dolls make people happy.

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

People found some treasured items at the third annual Doll Quest and Toy Treasures Doll and Toy Show and Sale at Vegreville Inn & Suites on May 27.

Coordinator Virginia Workman expressed that this year they had more than double the vendors, 18 versus 8 from last year. “This year, I went with advertising with “Vegreville News Advertiser” and I believe it made a huge difference in terms of the number of people who came out.

There were over 80 visitors versus less than 20 visitors last year. It was amazing!

I really felt honoured this year; we had vendors that are so much fun; they make the show so worthwhile just for the camaraderie. There were vendors from Saskatchewan, Calgary, Edmonton, Smoky Lake and Nanaimo, B.C.

I host this show and sale because toys, dolls, and bears generally make people smile and reminisce about some of their childhood joys. They smile, the vendors smile and share their memories and for a while, all the challenges and/or struggles of being an adult and/or parent go away.

Parents come in and show their children, dolls and toys they grew up with and they are real, they are physical figures that require imagination.

Another purpose of the show is to have fun and for people having fun is remembering growing up and seeing, wanting or owning that special doll or teddy bear that they see at the doll show.

My partner Bill, spoils me, he knows I need something to keep me looking forward so he really supports me. Bill, 81, still comes in and loads, lifts and places tables. He brings in bins filled with dolls and toys, and they can be really heavy. One of the things, I really appreciate about Bill is his logical mind. When things aren’t set up right or cluttered he often sees more ways to set up so the presentation is appealing.

The best parts this year was having so many great vendors and visitors travelling out to our town of Vegreville just to come to this show and to see its popularity grow.”

Workman also stated that she was grateful to the staff at Vegreville Inn & Suites, Edmonton Doll Club and everyone who

I lost my son in a tragic accident seven years ago and it was very hard. So, the doctor told me that doll therapy was better for me than any type of medicine or anything else. They are good for people who can’t have babies too.”

Vendor Kimberly Cook came from Calgary with her daughter Acasia. “My daughter and I both have been collecting dolls since we were toddlers. We like dolls because they can be anything you want them to be. It is good for adults to collect dolls because it is good to have hobbies and something you care about.”

David Berry who came all the way from Nanaimo, BC explained that his husband Rob Hooper helped him with the sale. “I

have collecting dolls since 1982. I started buying dolls I wanted as a child that I wasn’t allowed to play with such as Chatty Cathy or Barbie.

I think dolls are good for adults because they are calming. I love looking at dolls and appreciate all dolls.

I also enjoy dolls because they remind me of people I know or commercials I saw on television, as well as, help me remember how my eyes were glued to a Christmas catalogue as a kid. They bring me back to happy memories from my childhood.”

f The e

Tina Turner

L-R: David Berry was happy to meet his friend Dawn Nokleby. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Some of the dolls and toys at the show and sale. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

People browse through the dolls and toys. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

90 Years Ago – May 31, 1933

The majority of farmers in the Spring Creek area are through seeding, while others will be through in a few days.

It is a strange law that penalizes a man for picking up a wayfarer and giving him a lift. Probably there are risks attached to indiscriminate kindness but it is ridiculous that legislation should be passed to repress the spirit of human brotherhood.

Miss Mary Barazen of Vegreville opened a beauty shop in Willingdon, so the ladies of our town are at par with the stronger sex.

Mr. Ewens has resigned from his position with the Searle Grain Co. and has been the manager at Ryley for the past eleven years.

Nick Kuss of Vegreville spent several days in the Shandro district with pleasing results. Mr. S. Huculak traded in his old Plymouth for a Chrysler and Mike Hawreliak closed a deal for a new Chevrolet truck.

Gunner Leung is busy scouring the Vegreville district for hail insurance, his company being the Great American Insurance Company of New York. He is also writing up the odd life policy in the Sun Life of Canada, for which he is a local agent.

75 Years Ago – June 2, 1948

Scores of people were attracted to the Jeff Schmidt home on Monday afternoon to witness a blaze that ruined the west wall of the dwelling taking with it the back porch and damaging the kitchen severely. The local fire brigade was called out to battle the blaze and was on the job shortly after the alarm was turned on. Damage to the house, owned by J. N. Kuzyk, and contents amount to approximately $3,000 according to reports.

After several days of exceedingly hot, drying weather, the immediate district received a fairly good shower late Tuesday afternoon. It would not amount in town to more than .25 of an inch, but even that little helped some. South of here the rain appeared to be much heavier, while out at Warwick, not a drop fell, so Nick Petruk says.

The new building, replacing the old City Meat market premises is nearing completion and will be ready to occupy in about two weeks. Peter Bosovich, the owner, will conduct a meat market in part of the building, and Andy Svarich’s fruit store will also be located there.

50 Years Ago – May 31, 1973

Gerry Cote of Cold Lake and Randy Yavis of Vegreville played an exciting championship final in the Vegreville Golf Club’s Spring Tournament held here at the weekend. The pair were equal at 110 strokes following three rounds of play and two extra holes were required to settle the match.

Town Council reviewed tenders received respecting the paving project for the community at a regular meeting on Monday and after discussion accepted the bid of Eastbrook Sand and Gravel for $608,590 subject to the approval of the Local Authorities Board.

For the 23rd consecutive year, the National Capital Commission and the Rotary Club of Ottawa have participated in the Adventure in Citizenship program, in which275 students from all parts of Canada meet in Ottawa to attend Parliament, engage in discussions on the functions of government and to enjoy the beauty of the national capital of Canada. Attending from Vegreville was Miss Maxine Klammer, who was selected by the Vegreville Rotary Club. The annual Oratorical contest sponsored by the St. Martin’s Home and School Association was held in the school gymnasium. The Judges of the contest, were Mrs. W. Horton, Rev. H. Heinemann, and Mr. B. Kutt. After much deliberation, Lorie Sribney, a grade nine student, was presented the first prize for her speech on what the “Fantastic Province of Alberta” has to offer us.

25 Years Ago – May 26, 1998

St. Mary’s graduating class of 1998 included graduates Joanne Paquette, Julie Paquette, Erin Rusnak, Mark Dowhaniuk, Kelly Boyko, Cara Speidel, Carmen Steil, Kim Pommen, Janelle Steil, Elzaan De Witt, Jenifer Stuart, Mike Dlugosz, Dean Fotty, Luke Miller, Kris Gusnowski, Brienne De Forest, Trevor Kiziak, John Yurko, Matthew Lerna, Ryan Markowski, and Jason Bay.

Two Hills students are ready to start work (babysitting) after completing the FCSS Babysitting Course. Thirteen kids registered, and 10 passed the course. Among the students were Stephanie Saunders, Brandi Zayak, Jordan Skoropadyk, Ryan Duffett, Skyler Sapach, Amanda Harter, Martina MacDonald, Janice Laschowski, Ryan Delawski, Marianne Gorda, Jennifer McDonald, Sunalta Saskiw and Nicole Norman.

The Vegreville 4-H Beef Club donated a history book and a set of cookbooks to the Vegreville Public Library. One of the books is titled 4-H and Alberta – 75 Years of Growing Each Other. This book was published in 1992 to commemorate the 75 years of 4-H clubs in Alberta. It names many of the clubs from the Vegreville area.

Erase History, Erase Ourselves

Jack Mintz Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy

The Trudeau government has come under fire for dropping historical symbols from the Canadian Royal Crown and our national passport. I recently renewed my passport, which I was happy to receive by mail within 20 working days. It’s stamped with the royal coat of arms on the front cover and historic pictures of Samuel de Champlain, the Fathers of Confederation, Parliament, Niagara Falls and others printed on pages.

Luckily, I chose the 10-year expiration so I get to enjoy looking at them for another decade.

The Liberal attempt to erase history is not the first nor last attempt by governments to do so. In his extensivelyresearched 2022 book, Monumental Fury: The History of Iconoclasm and the Future of Our Past, Matthew Fraser, professor of communication, media and culture at the American University of Paris and former editor-in-chief of this newspaper, lays out the history of iconoclasm in stark detail.

His focus is the toppling of statutes and destruction of symbols in the wake of the killing of George Floyd and the growing hostility to any reference to slavery, colonization or racism. Not only have statues of Christopher Columbus, Winston Churchill, Voltaire and John A. Macdonald been toppled or defaced, but their names have also been removed from schools and other buildings. Removing religious and historical symbols from Canada’s passport and crown is not quite in the same league as defacing statues, but it is still literally iconoclastic, in the sense of the Greek eikonoklastēs, meaning “image destroyer.” We typically think of iconoclasm as criticism of or opposition to widely held beliefs and practices, but decisions to erase historical symbols are just as politically driven.

Fraser divides iconoclasm into three types: religion, revolution and revolt. Religious iconoclasm, as in the Taliban’s destruction of the ancient Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan, is an example of destroying statues to erase religious ties. The Taliban are not the only guilty party, however. Early Christians destroyed pagan statues and religious idols in the Roman Empire, while the Spanish destroyed Mexico’s Aztec symbols in the name of the Christian faith. Revolution is another reason older symbols of author-

ity are destroyed. Historical attempts to erase history in support of regime change include removing Catholic symbols in Henry VIII’s England, defacing George III’s statue in lower Manhattan during the American Revolution and obliterating “bourgeois” monuments in China and Russia to promote communist ideology. And, of course, the fall of Communism saw statues of Mao and Stalin go the way of many of their pre-communist predecessors.

Spontaneous outbreaks of iconoclasm often reflect claims of victimhood and remedy for past injustice. Examples include 16th-century violence in Dutch provinces against the Hapsburg monarchy or the 2021 toppling of statues of Queens Victoria and Elizabeth II in Winnipeg during the furor over possible unmarked graves found near Indigenous residential schools.

We are overly inclined to either support or condemn iconoclasm reflecting our personal values at a particular time. But what we view as unacceptable today might have been broadly agreed to by past generations. And what we feel is right today may be viewed as wrong behaviour in the future. I wonder if future generations won’t consider today’s cancellation of controversial speakers or university hires as having been beyond the pale.

In the long view, attempts to erase kings, queens and prime ministers from our history are neither sensible nor desirable. Their decisions helped form our institutions. We should understand the motives, good and bad, that drove them.

John A. Macdonald was far from perfect. But his National Policy, including relatively open immigration, was critical to ensure Canada became one country from sea to sea to sea. No prime minister who followed did as much to make that happen as Macdonald.

Yes, Canadian immigration policy was itself imperfect, becoming very restrictive, especially after 1919, and reaching its nadir, perhaps, with the turning back in 1939 of a boatload of Jewish refugees, condemning them to Nazi death camps. Even after the Second World War, Canada continued to restrict Jewish refugees desperate for a new home.

During this dark period, Prime Minister Mackenzie King supported his top immigration official, Frederick Blair, who was responsible for these decisions. Should we tear down King’s statue or remove his name from buildings and schools, including from a high school in a Jewish neighbourhood of Toronto? So far, the cancellers have

Kitscoty RCMP Charge Male Theft of Motor Vehicle

May 9, 2023 at 8:40 a.m., Kitscoty RCMP received a complaint of a theft of vehicle in progress in the area of Range Road 40

Vegreville & District Hot Dog Sale

Friday, June 2 11:00am - 2:00pm

Vegreville Garden Club

Imperial Community Centre

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Sunday, June 4, 2023

2:00 p.m. at Imperial Community Centre

and Township Road 500, in the County of Vermilion River. Officers attended the location and determined the vehicle involved had been discarded and one male fled the area on foot.

With assistance from Kitscoty Crime Reduction Unit, Vermilion RCMP and Lloydminster Police Dog Services, containment was established in the vicinity of where the accused was last seen. RCMP then received a call from a concerned citizen regarding a male in their yard that matched the description of the suspect. The individual was then located and taken into custody without incident. As a result of the investigation, the stolen vehicle was recovered.

Andrew Baron (33), a resident of Two Hills, Alta., was arrested and charged

with the following:

• Possession of Stolen Property over $5,000

• Drive While Unauthorized contrary to the Traffic Safety Act

Baron was released on an Appearance Notice with court set for June 20, 2023, at Alberta Court of Justice in Lloydminster, Alta.

“In this case, a call from a concerned citizen regarding the suspicious male significantly sped up the process to locate and apprehend the individual. I continue to encourage area residents to contact the police for suspicious persons and vehicles.” Says Sgt. Corey Buckingham, Vermilion RCMP Detachment Commander, (formerly Kitscoty Detachment Commander).

Friday June 2 Trick Riders 5:15 pm Chariot & Chuckwagon Races 6 pm start time

Beer Gardens 4 - 11 pm Open Mic (theme night Hawaiian)

Saturday June 3 Horse Show 9 am

Chariot & Chuckwagon Races 6 pm start time

Beer Gardens 4 pm – 11 pm - Artist Abygale Durie

Sunday June 4 Horse Show 9 am

Bull Riding Experience - Ag Arena Chicken Races 11 am - Near Dining Hall Chariot & Chuckwagon Races 1 pm start time

Thanks to these sponsors for making this event possible: Vegreville Vet Clinic Canalta Panels - Vegreville & District Co-op Quest Disposal - Rig Vac Inc. Lakeland Power Co-op -Vegreville Insurance Vegreville Liquor Store

Accepting delivery of consignments from Friday, June 9 to Friday, June 16 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

ALREADY LISTED: 3 LARGE LATE MODEL FARM DISPERSALS! CONSIGN TODAY TO BE PART OF THIS BIG AUCTION!

Public Viewing:

FOLLOW US

Monday, June 19th to Thursday June 22nd from 8:00 am- 6:00 pm & Friday, June 23rd from 8:00 am until NOON SHARP. At our yard: 2 MILES NORTH OF CAMROSE ON HIGHWAY 833. (47321 Sec, Hwy 833) We conduct Alberta’s Largest 1-day Farm Machinery Consignment Auction 4 times a year. Selling

Let’s Honour Seniors

An original poem by Rosanne Fortier

Seniors took care of us when we were young.

They built tools so we could work in the fields.

Some created roads, hospitals and schools.

Their taxes paid for our education so we could learn the golden rules. Remember they were young once too.

Who had a full and busy life just like you?

Yet they still managed to spend time with you.

So, caregivers please remember to give them TLC.

It is okay to occasionally let them do as they please.

Everyone should listen to their stories.

The best way to learn is from others’ experiences. So, let’s honour them during seniors’ week.

Tell a senior you love them.

Let’s keep thinking a lot of them.

Correction

It was incorrectly reported in the article ‘Vintage Bridal Fantasy a Trip Down Memory Lane’ in the May 24 edition that one of the flower girls

dresses was originally worn by volunteer Gail Woywitka. The Vegreville News Advertiser apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Decoration Day Services

At

SCHEDULE:

12:40 PM - Guests are requested to be seated at the cenotaph

12:45 PM - Parade Forms Up at Riverside Cemetery gate

12:50 PM - Parade to Field of Honour

1:00 PM - Ceremony of Remembrance

Parade out to cemetery gate Dismiss and move to Legion Hall for post ceremony lunch.

For lunch at the branch, please RSVP rfhayduk@gmail.com or 780 632-3900

EVERYONE

Flags will be placed at the resting places of the deceased veterans by June 7, if any family members would like to visit with their own personal dedication.

At

Saturday, June 10, 2023

1:00 PM = Ceremony of Remembrance

Flags will be placed at the resting places of the deceased veterans by June 7, if any family members would like to visit with their own personal dedication.

Attention Vegreville Branch Members

All current members (membership dues paid for 2023) are invited to attend the Branch for presentation of YEARS OF SERVICE PINS. These are presented in 5 year increments. If you are eligible, please join us. Lunch and presentations to begin after the ceremony at the cemetery on June 11th approximately 2:30. Long Service Awards will also be presented. Please RSVP to stewart9@telusplanet.net or call 780-632-3500

Vegreville Vegreville Seniors' Week Seniors'Week

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MONDAY,JUNE5

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Artists Create Fun Murals at Galleria Shops

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Jordan Ernst is the Lead Artist for Graffitisalad where he helped make a mural at Galleria Mall.

When asked when he began doing artwork, Jordan replied, “I started doing graffiti professionally in 2017. I have been doing graffiti since 2006.

As a youth in Saskatoon, I grew up doing graffiti illegally and I was in and out of jail because of this. When I turned 18, I stopped doing graffiti illegally and I focused on finishing high school and then I got into graffiti more as an art form in my

7-DAY WEATHER

WEATHER

VEGREVILLE & SURROUNDING AREA SURROUNDINGAREA

adult years.

Now what I do with my company is I am focusing on helping youth that have been incarcerated and who come from troubled homes, (at risk youths) by teaching them by example of where I came from and how I turned my life around. I am trying to make something positive come out of my past.

As for the artwork that is on the wall at Galleria Mall, it has been done by one of my mentees James Greenaway who is the one who painted the wall. I just painted the bricks and coached him through it. He did all the artwork of the pig holding the burger.

The process of making a mural is a lot of work as there is a lot of preplanning and drawing, as well as, gathering all the materials which can be time consuming. Then when you are working on it you never know if it will be a super warm day or a windy day.

As for creating the artwork on the wall, it is super fun as it drowns out my thoughts and helps me stay focus and in the present moment. So, I use it as a form of mediation and I am sure a lot of artists also do this.

I am hoping for myself with the other artists to be done the artwork on the walls outside of Hott Boxx, Fire and Flower, Pet Value and Farm Credit Canada by May 26.

life. I started doing art with crayons. I took it at Vegreville Composite High School in 2005. Now I live in Edmonton. I started painting this mural on April 26.

I like to do this type of work because I am a tattoo artist by trade and have been tattooing for about 12 years. I do work in a lot of different mediums. This is the first major public mural I created.

Making a mural is a lot of fun because I enjoyed people popping by while I was creating it and asking me questions about it.

What I want people to take away when they see it is I want them to have fun; everything in life is so serious. I like to make people smile and laugh. The new burger place asked for a mural which was burger related so I drew up a happy piggy eating a burger. There is no hidden meaning in it.”

Branden Cha from Edmonton who artist’s name is Busyrawk expressed that he has been painting murals since last year. “I am an emerging artist. So, Jordan was good to take me under his wings and show me a few things. To be able to work on different approaches in art is a big thing for me.”

Phone: (780)632-6479 ipd@vegreville.com

James Greenaway, who created the mural on Hott Boxx, said he has pretty much been doing artwork his whole

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING County Of Two Hills No. 21

MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN, BYLAW 13-2022 and LANDUSE BYLAW, 14-2022

The County of Two Hills proposes amendments to the Municipal Development Plan (Bylaw 13-2022) and the Land Use Bylaw (Bylaw 14-2022) to identify, define and provide municipal guidance on reviewing and regulating Alternate Energy developments, (energy derived from wind, solar, geothermal, biofuels, or other sources).

A Public Hearing concerning Bylaws 13-2022 and 14-2022 will be held on Thursday, June 8 at 11:00 a.m. at the County of Two Hills Office, 4818 50 Avenue, Two Hills, Alberta. Copies of Bylaw 13-2022, and Bylaw 14-2022 can be reviewed and inspected on the County’s website, www.thcounty.ab.ca,or at the County Office in Two Hills (4818 – 50 Avenue) during regular office hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Submissions may be made by any person(s) who claim(s) to be affected by the Bylaws or from any other person whom Council agrees to hear. Any written submissions that are mailed, emailed, or delivered to the County of Two Hills, must be received no later than Thursday June 1, 2023 at 12:00 Noon, to be included in the agenda package and should be clearly marked ‘Bylaw 13-2022 or Bylaw 14-2022’. Oral or written submissions may be made at the Public Hearing without prior notification to the County of Two Hills. Submissions will become part of the public record and, as such, will be subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. For further information in respect to this bylaw or to make representation regarding the bylaw please contact:

Gary Buchanan, RPP, Planning & Development Director

PHONE: 780.657.3358

Box 490, TWO HILLS, Alberta, T0B 4K0

EMAIL: gbuchanan@thcounty.ab.ca

Tyler McGinnis mentioned that he has been painting professionally for about a month. “But I have been creating artwork my whole life since I was about two-years-old. I like doing this because I get to do what I love for work and it is not even work as I get to come over here and have a lot of fun.”

NOTICE

COUNTY OF MINBURN NO. 27

ROADSIDE SPRAYING PROGRAM ATTENTION LANDOWNERS

The County of Minburn No. 27 Agricultural Service Board will be operating a Roadside Spraying Program for the control of noxious weeds and brush in the 2023 season.

If you do not wish to have spraying completed adjacent to your property, please contact the Agricultural Service Board office to have your name and land description added to the no spray list. A reminder, however, if a landowner does not want adjacent road allowance sprayed, the landowner will accept full responsibility for noxious weed/brush control on said road allowance, in accordance with County bylaw 714- 1973.

If you should have any further questions regarding the roadside spraying program please contact Darwin Ullery, Agriculture and Utilities Foreman at (780) 632-2082, Ext. 3.

The painting on Hott Boxx mainly painted by James Greenaway. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

County of Minburn Councillor Breaches Code of Conduct

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

County of Minburn council met privately in closed session on May 24 regarding a breach of Council Code of Conduct Bylaw No. 1280-19.

Following the closed session, council passed the motion: “That the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) connect the Reeve with the County’s legal service provider to gain a legal opinion on matters discussed in closed session.”

send a letter of reprimand to Councillor Ogrodnick confirming he is not permitted to speak to County staff other than the Chief Administrative Officer, (CAO)” CAO Podoborzny stated, “This was a closed session discussion and no further details on these motions can be shared publicly, referencing FOIP Section 17 –harmful to personal privacy.”

Under section 9.6 of the Code of Conduct – All Councillors shall:

(A) Conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the separation of roles and responsibilities between Council and Administration.

(B) Refrain from giving direction to any municipal employee or contracted resource, except through the Chief Administrative Officer.

hard work in ensuring that Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville stayed blue.”

Armstrong-Homeniuk took to Facebook May 30 to thank the residents of Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville for placing their trust in her. Armstrong-Homeniuk wrote, “It is an honour to be re-elected as your MLA and to represent you and this amazing constituency. I am committed to working tirelessly on your behalf and together, we will continue to move forward, building stronger and prosperous communities.”

She also expressed her gratitude to her opponents Taneen Rudyk, Kathy Flett,

Notice to Creditors and Claimants

Council also held another special meeting on May 15 in closed session. Following the closed session, council passed the motions: “That Council finds Councillor Ogrodnick has breached Councillor Code of Conduct Bylaw No. 1280-19.

That the Reeve on behalf of the Council,

(C) Convey all concerns or requests for action or information directly to the Chief Administrative Officer or as permitted by this Bylaw, communicate with the Executive Assistant or Director without committing the County to any specific course of action, expenditure, or use of municipal resources outside of the County’s established policies, procedures, or budget. The Chief Administrative Officer reserves the right to approve a list of municipal employees that Council has permission to directly communicate with. Podoborzny noted that, “Those motions were recorded in the draft minutes which will go the Council Meeting on June 19th for approval.”

vegreville.com/p/taxes

Estate of Lawrence Joe Kuly who died on February 7, 2023. If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by: June 26, 2023 with Olson + Rau Law Solicitor for the Personal Representative at #12, 6109 50th Avenue Vegreville, Alberta T9C 1N6 and provide details of your claim. If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS

ESTATE OF NANCY CECILIA CHARCHUK, also known as NANCY CHARCHUK, also known as CECILIA CHARCHUK who died on December 13, 2022

If you have a claim against this estate you must file your claim by July 10, 2023 and must provide details of your claim to:

Kuzyk Law Office Barrister and Solicitor Postal Drawer 929 5038-50 Avenue

Vegreville, Alberta T9C 1S1

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

NOTICE

COUNTY OF MINBURN NO. 27

Notice of Public Hearing

PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 606 AND 692 OF THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT, CHAPTER M-26, RSA 2000, AS AMENDED.

Effectiveimmediately,creditcard paymentsforTownofVegreville propertytaxeswillonlybeaccepted using'OptionPay',anonlinepayment systematvegreville.com/p/taxes.

NOTICE OF NOMINATION DAY

LOCAL JURISDICTION: Town of Mundare, PROVINCE OF ALBERTA

Notice is hereby given that Nomination Day is Wednesday, June 7, 2023 and that nominations for the election of candidates for the following offices will be received at the Town of Mundare office within the period beginning on May 17, 2023 and ending at 12:00 noon on Nomination Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Councillor Carl Ogrodnick. (County of Minburn/Website Photo)

Jackie AH Re-elected - CONTINUED from Front PAGE

Jackie AH Re-elected - CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Reagan Murray

Ashton Sorochan

Jordan Coffey

St. Mary’s Class of 2023. (Olsen Creative Art Photography/Submitted Photo)

Determination Not Destiny Path to Success

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

That quotation was written by Henry Van Dyke and selected by the St. Mary’s Graduating Class of 2023. During the banquet celebration Town of Vegreville Councillor Dave Berry remarked: “When I saw that quote I thought of a poem, a particular verse from The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. I shall be telling this with a sigh. Somewhere ages and ages hence: two roads diverge in wood, and I, I took the one less travelled by. And that has made all the

difference.

I pondered what was the difference? Neither road was particularly different. So, I came to the conclusion that Frost must have liked himself. That he was who he was because of his experiences. He was comfortable and had made good choices. The decisions you make, the road you take, leads you to who you become and who you are in life.

The road not travelled would not take you to the same place same time or same identity. The road not taken is the unknown of which the certainty of better things is not assured. It is important for you to be yourself. To be whom you want to be. To follow your own heart. To travel your

own road. To make your wise decisions. Always stay true to yourself. Never stop believing in your dreams, because they will not work, unless you make them work. So, you must be determined to succeed.”

Tina Warawa brought greetings on behalf of Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs. “Shannon was not able to attend but want you to know how special it is for me to be able to bring greetings in her place not only as a staff member and town councillor, but because I have special connections and seen so many of these kids grow from small children to the adults you see here today.

I think one of the most special things about being from a small community is the personal relationships that you make. Sometimes, I think those in the larger centres they miss the importance of graduation because they’ve never experienced it through the eyes of a small community. Small town mayors and councillors when it comes to protocol, it’s actually they know the kids and probably their parents by their first names. The residents and even local business members who may not be necessarily be invited to ceremony often go to places like Pysanka Park to get a glimpse of the graduates because they probably sponsored some of your events over the years and

they’ve watched you grow. For me, I’m not from Vegreville originally, but I did grow up in another small town nearby, which actually is the same community a few of the parents of the graduates came from. So, I do have an understanding of what it’s like to have 14 extra sets of eyes watching you all the time, and I’ve watched you kids. I’ve judge public speaking I seen some of you in Ukrainian dance performances and countless hockey games over the years. I’ve even camped with a few of you and I can say with some, even watched the sun come up. So, I kind of feel like some of these kids are like another one of my own.

So, just like those community members trying to get a glimpse of you, I am so thankful to be a small part of your day today. I want to acknowledge and thank the staff at St. Mary’s and EICS for being the type of schools that still embrace interaction with their community, their town council, their provincial and federal representatives and the fact they understand how important community is, is a true blessing for us.”

Elk Island Catholic Schools Superintendent Paul

Grad 2023

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

You’re on a roll now, graduates! This special time in your life is just the start of many more good things to come. As you move forward toward new experiences, challenges and achievements, we wish you good luck, good health and much happiness.

Congratulations and best wishes to all of our area grads!

Taylor Lamash

Owen Sims

“Some people may succeed because they are destined to, but most people succeed because they are determined to.”

Handing down of school colours and candle. From L-R: Jordan Coffey, Owen Sims, Selby Labuschagne and Eboni Bast. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Corrigan told graduates it was an honour to stand before them and said he chose to attend their graduation was because he graduated from a small town as well. “The community atmosphere at St. Mary’s is palpable and it has such a rich history. So, it’s a privilege to be a part of it.

Congratulations graduates. This momentous occasion marks the culmination of years of hard work dedication, determination as you’ve said and perseverance. I am filled with the overwhelming sense of gratitude to be from afar to watch your growth both academically, personally and spiritually throughout your high school journey.

This year we have a theme at EICS. It was called Better Together. It is a simple, but profound concept that reminds us the power of unity, collaboration and support. St. Mary’s has fostered a community that believes in the strength that lies within our collective efforts. We’ve learned that when we come together we can achieve remarkable things.

As we celebrate graduation today, let’s pay homage to Mary’s guidance and emulate her virtues in our lives.”

Corrigan challenged the graduates to express their gratitude and acknowl-

Parker Lehr

Aria Fettes

Moises Guzman

Britney Berry

Gabriel Troncoso-Veira

Sara Stuart Kansas Moxness

Grad 2023 - CONTINUED from PAGE 13

Tribute to teachers L-R: Jordan Coffey, Kiera Lakusta and Keila Almoite. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Congratulations Graduate! Today is a perfect day to tell you that graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. We wish you to be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.

edge the contributions of others, specifically to their parents, staff and faculty of St. Mary’s and the Town of Vegreville.

“Remember the bonds you have formed, the friendships you’ve forged and the opportunities this community has granted you. Embrace the responsibility to give back and be an active participant in the continued growth and prosperity in Vegreville.

Dear graduates, let us share the spirit of gratitude as you embark on the next chapter of your lives. Remember the power of togetherness inspired by the example of Mary and strive to build a world where unity, compassion and collaboration is valued above all else. As you move forward, embrace the idea that we are indeed better together and let gratitude be your guiding force as we move forward to build a bright future. Congratulations class of 2023. Go forth and make a difference. United and inspired by Mary’s love. God bless you all.”

Principal Mr. Salsbury stated that, “Graduation marks the culmination of hard work and dedication and kindness and commitment and I want to congratulate each and every one of you on this incredible achievement.

As you move forward from this moment, I want you to remember that the world is filled with infinite possibilities. You have the power to shape your own future and to make a positive impact on the world around you.

Whether you chose to pursue further education, launch a career or blaze your own trail, know that your potential is limitless. You’ll find yourself in a new environment filled with a mixture of different opportunities, people, values and different norms. You have the power to transform that environment to make it more just, make it more compassionate, more loving and more Christ-like. Trust in God and the value that you have in your life to continue to guide you. In closing, I want to leave you with a quote from Mia Angelou. I’ve learned that people will forget what you’ve said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel. So, as you embark on the next chapter of your lives, I encourage you to be kind, the kind of person that leaves a positive impact on all of those around you.

May God strengthen and guide you on your path and may you be filled with joy, purpose and faith. Congratulation class of 2023.

You’ve passed the test with flying colors!

Congratulations to the entire graduating class of 2023 on a stellar achievement. Thanks for making us proud!

Carter Baxandall

Drayden van der Torre

Kaden Sokalski

Mia Canning

Tribute to Parents by Britney Berry and Drayden van der Torre. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

St. Mary’s Class of 2023 Valedictorian Address

Owen Sims Class of 2023 Valedictorian

Our graduation is the accomplishment of something truly tangible, and as we reorient ourselves towards whichever path each of our futures hold, it is necessary to remember all that has allowed us to accomplish what we have. Each person graduating, is so, because of the achievements that they attained, because of their determination to finish that late-night project or their tenacity in learning that one tricky concept, and fundamentally, because each one of us possess the capacity to achieve such.

A thanks goes to all of the teachers who have supported our class, for continually believing in our abilities and challenging us to use them to their fullest extent.

A thanks goes to all of the parents who have encouraged us and for

being the Launchpad of all of our pursuits.

A thanks goes to all of the friends who have empowered us in a way that only they can. The future will always seem daunting, it is natural that we would be hesitant of uncertainty in an ocean of new pursuits. However, I feel it is important to bear in mind that this very graduation was once the distant future. We could not have known what we would look like today even only a year ago, and there were doubtlessly many times that graduation, and all that comes with and after, appeared as a terrifying insurmountability. Yet here we are, and, looking back, we realize that in every step we took, every slice of effort that we put forth, we materialized this achievement, even if it was not obvious at the time. We have graduated, and we have set the precedent that

Andrew Palsatt

Quinten Albrecht

Jeffrenz Soliven

Hannah Choi

Kiera Comeau

Dariia Plishchuk

Trent Grosul

we possess the capacity and ability to succeed in whatever we chase. In each of our own unique ways, we can all achieve. And there is still so much that we can accomplish. There is so much still hidden in even the most common thing that there is never an end to the awe that we can reveal. If I could recommend one thing, it would be to look for the amazing in each and every day. There is so much wonder waiting everywhere to be discovered; it is now our time to go forth and seek it.

time to put all your books into practice. Best

It must be a very proud moment for you. All the hard work you have put in has paid off. Congratulations Grad. Your reward lies ahead. Have a successful future.

Llusala

Horvat

Almoite

Dixson

Valedictorian Owen Sims. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Mr. Murphy and Mr. Salsbury. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Town of Viking Welcomes Junior A Hockey Team

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Officials with the Town of Viking welcomed Mike and Sam Renner to the community on May 26.

Deputy Mayor James Buttner said having the Northern Alberta Lightning Junior A hockey team playing out of the Carena starting in the 2023-24 season is absolutely fantastic. “It’s an amazing opportunity for us.” Buttner said he’s “super pumped” and can envision other opportunities coming out of this new partnership.

Mike Renner has played and coached hockey most of his life. He

and his wife Sam are currently part-owners of the Pacific Canadians AAA Hockey Club based out of Port Coquitlam, BC. Mike founded the Pacific Canadians in 2013.

The Pacific Canadians are an elite-level skills based that specializes in high performance training and skill development for all ages of inspiring athletes during the regular season and early summer months. Along with elite skill development, the focus is on excellence and character development on and off the ice.

Mike said when he coached junior hockey that community service was a big component of that affiliation. He already has

some ideas on how to partner in the community of Viking as well as possibly offer some elite level training to athletes who otherwise would have to go to larger centres for that.

“Viking has been very accommodating,” said Mike. While they looked at a few other communities when selecting a site for the team, Sam said, “They, (other communities) didn’t get the sense of what we wanted to truly do for the kids.”

Mike said they wanted more than an ice agreement. They wanted a partnership agreement and that is exactly what they got with the Town of Viking, inking a three year contract.

The team will be part of the Canadian-

Viking

A - CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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Viking Deputy Mayor James Buttner shakes hands with Mike Renner to officially welcome him and his wife Sam to town.

Junior

Vegreville Football Association Offering Local Youth Opportunity to Learn the Sport

ment to join.

Koop is encouraged as, “A lot of kids have put in a good effort,” during practices. They have been working on the basics of footwork, blocking and tackling since they began practicing four weeks ago.

Secretary-Treasurer Tara Dumont said the regular season doesn’t start until late August, so there is still time to sign up. The teams will be mixed. The pee wee team will be comprised of 11 and 12-yearolds and bantam will be comprised of 13 to 15-year-olds. Dumont noted that they can’t be entering Grade 10 at the time of registration.

Coach Koop is hoping to have 16 players

per team. If they meet that requirement, they will be playing in the Capital District Minor Football Association playing their games in the Edmonton area.

Volunteers with the Vegreville Football Association, (VFA) are giving local youth between the ages of 11 and 15 years of age the opportunity to learn the sport.

They are hoping to field one pee wee and one bantam team to play tackle football early this fall. To that end they have

been holding practices for the past month to give kids a chance to come out and see if this is something that would be of interest to them.

Head Coach Roy Koop moved to Vegreville 10 months ago. He previously coached in Ardrossan and Leduc before moving to town. He said a handful of kids who’ve come out to practice have played before, but that experience is not a require-

Junior A - CONTINUED from PAGE 18

American Junior Hockey League, (CAJHL) which is headed by President Bryan Brown, who is also the General Manager of the Vegreville Vipers. Mike said Bryan contacted him about a year and a half ago about the possibility of having a franchise. Mike said he wanted to wait a year to see how things played out with the CAJHL. “The quality of play was much better than other leagues and I talked to Bryan about a franchise.”

Brown said, “As President of the CAJHL, we are very excited to have the Renner family join our league. They will be great competition for us, as Mike runs a fantastic program and is very competitive. With the new teams joining our thriving league, and not being part of Hockey Canada, the future is definitely going to be beneficial for our league; even more now that BCHL has made its announcement of their league leaving Hockey Canada.”

Even though Mike and Sam live in Port Coquitlam, BC; Mike will be living full time in Viking during the season. Sam said she and their three children will come out to visit whenever possible.

Mike said there won’t be ice in the Carena until the end of July, so he will be running a couple of prospect camps in Edmonton prior to that. He plans to run the main training camp the last week of August before holding a few exhibition games.

A handful of players have already signed on with the team and Mike has talked to several more players already and is more than ready to bring his special brand of hockey to Viking. Mike said he is currently looking for billet families if anyone is interested in taking on that role.

Tractor Display - Full Throttle Truck & Trailer

Power Wheels - Flash Distributors (NAPA)

Show & Shine – 1st Place - Rat Rods - Bucky’s Welding Ltd.

1970’s – Flash Distributors Ltd. (NAPA)

People’s Choice – Rocky Mountain Equipment Foreign – Kal Tire

Hot Rod/Street Rod and Modified – Volten Electric

1950’s – OK Tire

Truck’s 1973 & Up – Prime Cuts Meat & Deli

1980’s and Up – Twin Lakes Ready Mix & Aggregate Ltd.

1960’s – Vegreville Auto Body

Trucks 1950 to 1972 – Vegreville & District Co-op

Convertibles – Vegreville Home Hardware

Show & Shine - Muscle Cars - Maddigan Chrysler

Show & Shine - High School Ride

Show & Shine - Fisher Chiropractic

Best of Show – Vegreville Mechanical Pre 50’s Car and Trucks – Adam’s No Frills

Low Riders – Webb’s Machinery

Special Interest – Hi-Way Registries

Viking

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

From left to right: Assistant Coach Chase Weleschuk, Assistant Coach Caleb Rova and Head Coach Roy Koop. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Players going through drills. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Tributes

SOLDAN, Heather

May 24, 2014

The light of a star continues

To reach Earth long after The star itself is gone. Your light will never diminish Most beautiful Lady, My Darling Heather

LENCEWICH, Tom

On May 25, 2023 Tom Lencewich of Vegreville passed away at the age of 58 years. Tom is survived by two brothers, Darcy (Sharon) and their children, Tara, Natasha and Todd, and Dean and his daughter, Kayla; and step-brother, Dean Koluk and his daughters, Madelyn and Breanna. Predeceased by his mother, Phyllis; his father, Myron; and step-father, Jack Koluk.

Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Royal Canadian Legion, 5037-52 Avenue, Vegreville. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Donations may be made in memory of Tom to Lavoy Cemetery or a charity of one’s choice.

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

VEGREVILLE 780-632-2000

FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORIUM

Loved and so dearly missed.

Wife Sylvia, Children Charlotte and Reg, Adele and Larry, Sheldon and Denise, Melanie and Jamon, Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren

SMITH, Lorna Jean, nee Campbell

May 17, 2023

Lorna Jean Smith, nee Campbell, died at her home in Vegreville on 17 May 2023. She was predeceased by her husband Oliver (1991) and her infant sons, William and Donald (1953).

Lorna was a strong, hard-working, fiercely independent woman that had a thirst for knowledge and a great curiosity about all kinds of things. She said she wanted to live to see what the next century would bring. She was an avid reader, a gardener, a great cook and, more than that, she was a kind and generous person, always willing to help someone in need.

Lorna is survived by her daughters, Karen, Margaret and Joann, and by her four grandchildren, Lucas, Carmen, Rebecca and Travis. She will be sorely missed.

LAKUSTA, Lorne

October 17, 1966 – May 26, 2023

It is with very heavy hearts, we announce the passing our beloved Husband, Father and Gido, Lorne Lakusta of Andrew, Alberta at the age of 56 years.

Lorne is survived by his loving family, his wife of 34 years, Effie; son Lyle and daughter Larissa (Matthew) MacIsaac; his precious granddaughter Loclynn Lauren. He will be deeply missed by his extended family and friends and many people whose lives he touched in his lifetime. He was predeceased by his parents Sylvester and Margaret Lakusta.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the Andrew Community Centre with Rt. Rev. Protopresbyter Victor Lakusta officiating. Private interment for the family will follow in the St. John Ukrainian Orthodox Church Cemetery – Sachava. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the “Canadian Charolais Youth Association – c/o 2320-41 Ave. NE.,Calgary, AB.,T2E 6W8.”

To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com

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

Celebration of Life

Would like to thank patrons for their support at our recent pyrohy supper. Winner of the 50-50 draw was Gerri Tuck PHOTO+COLOR

We hope that you can join us in celebrating the life of Lawrence Stuart, to share stories and happy memories with us. Lawrence was a loving son, brother, and uncle, as well as a dear friend to many, who is greatly missed. The celebration of life in honor of Lawrence will be held on Sunday, June 4 at 4:00pm at Borschiw Parish. There will be an interment of ashes in the Parish cemetery, with a reception in the hall to follow.

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Kelly Zeleny, and Granny Margaret Mackay for putting their names forward and engaging in a spirited campaign. “I extend my respect and admiration to each of you for your dedication to public service and offering your vision for Fort Saskatchewan/ Vegreville.

Congratulations to my United Conservative Party of Alberta colleagues who were elected. To those who were not, it has been a privilege to work with you, you have an unwavering dedication to this great province.“

According to the unofficial results, the UCP won 49 seats while the NDP won 38 seats. Provincially, a total of 1,763,441 valid votes were cast with turnout of 62.39 percent. Results will not become official until June 8.

Jackie AH Re-elected - CONTINUED from PAGE

Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk campaigning in Lamont. (Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk/ Facebook Photo)

Pysankas for Peace

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Millie Hodgkinson is a Vegreville resident who was the highest bidder for three Pysanka eggs at auction sales in Edmonton and two in Calgary which she now has in her yard.

“I heard about the pysankas being on sale on Global news in April 2023. This was a fundraiser for artists from Ukraine who came as refugees in the last year or so. Each artist painted one egg.

These eggs represent peace. I bought them because I wanted to support the artists and I am very disappointed in the auction as they went for hardly any money. It is very sad as these artists put their hearts into it and it is too bad it wasn’t better accepted in Edmonton or Calgary. I hope that next year, people will bid more money on the artwork.”

Millie Hodgkinson stands beside two the eggs she won at an auction. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Vegreville School of Ballet’s Spring Recital 2023

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Performances from 120 dancers switched pieces with plenty of expressions of Hip Hop Dancing to sets which told a story in Lyrical, energetic tap dances and more at Vegreville School of Ballet’s Spring Recital 2023 on May 13 at Vegreville Social Centre.

Taneen Rudyk emceed this event. Each of the performances was followed by whistles, cheers and a rapturous applause. After the finale, dancers expressed what was special about performing.

Bailey Sanford who is 13 mentioned that she has been dancing since she was three. When asked what it was like to perform, she replied, “It is really fun. You might be nervous before but your worries really go away once you get on the stage and you just feel more comfortable there.”

Layne Lowes commented she has taken up dancing from the time she was three.

Crrazy Laws

New Mexico

You cannot carry a lunchbox down the main street in Las Cruces

“I do ballet, contemporary and next year, I want to do modern dancing. My favorite part is getting to meet new friends when we get into the competitions for dances and seeing how the different dances work. VSB has been like a second family to me. I know that I am always safe here. When I get on stage, it is the best feeling in the world to be able to show someone what I love to do.”

Winnie Lange who danced to two guest performances stated that she has danced at VSB until she was 14 and then she moved

to Calgary to go to Alberta Ballet School. “I love the arts. I have always been a dramatic person and I just love the innovation, and the changes in the dancing and movements. I just really, really love dancing! This year, I am graduating from high school and next year, I am moving to London where I will be going to university for contemporary dance. Eventually, my goal is to dance professionally. I am excited to go to London. I have a lot of friends who moved far away, so I know it will be fine.”

Abbe Kratko and Kiersten Dmytriw who are graduated from Vegreville Composite High School expressed that this is their final year of dancing with VSB which they have been with for 15 years. “We both have been dancing since we were three. The performing is our favorite part. You feel a sense of confidence once you get on stage. There is a thrill and a sense of accomplishment to it.”

(Rosanne Fortier/Photos)

Dave Gray Bitten by the ‘Car Bug’

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Chipman Car Crafters President Dave Gray admittedly was bitten by the “car bug” as a young lad and his love affair with all things automobiles continues today.

“The car bug came to me when I was young. My stepfather had friends with cool cars and we went for a ride in a few. The first car was a 1969 Cuda 440 6 pack 4 speed, (brand new) and so on. In the mid-80s I got into the hot rod side of things and built a 1947 Chevy 4 door sedan, had a small block 350/ 350 combo and suspension upgrades. This was a cool sleeper. The 4 door was to accommodate the kids.

At this time we got a bunch of car nuts together and started The Ocean Idlers car club Parksville, BC we had lots of fun and we put on a lot of cool car shows. The club became big and got more than the original group wanted, so we branched out and started the Sea Side Cruizers Car Club with the idea to keep it simple. That is not how it is today.

Building vehicles is a task of patience and a huge learning curve, I have been able

Tender Opportunity

Leasing Of County Owned Land

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to have good friends about to help with many ideas and experience to get to where I am today. Building a car is not cost effective in most cases but you can say you did it, you can buy a car cheaper and enjoy the car show circuit sooner rather than later.

I got involved with the Chipman Car Crafters in 2017 and was given the task of President in 20202021. Of course, the highlight of the year is the annual Show ‘N Shine that is always held the first Sunday in June. Gray said the support of its members is the foundation of the car club and their sup-

port is the only way they are able to do what they do and he is grateful for all of their efforts.

“The car show is in the right setting and the food that is put up by the Chipman Golden Seniors, the Chipman Fire department and the Chipman Historical society makes the show what it is.” He said the Village of Chipman provides a lot of support behind the scenes which is very much appreciated along with the sponsors who help make it possible.

The car show has been a fixture in the community for over 20 years and attracts thousands of visitors each and every year.

Dave Gray and his 1937 Chevrolet Master Deluxe.

(Dave Gray/Submitted Photo)

Dave Gray’s 1937 Chevrolet Master Deluxe. (Dave Gray/Submitted Photo)

Vegreville RCMP Charge High Risk Offender

Alberta RCMP Submitted

Vegreville, Alta. – On Nov. 22, 2017, Alberta RCMP provided a warning to the

Part-Time/Casual Commission Sales Person

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public regarding Robert Ventress, a highrisk offender who was released from custody after serving a sentence for various sexual offences. At this time, RCMP believed there was a risk to the public.

On May 21, 2023, Vegreville RCMP executed a search warrant on a property in Vegreville after receiving information that Ventress was breaching conditions of his release, specifically by being in an area where there were children and by being in possession of electronics which he was not permitted to have. Vegreville RCMP seized property and various elec-

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

FAMILY RESOURCE NETWORK COORDINATOR - TWO HILLS

The Two Hills Family and Community Services Society (FCSS) is a non-profit organization that serves the Town of Two Hills, the Village of Myrnam, and the County of Two Hills No. 21 including the Hamlets of Musidora, Brosseau, Duvernay, Derwent, Willingdon, and Hairy Hill.

Our team is seeking an individual who is a child and youth care professional, highly motivated, positive, and enthusiastic to fill the role of Family Resource Network (FRN) Coordinator. The FRN Coordinator is primarily responsible for the delivery and implementation of the Family Resource Network programs, events, and services in our area. Provincial Family Resource Networks (FRNs) deliver high quality prevention and early intervention services and supports for children aged 0 to 18.

Key Responsibilities: Facilitation and delivery of programs, events, and services in the following priority areas:

• Child and Youth Development (0-18 years)

• Caregiver/parent education and support

• Family support including building resiliency and fostering well being.

• Provision of Information and referral services to assist with access to community resources.

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• Diploma in Child and Youth Care or a related field preferred.

• Minimum 1 year of experience working with children and youth and providing parent/caregiver support services.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

• Ability to effectively plan appropriate programs and events.

• Very effective communication skills including sensitivity, diplomacy, and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and within a team environment.

• Excellent working knowledge of available community resources and support services for children, youth, and caregivers in the region.

• Must have a valid Class 5 Alberta Motor Vehicle Operators License and be willing to travel within the service area.

• A Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector Search and Child/Youth Intervention Check is required.

• Evening and/or weekend work may be required.

This position 0.9 FTE and is a one-year Maternity Cover Off Position.

For more information on the position please contact:

Heather Landiak, Executive Director, Two Hills Family and Community Services Society (FCSS)

Mail: Box 687, Two Hills, Alberta T0B 4K0

Email: heather.landiak@twohillsfcss.com

Address: 4712 – 50th Street, Two Hills, Alberta (Monday – Friday 8:30 – 4:30 pm)

To

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tronics which were a breach of his release conditions.

Robert Edward Ventress (53), a resident of Vegreville, was arrested and has been charged with six counts of failing to comply with his release order.

After a Judicial Release Hearing, Ventress was remanded into custody and will be appearing in Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville on June 1, 2023.

Vegreville RCMP continues to ensure the safety of all community members while continuing to combat all aspect of crime affecting the area as part of our ongoing commitment to reduce the impact of these groups on our communities.

As this matter is before the courts no additional information can be released.

If you have information about this incident, please call the Vegreville RCMP at 780-631-2750 or call your local police. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions).

only been concerned with Macdonald, not a Liberal prime minister with serious skeletons in his closet.

In Fraser’s taxonomy of iconoclasm, the current erasing of history from our crown and passports is a puzzle. British and French symbols, so important in our history, have not become unacceptable to most Canadians. Nor are most of us affronted by Samuel de Champlain or Terry Fox – so why are they being replaced with squirrels and bears? Neither are we undergoing a political revolution, although it could be a cultural one. If so, “woke” proponents need to convincingly revise history, not erase it.

In 2023 it’s the Liberals who are erasing our history. But what goes around often comes around. It may not be too many years before someone else banishes the Liberals’ symbols in condemnation for what future Canadians regard as their personal and policy sins.

If we erase all history, we lose connection to ourselves.

Jack Mintz is an economist and a trustee at the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy.

Town of Mundare

Employment Opportunity

Public c Works s Employee

The To n of M ndare is accep ng applica ons for the posi on of p blic orks emplo ee. D es in ol e all aspects of To n opera ons incl ding opera on of light and hea eq ipment. Weekend ork and being on call is req ired

Candidates m st possess a alid licence, a high school diploma, and be illing to take co rses as req ired. E perience opera ng light and hea eq ipment (grader, loader) and a class licence is an asset.

Wage . to . /hr.

Please s bmit o r res me/applica on b : p.m., J ne , to:

Town of Mundare Box 348 Mundare, AB T0B 3H0

Colin Z la Chief Administra e Officer

or

Fax: 780-764-2003

e-mail: cao@mundare.ca

or in person: 5128-50 Street

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