Record Breaking Fundraiser
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
The RONA Vegreville Harvest Sale offered many delights including prize draws, food and refreshments, and a fundraising Perogy Eating Contest on Sept. 20. The excitement started when the Perogy Eating Contest began. Attendees watched the 15 contestants
rush to gulp down the most perogies they could in seven minutes.
Derrick Sowalski was the first-place winner when he broke his record from last year by eating 43 perogies, besting his 2023 record of 42 by one slippery but coura-
Record Breaker - CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
Derrick Sowalski, Ben Sawatzky, and Isaak Harder.
(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
MISSING PERSON
WHAT’S INSIDE
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
With the right attitude and determination, big dreams can come true!
That holds true for Dave Stewart won the National Hot Rod Diesel Association (NHRDA), 2024 World Final Hot Rod Semi Class Championship when he raced with the Full Tilt Peterbilt truck on Sept. 13 and 14 at the Texas Motorplex in Ennis Texas. He set world records in ET and MPH, with an 11.203 ET at 122.50 MPH at the September 14 race.
Dave Stewart, grew up in the Hairy Hill/ Willingdon area, and has resided in Vegreville for many years. As well, he is the Owner of Das Nitrogen Services Ltd. Stewart mentioned that he has been racing with the Vegreville Speedway and NHRDA since 2018, and that’s the year he won the big rig bracket racing at NHRDA.
Stewart built this truck himself with the goal of earning the world record for the fastest semi-truck in Canada. This race truck used to be a working vacuum truck and then he built a grain box to put on it and sat it on the farm until he saw one of these trucks at a race in Edmonton, and then made a race truck out of it. He just took it apart and started changing stuff on it.
Stewart expressed that he realized two or three years ago that this racing wasn’t a hobby or sport anymore. “I worked to make money to build my race truck or I would fix stuff to sell to make money for my race truck or I would be racing. But I liked doing it as it gave me something to do. It was a lot of work and many trials and errors because when you are building a semi-truck like this, you can’t go online to find out what to do.”
Please Help Us Find Mike Current
Mike, A 53 year old man, approx 5’7” tall and 150 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes and has been missing since July 26, 2024 between 5:00 & 8:00 p.m. He was wearing oversized black shorts, a black golf shirt and a baseball cap. Mike went missing from his home on 50th St. in the north part of Vegreville. He recently had dental surgery and was in considerable pain. Mike is diabetic so may be weak, and possibly confused or exhibiting slurred speech.
If you have any information regarding Mike’s whereabouts, please call 911
Dave Stewart
Stewart noted that he especially likes the semi-racing because it is different as anyone can go out and buy a race car.
“Everything is so big and heavy. It takes so much more horsepower to move everything. My truck weighs 12,400 pounds and a typical race car weighs 3,000 pounds.”
Stewart went on to mention that the process of racing at this event was exciting! “I was just going to win the world record and to make Canada and Vegreville proud. I credit being dedicated, devoting a lot of time and being determined to achieve my goal.”
The advice Stewart would give others who want to achieve this goal is to practice a lot of racing in your hometown if you have a race track and just go for it. “It is not very expensive to put a truck together and
it would be neat to see more people do it. When I first started doing this, I would travel to wherever there was a race. I tried to get as many runs in as I could. There was no chance of me winning any money at it. But I knew I would gain the experience.”
Furry Friends Page 6
New Officer Cadet Joins 341 Page 15
Dave Stewart. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Record Breaking Growth in Alberta
Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk MLA for Fort SaskatchewanVegreville
More people are choosing to call Alberta home, which is causing our province to grow at an exponential rate. This has led to a historic student enrolment and a subsequent strain on our K-12 education system. To accommodate this growth in student enrollment, our government is investing $8.6 billion through the new School Construction Accelerator Program.
This program will create more than 200,000 new and modernized spaces for students to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Starting with the 2025 budget, Alberta’s government will kickstart up to 30 new schools and as many as eight modernizations and replacement schools yearly for the next three years.
The School Construction Acceleration program will focus on building schools in our fastest-growing communities, modernizing aging infrastructure in rural Alberta, and expanding school choice by creating new public charter schools and sparking the development of a new school capital pilot program for non-profit independent schools. To get started on this program, we are immediately moving forward with 10 priority school projects, including six full construction projects to help build and mod-
ernize student spaces across Alberta.
To further accommodate our population growth, our province is on pace for a record-breaking year of home development. As the province grows, Albertans need more diverse housing options to meet their unique needs and budgets and Alberta is committed to providing a range of housing options. This year, over 29,000 homes have begun construction, showcasing our government’s follow-through to address housing needs for Albertans. Our government will continue to support our housing partners to make sure we go from permits issued to shovels in the ground, and finally, to new homes ready for Albertans.
Our government is committed to fostering an environment for economic growth and diversity. As the largest hydrogen producer in Canada and a rising global leader, Alberta has the resources, business-friendly environment, and expertise needed to continue fostering investment. Alberta’s government is supporting major and rapid progress within the hydrogen space through the Clean Hydrogen Centre of Excellence, Alberta Innovates, Emissions Reduction Alberta, and the Alberta Petrochemical Incentive Program. The future of hydrogen production is further supported by announcements from major international companies looking to establish hydrogen production projects in the province, including Dow’s Path2Zero, which is in our backyard, in the Alberta Industrial Heartland. All this equals to more growth and opportunity for Albertans.
$6,106
This is Ray and Sherri, owners of Ray Arc Welding in Camrose. Ray became a credit union member at 18 when he got a loan to buy his first car – a shiny new Trans Am. Last year, Ray and Sherri got a $6,106 profit shares cash payout from Vision. They put their share towards a new CnC machine for the business, which lets them precisely cut everything from signs to home décor using computer-controlled tools. It’s good for business, says Ray. It’s also one of the coolest toys he’s owned since that shiny new Trans Am. What’s your share ?
90 Years Ago – September 26, 1934
At the time of writing (Tuesday afternoon) the Observer is informed by the R.C.M.P. that the bank bandits who held up the Hairy Hill branch of the Canadian Bank of Commerce on Friday and got away with 8,500 dollars are still at large.
A special meeting of the public school board was held on the 20th to consider coal tenders. The contract was awarded to J.R. Moore of the Pool Elevator for Wildfire D.S. lump at $6.35 in carload lots delivered at the schools.
The first talking picture was shown in Ryley last Monday evening in the hall. The house was packed and the sound effects were very good. Ryley is now on the Bailey circuit and will have a show probably once in two weeks.
Threshing has recommenced in some places throughout the Two Hills district. The general opinion, however, at the time of writing is that the wheat is still too damp.
Several farmers in the Shandro area are forced to thresh some coarse grains. The delayed season has caused some feed shortages. There is some fear that the wheat in stooks may sprout.
75 Years Ago – September 28, 1949
The women met once again to form the Vegreville Branch of the Handicraft Guild. Following Mrs. Douglas’ address, an election of officers took place. The slate of officers drawn up by the nominating committee was accepted in its entirety and is as follows: President – Mrs. Wm. Pidruchney; Vice-President – Mrs. Steve Pawliuk; Treasurer – Miss Muriel Patterson; Secretary – Mrs. John Hantiuk. Supply committee – Mesdames Spence, Nichol, Kachman, Finlay, and M. Shaw.
At a recent convention of the Alberta Branch of, the Canadian Medical Association, a deserved honor was paid to Dr. Robert M. Reid of Vegreville, by according to him a life membership in the Association. Dr. Reid has served the people of this town and district with self-sacrifice devotion since 1912 and is still at it. Department of Veterans Affairs in Ottawa will begin the distribution of campaign stars and medals to more than 1,000,000 Canadian veterans of World War II on October 1st, Veterans Affairs Minister Milton F. Gregg, V.C. announced today. Although the exact number of veterans in Alberta eligible for these awards is not known because of post-war fluctuation of population, records show that 82,631 men and women enlisted from this province. 50 Years Ago – September 26, 1974
A talk on “Safety First” was given to Mrs. Scribney’s Grade One and Two class of St. Mary’s School by C Constable Paul Hurl. In appreciation for the work that the RCMP has done for the children of Alberta, for the last 100 years, the Grade two class presented Constable Hurl with a centennial mural. The children drew the mural, especially for all the policemen. The artists were: Holly Toronchuk, Karen Johnston, Lisa Yakimchuk, Kim Patterson, Jo-Anne Bentley, Sandra Bohaychuk, Linda Lesiuk, Jerry Horvat, Mark Cymbaluk, Craig Horon, Vincent Sawiak, Davor Pless and Braden Shavchook.
The Beaver Heritage and Agricultural Society is planning to construct an enclosed swimming pool in one of two locations – either on the Ryley School Grounds or in the Ryley Recreation Park. At the present time, the Board of Directors favors the school grounds due to the benefit that could accrue by using it for physical education programs in the school, and also because of the proximity of water and sewer.
Word has been received by the Observer that a road will be built to enter the town from the east to replace that which was closed to accommodate the new airfield adjacent to the golf course.
25 Years Ago – September 28, 1999
A well-known former member of the Vegreville community, Hart Cantelon, was presented with a prestigious award by Big Sisters and Big Brothers of Edmonton. He became the first recipient of the annual Mentor of the Year Award. Roots and Wings is a family mentoring program that matches parents with adult mentors. Cantelon has been a mentor in the program to a single parent father, for the past two years.
Vegreville resident Betty Hantiuk is featured in October’s Reader’s Digest along with her granddaughter, Oona Eager, who won a Canada-wide essay contest. And on Friday Oona and her mother Margaret, will be guests on the International Year of the Older Person committee in Halifax to take part in official ceremonies marking the Day of the Older Person, October 1.
Peter Dobbie emceed a retirement party for lawyer Joe Blonsky who retires at the end of the month after 44 years in the practice of law. Also honored during the reception held at Vito’s Lounge was Joe’s secretary of 30 years, Norma Parker who’s also retiring.
Letters Welcomed
One role of the Vegreville News Advertiser is to promote dialogue on various issues of concern to area residents. We accomplish this by welcoming Letters to the Editor and allowing various issues to be debated through our pages. All letters must contain the writer’s name, address and phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, however the
Easy Access
Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser – Opinion
This week I touch on some tragic topics surrounding addiction and substance abuse. Reader discretion is advised. It’s been a few weeks now since Ontario opened up the selling of alcohol at convenience, grocery and big-box stores. So far, the sky hasn’t fallen. Much like the doom and gloom many spread about the legalization of marijuana sales and some jurisdictions allowing alcohol consumption in public parks, there aren’t drunks intoxicated people roaming the streets enmasse or some other emergency.
Licensed grocery and convenience stores in Ontario can now sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink beverages, including in large pack sizes. Other licensed grocery and big-box grocery stores will be able to sell alcoholic beverages starting October 31, 2024.
So, while there is almost mass panic when it comes to alcohol sales, the push for “safer supply” programs continues in many provinces. A recently released 19-minute documentary by Adam Zivo entitled “Government Heroin” follows the story of 25-year-old student Callum Bagnall as he exploited (and fell victim to) the safer supply system in London, Ontario which diverts thousands of pills to the black market. There is also good evidence to show that organized crime is also involved in the trafficking of these drugs, which are often sold for less than alcohol.
Now those involved in the harm reduction movement will stand firm and deny these claims, but I have a reason I felt compelled to write on this. I had a friend who revealed to me that after getting hooked on opioids prescribed by their doctors and then having their supply reduced by those same doctors, they turned to the streets. It was there, a cheap and consistent supply was found.
In an incredibly tragic story, 13-year-old Brianna MacDonald from BC fell victim to a system powered by good intentions, but devoid of any sort of logic or backbone. According to Sarah MacDonald, Brianna’s mother, Brianna struggled early on with mental-health issues. She turned to marijuana to cope at just 10-years-old and then moved on to ecstasy at 12. Despite not even being in her teens, she allegedly was provided with free harm-reduction materials from Fraser Health, one of British Columbia’s health authorities.
In February, Brianna was hospitalized for a suspected drug overdose and subsequently transferred to a child psychiatric ward where according to her mother she stuck pencils through her own hand. Despite her parents begging for Brianna to be kept institutionalized and forced into addiction treatment they were told that Brianna, a youth of only 13 years of age, had the right to make her own medical decisions despite all the factors and history presented to them.
Following her discharge and return home, her violent behaviour ended up with her parents making the impossible decision to place her in a youth centre out of concern for their other children. She soon ran away from the centre and landed in a homeless encampment where her mother would visit her and
geous morsel.
Sowalski said it felt good to win and that it was a difficult competition. He practiced with high-volume meals before the contest. “It is a long competition; seven minutes doesn’t seem like a long time but when a person eats that much food, it takes a toll on you.”
The second-place winner was Isaak Harder who ate 37 perogies. Harder admitted that it was a lot of fun having the community there. “I think my determination helped me to win. I feel full but I will be good until supper time.”
Manager Ben Sawatzky explained this event was a way to liquidate their overstock and to clear out seasonal items as well as provide an opportunity for the community to have fun. There were approximately 150 people in attendance.
“All the entry proceeds and donations from the Perogy Eating Contest will go to Vegreville Food Bank where we raised $2,100
appliances. RONA has been operating in the community for the past year and a half and previously, Vantage Building Supplies hosted the event.
Record Breaker - CONTINUED from Front PAGE
this year.” This was the fourth year that the fundraiser for the Vegreville Food Bank has been held. RONA is a full-service building supply store with seasonal items such as barbecues, patios, Halloween decorations, and
Perogy eating contestants at the ready. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Staff amidst the smoky conditions from the barbecue from L-R: Dayton Gegolick, Cory Batog, Darren Davis, Paul Ziprick. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Cory Batog cooking some good eats. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Caring About our Furry Friends
Sadie
The
On
Rosanne Fortier
picked her up. One of the reasons she held the protest was to inform people that they could not take other people’s
One of the staff members posted on Facebook that Sadie was missing and someone returned her to the facility the evening of Sept. 20.
Shirley Chatfielv and Valerie Cox. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Sadie. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Valerie Cox with her sign. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Harvest Moon
The Harvest Moon in all its splendor the evening of Sept. 17. A crew was busy harvesting in the area of Range Road 181 and Township Road 544 in Lamont County. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Precious Metals Recycling Roadshow Coming To
Vegreville
Precious Metals Recycling Roadshow coming to Vegreville
Terry Burrill is a precious metals buyer and President of TC Precious Metals headquartered in Airdrie, Alberta, and takes this show out to western Canada. TC Precious Metals will be in Vegreville making its way through Western Canada. You can bring your gold, silver, coins and Canadian paper money to the Vegreville Legion between 10am and 4pm each day. No appointment is required.
“TC Precious Metals has the unique advantage of dealing direct with a smelter” says Burrill. “This allows us to cut out one or even two middlemen. TC Precious Metals purchases gold and silver from other gold buyers, pawn shops, dentists, jewellers and jewellery makers as well as from the general public.” Gold is reaching record high prices and silver remains very strong.
TC Precious Metals analyzes your gold, silver, coins and paper money while you watch, with the process explained to you in detail. Coins with numismatic (collectable) value are set aside from those with a 'melt' value. Silver items such as jewelry and flatware are analyzed for hallmark identification. Items thought to contain gold will also be analyzed for hallmarks, and then confirmed using precise testing that is done while you watch. Then a cash offer is made,
and you decide to sell or not.
“If you decide to sell after hearing the quote, great, but it's also about information” says Burrill. “A lot of times people just need to know a ballpark price of what items are worth. There is no obligation and we don't pressure anyone into selling.” This is what sets us apart from the Quebec buyers, and their claim to pay the highest prices
“Nearly half of the world's annual gold harvest comes from recycled gold. Energy costs area about $500 to mine a new once of gold where recycled gold is about $10 per ounce.” A result of this is gold and silver purchased at the shows and later melted goes back into the market with a lower environmental impact.
Out of fashion jewelry, single earrings, broken chains, unloved jewelry, charm bracelets, dental gold, nuggets and fine gold are all accepted.
Sterling silver flatware sets. Another valuable item is coin with silver content. Dimes, Quarters, Half Dollars and Dollars from Canada and America can be sorted and the silver content determined in no time at all. People are encouraged to bring in any and all coins for assessment.
TC Precious Metals can assess and purchase Canadian and Dominion of Canada paper money. They have extensive experience working with estate, executors, widows and widowers in a respectful and caring manner. No appointment necessary.
Welcome to RCL Branch No. 39
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
To recognize the Second Annual National Legion Week from September 15-21 as set up by Dominion Command, Royal Canadian Branch No. 39 presented an Open House on September 21.
This event saw 25 attendees. There were tours, information displays, and door prize draws. In the evening, there was a lasagna dinner for free for the volunteers and a low fee for the public which had 50 attendees.
This branch has been around for 98 years and they have 217 members right now. The main purpose was originally to support veterans and their families. But since 1954 there have been fewer veterans to serve so, they expanded their support to the community.
President Terry Kuzyk said they hosted the open house to invite community members to come and see what they have to offer. Also, it was meant to explain what they do and showcase the different programs they offer, and sign up new members.
New this year to their branch are renovations to refresh the inside of the building and install fully handicapped accessible doors.
One of the unique aspects of their branch is they have the Lac Bellevue Campground near St. Paul where Legion members can bring their trailers and camp out. “We have a yearly user fee for this. We recently built a recreation center there that the public can use. It is also our mandate to offer this facility to the Cubs, Scouts, and Air Cadets. They have hosted military operations and activities with the community out there as well.
The exterior of the building. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Real Estate Auction
Ring #1 Featuring The Young Family Farm 4 Quarters/1 Full Section of Beaver County's Finest Farm Land Buy 1 Or Buy All 4 Quarters of Pristine Farm Land with Great Opportunities Situated In The Heart Of East Central Alberta. Just A Short 30 Minute Drive to Vegreville/Camrose/Sherwood Park.
These Quarters of Land Will Also Make a Great Investment Opportunity as Many Neighbours are Willing to Rent & Purchasing these Would Give the Buyer the Ability to Farm In Mile Long Stretches. Directions: From Hwy 14 to Hwy 854, North on Hwy 854 for 12 Kms to Hwy 626, West on Hwy 626 for 0.3 Kms to Rg Rd 173, North on Rg Rd 173 for 3.1 Kms, East Hand Side of Road. OR From Hwy 855 to Twp 510, West on Twp Rd 510 for 4.5 Kms to Rg Rd 173, North on Rg Rd 173 for 1/2 Mile, East Hand Side of Road
Parcel #1: NW-15-51-17-W4M Being 160 Acres M/L w/ Approx. 129 Cultivated Acres Currently Seeded to Wheat.
This Quarter Consists of 160 Acres with Approx. 130 Cultivated Acres & Approx. 30 Acres Hay/Grass Land Which Can Be Used For Pasture Land/ Hay Land/ Future Yard Site, With Its Own Approach or it Could Also Be Cleared Into Arable Acres. Currently Being Rented for $110.00/ Acre
Parcel #2: NE - 15-51-17-W4M Being 160 Acres M/L w/ Approx. 113 Acres Cultivated Currently Seeded into Wheat.
This Quarter Consists of 160 Acres with Approx. 113 Cultivated Acres & With A Little Bit of Work 47 Acres Could Be Developed into Arable Land. Currently Being Rented Out At $110.00/Acre
Parcel # 3: SW-15-51-17-W4M Being 157 Acres M/L w/ Approx. 140 Acres Cultivated Currently Seeded into Canola
This Quarter Consisting of 160 Acres with Approx. 140 Cultivated Acres & With A Little Bit Of Work 17 Acres Can be Developed Into Arable Land. Currently Being Rented Out At $110.00/Acre
Parcel #4: SE-15-51-17-W4M Being 160 Acres M/L w/ Approx. 79 Acres Cultivated Currently Seeded into Canola
This Quarter Consists of 160 Acres with Approx. 79 Cultivated Acres & With A Little Bit of Work The 81 Acres of The Old Yard Site Could Be Developed into Arable Land or Turned Back Into Future Yard Site. Currently Being Rented Out At $110.00/Acre. The Old Yard Site Consists of Power & Gas at Property Line, Abandoned Water Well. Subject to Final Bid. If Final Bid is not Accepted, the Deposit Will Be Returned.
Real Estate Terms & Conditions: 10 % Down on Sale Day. Balance & Possession on or before November 14th, 2024. If Balance is NOT RECEIVED by November 14th, 2 024 the Deposit will be Forfeited as Liquidation Damages. All measurements are approximate and need to be verified by the purchaser.
Ring #2 Selling by Totally Unreserved Auction for Darrel Magneson 4 Quarters of Land Forming a Full Section (Selling as 1 Block) of Mixed Farming Land in the Heart of Beaver County.
Located Just 3.5 Kms North of Hwy #14 on Rge Rd 165 or 5 Miles East of the Town of Riley on Twp Rd 500.
This Full Section of Farm Land Consists of Approx. 400 Acres M/L of Cultivated Land and Approx. 80 Acres M/L of Hay Land with the Waskwei Creek Running Thru the East Side, Providing the Property with Ample Water for Both Livestock and Nature Lovers. In addition No Subdivisions have happened on the Beautiful Parcel of Land. The Former Yard Site is Located in the Centre of the Section with Power, Natural Gas & an Older Water Well. There is Also an Older Quonset with a Few Out Buildings. This is an Excellent Opportunity for Either a Farmer or an Investor. The Cultivated Land Does Have a Current Lease in Place Until October 31st, 2028. However, the Lease/Rent is to be Renegotiated at the End of this Harvest Year.
The Current Renter Does have the Option to Match the Final Bid on Sale Day. Legal Descriptions: SE 4-16-50 W4M Consisting of 160 Acres M/L - SW 4-16-50 W4M Consisting of 160 Acres M/L NE 4-16-50 W4M Consisting of 160 Acres M/L - NW 4-16-50 W4M
Meet New Professional for VegMin Learning Society
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Dave Albrecht grew up in Two Hills and still lives in Two Hills. He started the position of the new Executive Director of VegMin on August 1, 2024.
Albrecht also still works for Two Hills Adult Learning Council which he has been doing for about the past three years.
Albrecht became introduced to adult learning by volunteering for the Two Hills Family Community Support Services Board.
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He has a background in Engineering, Design, and Drafting Technology. He used to be an Engineering Technologist and has done a lot of work on volunteer boards, and board governance doing board training workshops.
When Albrecht was in his role as an engineering technologist, he did a lot of staff development and training for people which has always been his passion. He feels this job is a good fit because he can take the skills he gained and apply them to the job here both from the governance and management side.
Albrecht went on to say he wanted to work for VegMin because both the Learning Councils in Vegreville and Two Hills are small. He thinks working in the two places provides them with many opportunities to share resources, to build on and strengthen both communities. They can work together.
He has a passion for lifelong learning; especially when people explore different learning opportunities where they start to learn more and develop confidence. “This opens so many doors for them. It is amaz-
SPORTING
ing to watch that growth; not just the growth in their knowledge but the growth in their self-esteem is even more important because the stronger that is, the further they will go in life.”
Albrecht feels that the vision of VegMin should be set by the board of directors. “I want to work with the board to utilize the full potential of the organization and to be more known in the community, and help them provide a lot more. The board is the pulse of the community, as they are the ones who know what is going on in the community. They have to tell us as the staff where to go and what we need to do.”
Executive Director Dave Albrecht. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Akers Acres Project Cultivating Education in Agriculture
Deep down Brock Fenske said he’s always wanted to be a farmer, but it wasn’t until his best friend and mentor told him, “You won’t know if you don’t try. So, quit talking about it, and go farm already.”
Brock explains, “With the help of my grandpa Gordon, a drive out to Tofield, and a couple of maple walnut ice creams; I was going to be a farmer. It’s been eight harvests and a lot of character building moments, but my little hobby has turned into an almost fulltime hobby and my passion for being a farmer has only grown.
I found even my close friends had no clue what it meant when I was going
follow the growing process with updates, pictures, zoom calls and visits to their field.
After harvest when the grain is marketed they get a cheque right from our local Providence elevator for the grain from their acre. There’s no guarantee that it will be a profit or loss, but we do provide the little bit of knowledge that I have and a meal out
Akers Acres - CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
swathing or seeding or too busy because I had to combine. So, I told my mom (Jackie) on a Sunday night that I thought we should share my little amount of knowledge and my passions with others, in a way to help people understand and appreciate farming, even just a little!
Our Akers Acres project was the idea that happened somewhere between that Sunday night and Monday morning. My mom had three people signed up and we had no clue what to do! Basically, we rent our new farmers an acre for the season. They pay for the inputs and costs associated with farming their acre,
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
Brock and Angela Fenske.
(Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Darlene
February 5, 1939 - October 1, 2016
In loving memory of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
How we miss the welcome footsteps
Of the one we loved so dear;
Oft we listen for her coming,
Fully sure that she is near.
Thou art gone but not forgotten,
Fresh our love will ever be,
For as long as there is memory,
We will always think of thee.
Forever loved and deeply missed
Lori Dea and Darcy, Lorne and Lori, Todd and Mayumi and families.
text or talk daily.
On the night of Aug 23, Brianna overdosed again but did not survive. A 13-year-old who died in a tent on the streets.
The MacDonald’s are telling their story in a plea for the province to enact reforms that will not only strengthen parental rights but also enable involuntary treatment.
It seems odd that there is such public outcry to selling beer at the corner store. Children cannot buy alcohol, marijuana or cigarettes, yet…in the name of “harm reduction” they can be given access to opioids, crack pipes and needles.
With a BC election looming, the Conservatives has promised reform. To Alberta’s credit, in October of 2022, changes were made which effectively banned safer supply in Alberta. This restricted prescribing to a small number of clinics requiring witnessed dosing.
We are heading in the wrong direction. Certain people in society do need to be protected. Some from themselves. Not everyone is capable of rational decision making and no amount of wishful thinking will change that. Unless we make meaningful changes, we will see many more of these stories. This is not a left or right issue, it’s simply logic.
You can watch Adam Zivo’s “Government Heroin” on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/ sdiYPl8LNyM?feature=shared
Tell me what you think. Email me at abletters@newsadvertiser.com
KERYLUK, Zenovia
December 26, 1930 – September 26, 2023
Remembering you is easy… I do it every day… Missing you is the heartache… That never goes away.
Memory Eternal
Love you Mom/Baba Tracy and Jesse
One year ago we said goodbye, but your presence is still felt in every aspect of our lives. We miss you deeply, and cherish the memories we made together.
Forever loved and missed, Your loving family
Phase One of Tofield of Dreams Project Nearing Completion
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
The Tofield of Dreams community based project is nearing the finish line. The multi-pronged initiative is 80 percent complete, and members of the Tofield Golden Club recently celebrated the official launch of a new shuttle service with community members and sponsors on Sept. 13.
There were hot dogs and complementary tours of the town in the brand new replica Model T Ford from the era 1908 to 1927. The automobile is 2024 electric vehicle manufactured by the Yatian Electric Vehicle factory in China.
Tofield Golden Club Treasurer Jim Robichaud said the vehicle, which cost approximately $30,000 was donated by Alberta Traffic Supply (ATS Traffic).
“Laine Hopper of Alberta Traffic Supply (ATS Traffic) was very receptive of helping seniors especially with transportation. An area of expertise. He hung in there with us over months to get details worked out and finance the
entire purchase and delivery.”
Robichaud said the shuttle service will be used on a daily basis during fair weather only. Rides will be free for seniors in Tofield and it will also be available for special occasions like weddings and birthday for a donation to the Tofield of Dreams. To date, they have 15 drivers available to take four hour shifts.
The shuttle is just one component of the project. Other facets of Phase One included:
Community Engagement: Inviting Bob Layton to speak at its first promotional event.
Business Partnerships: Collaborating with the Chamber of Commerce to strengthen ties with local businesses and to create a network of support.
Infrastructure Improvements: Upgrading electrical panel to ensure a safer, more reliable facility, free from frequent outages.
Energy Efficiency: Installing a high efficiency furnace and air conditioning
RODGER KEITH STOLTZ
March 28, 1963 - July 25, 2024 of Lavoy, Alberta
Survived by son
and 3
On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, Shannon Louise Hyshka of Viking, AB peacefully passed away at the age of 59 years.
Left to cherish her memory is her partner and best friend, Robert Clement; her sisters, Donna and Carrie; uncle, Harry Dinisyk; as well as numerous extended relatives and dear friends.
Shannon was predeceased by her parents, Alvin and Ina; sister, Paulette; and grandparents, Winnifred and Peter.
Born in Edmonton and raised in Viking, Shannon devoted more than 30 years to her career as a homecare aide. She had a passion for helping others, and her commitment and compassion touched the lives of countless patients and their families. Everyone that knew Shannon loved her, and she will be dearly missed. A private Graveside Service will be held in Lake Olivia Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, https://support.cancer.ca/ Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com. Park Memorial Vegreville 780-632-2000 Family-Owned Funeral Home And Crematorium
system, critical upgrades after 50 years of operation.
Facility Revitalization: New insulation, drywall and fresh paint to create a welcoming environment.
Phase One is expected to be completed in the next month and a half, and members will be looking into grants or funding for future projects. “It is a three to five year program. We are in year one,” said Robichaud.
The vision was developed in August of 2022. “At the heart of our vision is the belief that seniors need purpose and connection. We want to create a legacy that dispels the myth that older adults are no longer valuable members of our society. Our members bring a wealth of experience-playwrights, authors, educators and entrepreneurs ready to contribute and share their talents.
We invite the entire community to embrace this project. By working together, we can cultivate a vibrant space that nurtures health, creativity and social interaction.”
Donald Martin Stoltz,
siblings, Robert Stoltz, Rick Stoltz and Donna Stoltz and many nieces and nephews.
HYSHKA, Shannon Louise
STAFFORD,
In loving memory of Ken Kitlarchuk
August 3, 1954 - September 26, 2023
MEMORIAM
Roger Stutzman test driving with passenger Lorraine McNeely beside him. In the middle are Kari Janzen and Don Swift. In the back are Lynn and Gord Hryhirchuk. (Tofield Golden Club/Submitted Photo)
Authors Shane Blakely, left, and Bob Layton at promotional event. (Tofield Golden Club/Submitted Photo)
Summer Fades to Autumn
Stay and Play the Active Way
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Nine children had big grins and willingly shared the play equipment with others at the Sept. 10 session of Stay and Play at Kalyna Family Resource Network (FRN)-Vegreville and Area.
The focus of these programs at Kalyna FRN is building healthy habits in early childhood, and the week of this session was all about the importance of physical activity in daily life.
Staff designed the games to focus on gross motor skills, encouraging the children to move and engage their bodies as much as possible.
Besides free play, one of the activities they offered was called “I Can Do It!” where the children showcased their physical
In
Memory Michael
Chernecki
abilities, such as rubbing their tummy while patting their head, jumping like a frog, or standing on one leg.
Hub Facilitator Yuliia Kalutska said, “The activity was a lot of fun, and the kids enjoyed showing off their skills! An active life benefits them because engaging in regular physical activity at a
young age helps children develop strong bones and muscles, improves coordination and balance, and promotes mental well-being. It also teaches them the value of setting goals, working as a team, and feeling confident in their abilities. By establishing these healthy habits early, children are more likely to maintain an active lifestyle as they grow, which contributes to a happier, healthier life overall.”
Participant Amelia Yaremko said she likes everything about this centre, and her favorite activity is playing on the slide.
So many years of loving and caring for you are now only memories which we can hold onto and pass down over time. You were no stranger to hardship and knew as well as anyone that doing the right thing can be the hardest challenge we ever face. We hope more than anything that you have found peace.
Name: Hayden O’Mara Likes: dogs, cats Dislikes: spiders, when people don’t want to play with me
Kids taking part in free play activities. (Rosanne Fortier/Photos)
New Officer Cadet Joins 341
Mundare Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron
Captain Benjamin Turner –Unit
Public Affairs
Representative
Submitted
COLD LAKE, Alta. – Officer
Cadet Hailey Borys of 341 Mundare, Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron (RCACS) in Vegreville, Alberta was enrolled into the Cadet Organization Administrative and Training Service branch of the Canadian Armed Forces by LieutenantColonel Victor Cheng (Center), Commanding Officer of Cold Lake Cadet Training Centre (CTC) on July 30, 2024.
needed experience to deliver the content.
Borys completed the ceremony in the presence of cadets and staff at Cold Lake CTC. The ceremony signified her formal entry into the Canadian Armed Forces and served to reaffirm the sincerity and awareness of the responsibilities that are undertaken with military service.
Borys is looking forward to applying their professional training in music and education to the development of cadets.
“The Canadian Armed Forces has many opportunities, you just have to find what aligns with your interests and passions,” said Borys.
As an educator of Music, English and Science, Borys found that her experience working with Air Cadets has helped her develop important professional skills that have been useful in her civilian career.
“The Air Cadet Program aligns closely with Alberta’s Science Aerospace unit,” added Borys. She says it gave her the
The Cadet Program is open to all youth between the ages of 12-18 and provides opportunities to develop skills that will last a lifetime including teamwork and communication
Becoming part of the Cadet Program as an adult leader is a choice to serve both your country and your local community. It is easier than you may think and is filled with rewarding opportunities to gain new skills valued not only within the Canadian Armed Forces, but within your existing workplace. No previous military or cadet experience is required.
Becoming part of the Cadet Program as an adult leader is a choice to serve both your country and your local community. It is easier than you may think and is filled with rewarding opportunities to gain new skills valued not only within the Canadian Armed Forces, but within your existing workplace. No previous military or cadet experience is required.
in their field.”
This is the third year Akers Acres project has been operating, and Brock says they have been “tweaking it” a little bit every year. We have Alberta’s newest farmers. Some grew up on a farm and life took them to the city. Some have parents that had to sell the farm before they could take over, and some have no idea about farming and fall in love with it out in the country at our meal in the field.”
This year’s Meal in the Field at Akers Acres near Josephburg, was held on Sept. 9. It was the perfect opportunity for participants and guests to enjoy a delicious homemade supper and learn more about the project and how they can get involved.
One of the special moments for Brock came when he received an Award of Excellence in Agriculture from Strathcona County in 2023. Kaya Kasook, President of the Josephburg Ag Society, nominated the Akers Acres project for the
award. Brock said it was an “incredible honour and special evening” to share with his wife Angela along with other family members.
Brock modestly says, “I don’t really know how much I contribute to the agricultural industry at this point, but even if a couple people learn a little about farming and respect what we do and how goods get onto their tables, it can’t be a bad thing.”
When asked about his goals, Brock responded by stating, “I’m a farmer and that was my goal. Not a big farmer by any means, but I’m a farmer and I love it. I don’t know what the next step will be. Right now, my dad Doug and I farm together. Like any small new farmer, we couldn’t do it without the help of everyone in our farming community. There’s always a neighbor happy to help with any questions or issues I’m having.
Their knowledge and advice has been priceless, but so very affordable for a farmer starting out.”
Akers Acres - CONTINUED from PAGE 11
Officer Cadet Hailey Borys, left, accepts congratulations from Lieutenant Colonel Victor Cheng. Looking on is Chief Warrant Officer Chuck Harvey.
(Captain Benjamin Turner/Submitted Photo)
Holden Terry Fox Run
The annual Terry Fox Run has become a fall tradition in Canada with more than 650 communities, rural and urban participating to raise money for cancer research. On Sept. 15 Christine Mackay and this group of ladies participated in the local Terry Fox Run in the Village of Holden. Back Row L-R: Lynn Laskoski, Susan Tymchak, Donna Schneider, Thea Talsma, Wendy Staden and Brenda McCloy. Front row L-R: Connie Komarnisky and Michele Mulder. (Christine Mackay/Submitted Photo)
Testing the Waters in Vegreville
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Vegreville Aquatic and Fitness Centre is now offering ‘Test the Waters’ swim sessions designed to introduce children to the swim club.
LAND FOR SALE
The program for ages six to nine has been running for many years, but this year they decided to have swimmers come out and “test the waters” before they sign up. This way they have an understanding of what is involved with the program. It is for new swimmers who love the water, but have minimal swim experience, or are returning swimmers who need to continue to develop their skills and strokes.
Notice is hereby given that, under the provisions of the Municipal Government Act, the Town of Two Hills will offer for sale, by public auction, in the Town Administration Building, 4712-50 Street, Two Hills, Alberta, on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., the following lands:
6 9 0015685812
9 7 0018771600 1442EO 4 13;14 0013240239 1442EO 4 12
Each parcel will be offered for sale subject to a reserve bid and to the reservations and conditions contained in the existing certificate of title.
The Town of Two Hills may, after the public auction, become the owner of any parcel of land not sold at the public auction.
Terms: Payment must be made by cash, certified cheque, bank draft, or money order. GST will apply on land sold at the public auction.
Redemption may be effected by payment of all arrears of taxes and costs at any time prior to the sale.
Dated at Two Hills, Alberta, August 19, 2024. Adam Kozakiewicz, Chief Administrative Officer.
The first session on Sept. 18 saw seven swimmers come to try out and of those,
four registered. There are 10 people signed up for the 10 plus age group.
Vegreville Aquatic and Fitness Centre Supervisor Roxy Weleschuk mentioned that this program teaches children motivation, positive attitude, sportsmanship, inspiration, leadership, and of course, to have fun!
Staff from L-R: Roxy Weleschuk and Nathan Heier. (Vegreville Aquatic and Fitness Centre/Submitted Photo)
