Ponoka News, December 19, 2012

Ponoka & District Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year 2008 Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

Vol. 64, No. 50

403-783-3311

editorial@ponokanews.com

www.ponokanews.com

DEDICATED TO THE PROMOTION OF PONOKA

Hobbema protest calls for response from Gov’t MP

By Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Hobbema natives held a peaceful demonstration Dec. 12 to protest the way First Nations peoples are treated by the federal government. Highway 2A through the reserve was closed for about an hour as protesters passed out information pamphlets to motorists.

Photo by George Brown

All-New 2013 Buick Enclave AWD (#13280) Loaded with Power Sunroof, Heated Leather and 7” Touch Screen Radio

MSRP: $54,980

52,600*

$ *plus taxes and fees

A protest in Hobbema closed Highway 2A for an hour Dec. 12 to give First Nations an opportunity to have their voice heard over recent changes to a federal bill.

Organized by the Samson and Ermineskin Cree nations, the rally showed support for Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence, who started a hunger strike Dec. 11.

Her hunger strike is meant to call attention to conditions of poverty in First Nations communities.

Spence’s hunger strike in Ontario will continue until a meeting with the Crown over her concerns.

The Hobbema protest was organized by the Samson Cree Nation, who co-ordinated with the other nations on the reserve to hold the protest; a portion of Highway 2A between Secondary Highway 611 and the Pe Sakastew Correctional Centre was closed to traffic.

Samson Coun. Kirk Buffalo said the purpose is also to stand up for First Nation rights and protest amendments to Bill C-45 and the Navigable Waters Protection Act. “We have to stand up to the government and the changes were done without the consultation of First Nations people.”

He was clear the protest was meant as a peaceful way to get concerns to Wetaskiwin MP Blaine Calkins and to open up consultation with him. Buffalo feels the identity and culture of First Nations is being lost and he wants their history remembered.

“We need to re-educate the community to who they are,” he stated.

The amendments were done without discussion with First Nations, said Buffalo. “Mr. Calkins has not been in our office. I don’t know who he has consulted with.”

There are 18 pages of amendments to the Navigable Waters Protection Act have been signed off by the governor general and Calkins explained the purpose behind them. “What we’re doing is trusting counties like Ponoka County and Wetaskiwin County, when they need to repair a bridge or they need to replace a culvert. They don’t need to be held up by the government at the cost of ratepayers.”

Calkins feels the amendments help municipalities along rivers and streams.

Continued on page 14

403.783.4494 www.adamsgm.com

STEVE WOLBECK Sales Mgr.

BOB MASS Sales

JOHN COURSER Sales

Page 2 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

Rimoka considers possibility of a requisition increase

By Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye As Ponoka residents already face a slight increase in taxes and utilities the Rimoka Housing Foundation board is considering raising its requisition to its three municipalities, the towns of Ponoka and Rimbey, and Ponoka County.

Coun. John Jacobs, a member of the Rimoka board, mentioned the possibility after Coun. Rick Bonnett questioned him Dec. 11 on Rimoka’s happenings. Bonnett hopes to see a decrease in the requisition as there was supposed to be a one-time increase of $19,000 last year.

In an interview, chairman Paul McLauchlin said the Rimoka budget is still under discussion but there is a chance of a five-per-cent increase over last year. The operating budget is in order but he feels wages, inflation, and vacancies in Ponoka could affect the final requision.

“It’s like taxation, right. Any time you get that situation when you have

those increases in rates you gotta make sure that you take in every other step. You can’t just carte blanche start increasing people’s taxes but not look for savings elsewhere.”

He believes they are seeing rising costs and the requisition for 2012 is closer to a realistic number but lodge residents might also see an increase in their rents.

“Again, without the final numbers it’s hard to say what that would be but at the same time the will is to definitely decrease or have the least amount of impairment to the residents as possible,” he explained.

Vacancies at Ponoka’s Golden Leisure Lodge generally see a fluctuation but recently had 16 to 18 rooms vacant for longer than usual.

With vacancies there comes a drop in revenue but operating costs have not changed and staffing does not either, said McLauchlin. The board has given the proposed budget back to the Bethany Group, which manages Rimoka’s needs, to consider for

NOTICE - WE’RE BACK IN THE COUNTY

another time.

The board has discussed the long-term benefits of advertising as well as trying to fix utility costs, which are currently on a variable rate.

Bethany Group CEO Denis Beesley said it is not unusual to have lodge vacancies but “most recently they seem to have been more permanent and that’s not unusual with what is happening in the province.”

He feels there are Paul McLauchlin more options available to seniors such as private buildings, which has added more capacity in some communities. “We’re still looking at how can we fill the lodge rooms because the lodge program still delivers great package services to seniors; three meals a day, people being there in the night and activities. All of those services are more targeted at independent people but also for people who have limited incomes.”

There have been changes to the market as well, lodges were built for individuals but Beesley has

BIG STRAPPER AUCTIONS Is relocating to the Ponoka Moose Hall (2 miles south of Ponoka on Hwy 2A)

FIRST SALE OF 2013

Wednesday, Jan. 16th • 6 PM (weekly sales will resume every Wednesday)

* l l sma coffee

&muffin

For more information call

403-304-4791

www.bigstrapperauctions.net

12123OM0 12122OM0

China Palace Restaurant Riverside Motor Inn • 3825 - 46 Street

403-783-8133

NOW OPEN Dine-in or Take-out Hours of Business: Sunday – Friday 11am – 9pm Saturday 4pm – 9pm

seen couples considering a move to a lodge. People also have more resources available to them and Beesley feels it has also affected vacancy rates.

He believes the average requisition in the province is approximately $3,900 per room per year and Beesley feels Rimoka’s requisition is approximately $2,000 to $2,500. Bethany Group’s job is to work with the board to keep costs low but still maintain services for lodge residents, all of which affects the requisition amount.

“So just for instance, if you had 10 vacancies in a lodge on average, that would be a loss of revenue of about $12,000 a month…Times 12 that’s $144,000,” explained Beesley. “And do you know what, you have 10 vacancies, your costs don’t decrease.”

Staffing and services stay the same considering provincial legislation requires a certain level of service to its residents, he said. The lodge program started in the ‘50s and was meant to provide a certain level of service to residents, which is covered under the Alberta Housing Act. Meals, snacks, linen laundry service, activities, 24-hour on-site staffing and for those who do not have their own furniture, some must be provided such as a bed and cupboards, these and maintenance must be provided by the lodges. “Also the protection is that a senior must be left with at least — it doesn’t seem like a lot of money — but they must be left with at least $265 in disposable income after they paid their rent.”

He feels despite small rooms and basic accommodations, the lodge program is generally one that has done fairly well. “But it is in need of provincially looking at these programs.”

Beesley believes seniors are now looking for a choice and a long-term strategy is needed to accommodate cultural changes.

He used the new proposed Rimbey lodge as an example; funding is waiting for approval from the government, which has taken some time as it is considering a new funding model.

“Any new opportunity to build you’ve got to look at what the future is for 20 or 30 years,” he explained.

Beesley believes rates at Rimoka lodges are approximately $1,240 per month. The budget has not yet been approved and board members will meet Jan. 16 to discuss the budget and requisition.

™†

*Offer valid for Premium Roast Brewed Coffee only.

At participating McDonald’s® restaurants in Canada. ©2012 McDonald’s. †®/TM Trade-mark of PepsiCo Canada ULC Used under licence.

GET YOUR BUSINESS OUT THERE CALL

403-783-3311

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

PONOKA NEWS Page 3

New assessment adds revenue to Ponoka’s budget

By Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye Ponoka residents will face increased costs next year, not only in their taxes but also in their utility bills.

Councillors approved the 2013 interim budget during their Dec. 11 meeting with a 2.55 percent tax increase to ratepayers. The amount adds $166,144 to the town’s revenue. A home assessed at $300,000 should see the increase at $45.

Betty Quinlan, director of corporate services, feels the increase is a reasonable amount for Ponoka. There is also $7.9 million in new assessment, which adds $53,410 of revenue.

Details of the balanced budget show tax levies at $5 million and $7.2 million in sales and user charges, which comes from items such as utilities and land sales; these represent the larger part of the budget with government transfers at $3.7 million in the operating and the capital budget.

“Under operating we get grant funding for RCMP, Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI).

Then the capital is MSI, the federal gas tax and the street improvement program,” Quinlan said, explaining some of the grants the town receives.

Total revenues show $17.1 million with an additional $2.1 million from interfund transfers from reserves resulting in $19.2 million.

“There weren’t a lot of significant changes in terms of the revenue budget this year,” she stated.

“It was very static.”

The two largest changes were in the property taxes and the increase in sales and goods and services.

Much of what was considered in the 2013 budget was finding ways to improve the quality of life for residents and also to improve on the branding and economic development in the community.

“We’re really looking at modernization and upgrading of buildings for recreational and cultural purposes,” said Quinlan.

Examples are the improvements on the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex, the Hudson’s Green Activity Centre and the splash park.

There is also more money in the budget to expand the river valley trail system. “We’re really trying to work on the look and feel of the town.”

There has been stronger focus given to different recreational needs of the town such as the splash park, the Hudson’s Green Activity Centre and improving the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex.

Of all the budgets Quinlan has put together, the 2013 interim budget is one she is most proud of, especially since it met councillors’ expectations.

“It is so in line with their plans it was an easy document for them to go through and accept in terms of fitting with their strategic plan and being

reasonable compared to other municipalities,” she said. “There’s a lot of things being focused on.”

One of the recreational items in the budget is setting aside money for the ag event centre. “We committed to $50,000 per year in the event of a deficit.”

She understood that each of the partners of the centre agreed to the same amount.

For expenditures the largest expense is in environmental services at $3.9 million, which is in the solid waste and the waste transfer site,

sanitary sewage and water. Quinlan said $800,000 will be spent on a lagoon aeration system, she explained.

“It’s to put in solar aerators in the storage cells.”

The town was fined $70,000 December 2011 for releasing effluent that was harmful to fish in the Battle River. This new system will ensure the effluent has been treated according to standards of the Fisheries Act. During the winter months the lagoon cells freeze and the contents stratify into layers, when the ice melts it takes some time before the

Don’t Drink & Drive

Food for Ponoka: Ponoka Food Bank director Dean Hill accepts a cheque for $1,000 from a CP Rail local train master Brad Jacobs when the Holiday Train came to town Dec. 10. There was a total of 1,240 pounds of food and $1,977.80 raised for the food bank.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Sponsored by

LittleJONS’

Hand Wash Stations Handicap Units Trailer Units New Solar Powered Units with Running Water

sales@littlejons.ca

Community Blue Box Program For $12.00 per month We will pick up your paper, clean tins, glass, No. 1-5 plastic and cardboard.

We also pick up cardboard from local businesses.

For more information on these programs please call

403-783-5810 Weekdays

403.783.8322

www.littlejons.ca

“Nala” wants a forever home for Christmas!

To adopt call 403-783-7447 Ponoka Animal Services (Old MacDonald Kennels) Check our website

www.oldmacdonaldkennels.ca

Call Eagle Taxi

403-783-4400 CELEBRATING OVER EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS TRAVEL THATOF TAKES YOU PLACES EXCELLENCE!

PET OF THE WEEK

www.ponokanews.com PONOKA RISING SUN CLUBHOUSE

cells mix again. The solar cells stop the layers from separating, which allows the town to release treated effluent earlier in the season.

The town is also setting aside money for the new RCMP building and the new civic building for administration as the current one is older and has issues with sewage seepage.

Carry forward projects amount to $2.28 million with $522,000 going toward the automated water metre reading system, which Quinlan said is a project that will be completed after several years.

Other carry forward projects include $450,000 for civic building development, $116,000 for a storm sewer extension into the Hudson Green Activity Centre, $125,000 to the upgrade and maintenance of the roof of the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex and $155,00 for the north trail bridge.

Councillors also approved a five-per-cent increase to utility flat rates. Residents will see changes to their water, sanitary and garbage bills in 2013. Examples provided to councillors show garbage, sanitary, and water costs for the average home rising to $125.78 per month compared to $119.83 for 2012; garbage went to $15.06 from $14.34, sanitary to $29.40 from $28.04, and water to $81.32 from $77.45.

EST.1961 1961 EST.

& CRUISE CENTRE

PHONE: 403-783-4911 PHONE: 403-783-4911 FAX: 403-783-5222 FAX: 403-783-5222 dirtvl@telusplanet.net dirtvl@telusplanet.net www.direct-travel.ca www.direct-travel.ca

A PROUD COMMUNITY SUPPORTER

*KERRY’S THE WEEK* EUROPE 2009PICK - GOF REAT BUYS Sol Palmeras Beach Resort Varadero, Cuba

Top 4 reasons to stay at the Sol Palmeras 1.

2.

3.

4.

10 minutes to downtown Varaderos Fabulous white, powdery sand beach EUROPEAN 2009 Staff and service beyond compare MOTORCOACH PRICE! 2 weeks, Jan. 5 $1996,TOURS (tax included)

MAGICAL RIVER CRUISES – TRAVEL GIFT CERTIFICATE – EUROPE’S ForON that person who wants toWATERWAYS Travel the World, sit on

Theresa

Ramona

Kerry

a beach or Cruise the blue waters of the Caribbean.

Give the gift of Travel!

Diane

ANY AMOUNT, ANY DESTINATION Follow us on Facebook or www.direct-travel.ca

Kahla

LOCATED IN THE LOW PROFESSIONAL BUILDING

Page 4 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

Your Guide To Local Houses of Worship CHURCH DIRECTORY Associated Gospel Churches of Canada

CHURCH OF THE OPEN BIBLE

Pastor Jerry Preheim 3704 - 42 St. Ponoka 403-783-6500 Worship Service 11:00 a.m.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PONOKA Sr. Pastor Paul Spate 5109 - 57 Ave. Ponoka www.fbcponoka.org 403-783-5533 Bible Discovery Hour 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

NEW COVENANT BAPTIST REFORMED CHURCH

Currently meeting at Ponoka Christian School 6300-50 St. Worship Service Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Everyone Welcome! www.baptistreformedponoka.org

PARKLAND REFORMED CHURCH South on 2A, West on Spruce Road 403-783-1888 Worship Service 10:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Rev. Mitch Ramkissoon www.parklandurc.org

PONOKA ALLIANCE CHURCH

4215 - 46 St. Pastor Norm Dibben 403-783-3958 Sunday Service 11:00 a.m.

A loving, gentle, caring people - welcome you!

PONOKA WORD OF LIFE CHURCH Pastor Rob McArthur 403-783-5659

Sunday @ 10:30 a.m.

Corner of Hwy 53 & Hwy 2A (former Crossroads Restaurant)

PONOKA UNITED CHURCH Minister: Beatrix Schirner

ponokaunited@shaw.ca

Sunday Service 10:00 am.

5020-52 Ave. Ponoka

Phone: 403-783-4087

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH PASTOR DAVE BEAUDOIN 6230-57 Ave. Ph. 403-783-6404 Saturdays 9:30 - 12 Noon dsjjb@xplornet.com ponokaadventist.ca

SONRISE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Pastor W. Delleman Worship Service 10:30 a.m. ½ mile south of Centennial Centre for Mental Health & Brain Injury

403-783-6012 • www.sonriseponoka.com

ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH Fr. Chris Gnanaprakasam, S.A.C. Mass Times: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 9:00 a.m. Sunday

5113 - 52 Ave., Ponoka, T4J 1H6 403-783-4048

ST. MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH Rev. Alexandra Meek-Sharman (on leave) Ven. Michael Sung, Priest in Charge Voc. Deacon - Rev. Doreen Scott

5120 - 49 Ave. Ponoka

403-783-4329

Sunday Service: Holy Eucharist 10 a.m. www.stmarysanglicanponoka.com

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 5501 - 54 Ave. Ponoka 403-783-4141 Sunday Service: 10:30am Sunday School: 10:30am Interim Pastor Tim Graff

ZION CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Pastor Fred Knip 9 miles east on Hwy 53 (403) 782-9877 Jr. Church during service for children Sunday Service 10:30 am

Singing for the season: The Willan Choral entertained guests at St. Augustine Catholic Church Dec. 14 with their Christmas concert of sacred and secular music. Charmaine Arandez presented a solo of Bist Du Bei Mir (If You Are With Me)

by Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Jesus was humble, meek and mild The Christmas season is in full swing.

“The foxes have holes, and the birds have nests but Our houses are brightly decorated, and our special I have no where to lay my head” (Luke 9:58) gifts are ready to go (this year I’m done early The more a person contemplates this idea, the yeah). more amazing it becomes. To think “Jesus / the Our Church calendars are extra full at this time Creator-God is humble.” This just blows me out of year, with Christmas parties and programs for of the water all to enjoy Christians around the world are worA carpenter friend once mentioned to me that shipping together, celebrating our Saviour’s birth.

Jesus’ life was tied up with carpentry: In thinking about Christmas, I have been med- As a babe He started in a wooden manger itating on the Bible verse that says, “Christ Jesus...

- As a man He worked in a carpenter shop, and humbled himself” (Philippians 2:5 & 8).

- As Saviour He died on a wooden cross.

We remember that our Lord had a very humble Pastor Jerry Preheim Bethlehem and Calvary are forever tied togethbirth — with the stable and all it entailed. (Might Church of the Open Bible er. God had His purposes in all of this because it the stable have been a dirty cave?) also says: “For you know the grace of our Lord A member of the His upbringing was humble as well. Not just Jesus Christ, that though He was rich (as God), yet Ponoka Ministerial the poverty of which the Bible speaks but also, as for your sakes He became poor, that you through Association the God of heaven He submitted himself to huHis poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians man parents, for the scriptures tell us: “He went 8:9) down with them, (his parents), to Nazareth, and It is only when we contemplate our own povwas subject to them” (Luke2:51). erty of spirit (Matthew 5:3) and recognize our need for His See Him also hard at work in His father’s carpenter shop presence and forgiveness in our lives, that His true riches can be at Nazareth. Does it seem hard for you to picture the “King of transferred over to us.

Kings” doing manual labour?

Yes. “Christ Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to When we view Jesus’ ministry, we see Him as a very hum- the point of death, even the death of the cross.” ble man. Jesus once told someone who wanted to follow Him: Hallelujah!

Holiday Train receives volunteer award CPs annual Holiday Train has received one of the first Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards, recognizing the role it plays in helping Canadian communities and food banks. The ceremony took place in Ottawa Dec. 14.

“Canadian Pacific is honoured the prime minister has recognized the Holiday Train initiative and we are extremely proud to receive this award,” said E. Hunter Harrison, president and CEO of Canadian Pacific. “The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Award acknowledges the hard work, commitment and dedication of CP employees, food bank volunteers, and community organizers, who continue to demonstrate the importance of community and concern for their neighbours through the Holiday Train. They are the people who truly deserve this recognition.”

The Holiday Train is a network-wide fundraiser benefiting local food banks in Canada and the United States. Two brightly decorated freight trains recently travelled across the two countries raising money, food and awareness.

For its 14th year, more than 150 communities will experience the spirit of neighbours helping neighbours. Since 1999, the Holiday Train has raised close to C$6.4 million and about 2.6 million pounds of food for North American food banks. Everything raised in the local community stays in the community for local distribution.

The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards recognize the exceptional contributions of volunteers, local businesses and innovative not-for-profit organizations in improving the wellbeing of families and their communities. The Awards highlight best practices in community leadership and encourage partnerships across sectors.

“The CP Holiday Train is an important employee and community initiative. The Prime Minister’s Volunteer award is a testament to the role every person plays in having positive impact on their community,” said Harrison.

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

PONOKA NEWS Page 5

Man charged with disguised with intent

By Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye With the help of a conscientious resident, RCMP have charged a 51-year-old man from Ponoka with four counts of theft and two counts of using a disguise with intent.

The man allegedly entered a gas station and went behind the counter to take some money but did not succeed as staff stopped him. He then drove away in a light blue four-door older model Honda.

A witness at the gas station followed him but eventually lost track of the car. The witness was later passed by the same vehicle northbound on Highway 2A and he was able to provide a description to police.

Clothing matching his description was found at his

Power bills will soar, Anglin warns

By Treena Mielke Albertans can expect their electricity bills to soar in the new year, says MLA and Wildrose energy critic Joe Anglin.

Anglin, the MLA for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre, stands by his belief the transmission lines recently approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission are not needed.

“The lines have always been wrong for a number of reasons. They have never been needed and as new information becomes available we find new reasons as to why the lines are not needed.”

Anglin said the Torries won’t admit they are wrong about the lines, but documents they relied upon as fact regarding the issue have now been reputed by their authors.

He said PC MLAs refused to answer questions regarding the subject during the last sitting of the legislature.

“They will never admit they are wrong,” he Dear Editor: said, “but really the right On Dec. 14 a bus hand doesn’t know what full with our Strathcona Christian Academy basketball team in tow broke down on the QEII en route from Sherwood Park to Red Deer.

We were just outside Ponoka and had 90 minutes to arrive in Red Deer in time for our game.

When it became apparent the bus was in no condition to get us to the game, I called Deb’s Taxi from Ponoka and she helped us out in a big way. The boys arrived on time for their game and ended up winning the Ecole Notre Dame tournament.

Thanks to Deb’s Taxi for responding so quickly and helping us out.

Ryan Reed, assistant principal/director of athletics, Strathcona Christian Academy Secondary School

Taxi co. helps

the left hand is doing.”

Anglin said Albertans can expect to pay more for the decision to go ahead with the lines which connect the Genesee area west of Edmonton to the Langdon area east of Calgary.

“Your electricity bill will double as a result of this.

Expect it to start to skyrocket in January.”

Construction for the new lines is projected to begin in January with site preparation. It is expected to take about two years with the line to be in service in the spring of 2015.

More than 60 per cent of the approved route is to parallel existing transmission lines.

In a press release, Scott Thon, AltaLink president and CEO, said the line is critical to ensuring the reliability and efficiency of he transmission system — avoiding system congestion and allowing the competitive power generation market to work to the benefit of all Albertans.

“In the last 20 years, Alberta has welcomed more than one million new residents and our demand for electricity has doubled,” he said. “Since January 2010, we’ve had more than 4,500 discussions with stakeholders through open houses, information centres, one-on-one consultations, phone calls and written correspondence.”

CARRIER OF THE MONTH Congratulations to Landon Heltman

residence during a search warrant Dec. 11. Police were able to identify the man from previous attempts to take money as well as four times he allegedly did a gas and dash at gas stations.

Break and enters There were two break and enters in the industrial park overnight of Dec. 12. The first was at a business on the 4500 block of 65 Street. Forcible entry was used on the location and physical evidence was left behind although there were no items reported as missing.

The second break and enter occurred on the 6700 block of Highway 53 where culprits again used forcible entry to the building. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken as well as a 2010 grey Dodge Dakota pickup.

Police believe the break and enters are linked.

Alcohol in vehicle Police stopped a vehicle Dec. 14 on 50 Street at midnight in Ponoka after noticing it was weaving on the road. Investigation showed liquor in the vehicle and a passenger provided a false name to the Mountie to avoid arrest.

The 36-year-old passenger was charged with transportation of liquor and obstructing a peace officer.

Youth struggles with police A police officer attended a residence Dec. 17 to arrest a youth who had a

breach of probation Dec. 17 at 4:30 p.m.

During the arrest a struggle ensued and other Mounties attended to assist.

The youth was also charged with resisting arrest.

Impaired drivers There were three impaired drivers caught in Ponoka last week. The first was a 45-year-old man from Ponoka was seen speeding on 50 Street in Ponoka Dec. 11.

Police stopped him in a residential area where they noticed signs of impairment.

The man failed a roadside breath test and was taken to the police station where he refused to provide a sample. He was charged with impaired driving and refusing a breath sample.

A 29-year-old woman from Tees faces charges of impairment after being stopped on 50 Street and 58 Avenue at 3:45 a.m. for not having operating taillights.

A small amount of cocaine was found in the vehicle as well. She provided blood-alcohol samples of .21 and .21.

A 40-year-old woman from Walburg, Sask. was witnessed driving into a ditch Dec. 14 at 10 p.m. Investigation by police showed her to have some impairment and she gave blood-alcohol samples of .18 and .18 twice.

If you have information on any crime call Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4472 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Hobbema, Alberta • 780-585-2799 Meskanahk Ka Nipa Wit School would like to thank the following businesses/organizations for their generous contributions toward our 2nd Annual Christmas Toy Bingo Fundraiser: Ponoka Businesses Wagner’s Automotives Hobbema Transport Ltd. Central Office Ltd. Bargain Shop Seasoning Pot Domino’s Rexall Drug Store Perry’s 2 for 1 Subway Extra Foods Stampede Pawn Hamilton’s IGA Ponoka Professional Pharmacy Hobbema Businesses Samson Recreation Bingo Intellimedia Inc. Okeymowkisik Gas Bar AKO Child & Family Services

Maskwacis Health Services Willow Gas Bar Roots & Berries Pharmacy Lucky Dollar Hawk Radio Montana Chief & Council Montana HeadStart Montana Brighter Futures Montana Education Montana Daycare Wetaskiwin Businesses Walmart Bear Paw Pawn Individual Donations Lenore Buffalo MKNWS Staff Native Reflections Wintergreen Ricoh Canada

Thank You and Our Warmest Christmas Wishes to all our Sponsors, Volunteers and Participants!!

Our school raised a whopping $4,045.20.

Subway Fresh Try Our

NEW!

ZESTY BAJA STEAK

S Susan Whitecotton, Whit tt Ci Circulation l ti S Supervisor, i presents Landon with a $50 cheque recognizing excellent service in delivering the newspaper for the month of November.

PONOKA

News

5019A Chipman Ave. Ponoka, Alberta

403.783.3311

Proceeds will go toward our Spring 2013 Junior High Fieldtrip to Nunavut and school events and programs for all our students.

“Where community, education and culture meet!”

Page 6 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

Opinion Take the time to wish each other “Merry Christmas” For Christ’s sake, can’t we wish each other a “Merry Christmas?”

I’ve consigned myself to accepting the commercialization of Christmas, what with carols being pumped out in department stores between putting away the wilted jack-o-lantern and pinning on a poppy for Remembrance Day. I’ve never been one to greet friends and strangers with a half-hearted “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings,” whatever the latter actually means. And I save my wishes for sometime around the Winter Solstice, when you can sense Christmas in the air (or is that mincemeat?) and you can almost see Rudolph’s red nose and Santa’s sleigh on the horizon (or is that a snowmobile being driven illegally in the ditch?)

But Christmas, with its pagan origins and cartoon elves has moved beyond faith to fiction. It’s taken centuries of priests, pop songs, Hollywood screenwriters and animators to create this melting pot mélange of icons known as Christmas. We’ve somehow redefined Christmas: from Virgin birth, wise men and shepherds, to Rudolph the

Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty Snowman and Santa Claus. the Snowman, and Santa And there’s always some idiot Claus leaving presents under politician who calls the big a tree — with some good oldgreen plant with all the blinkfashioned heathen overeating ing lights on it in the town and drinking thrown in for square a “Holiday Tree,” not a good measure.

Christmas Tree. This year it’s Annually we are flooded the governor of Rhode Island. with “Christmas controverI found it mildly amusing sies” as we in the media like that Mecca Glen School printo call them: instances from cipal Al Libby was boasting George Brown around the globe of real at his school’s Christmas conOff the Record Grinches and the politically cert last week that his students correct who want to take reopenly celebrate Christmas, ligion out of Christmas. And not “the holidays;” meanwe wonder why Christ’s Second Coming is while back at Wolf Creek Public Schools taking so long? The man clearly is no lon- central office administration and the board ger welcome in his adopted home. of trustees sent of an electronic “Season’s In Saskatoon some anti-Christmas nut Greetings” message. Why are they afraid to cluster threatens to take the City of Sas- utter the C-word? katoon to the human rights commission In Little Rock Ark. a church found itself because transit buses flash a “Merry Christ- in the middle of a Christmas controversy mas” message. Throughout the wintry land when a mom learned her child’s school class there are instances where Nativity scenes was going on a field trip to the church to have been replaced in public places by less watch a matinee performance of A Charlie threatening symbols such as Frosty the Brown Christmas. The generations old clas-

sic is religious material. Making Charles Schulz an apostle, apparently.

As Charlie Brown plaintively wondered: “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”

The answer in Ponoka is yes.

Volunteers are presenting the annual Blue Christmas service Dec. 21 and PCHS students in Ponoka showed they care with their annual Santa’s Anonymous campaign.

Organizers with the Ponoka Community Christmas dinner on Dec. 25 invites everyone who wants to enjoy a great meal and socialize with friends new and old.

And if the Christmas spirit can be expressed in volume, the enthusiasm for Christmas has been shown in traditional carol concerts and original school plays.

Some of us will celebrate the religious aspect of Christmas; some of us will rejoice in the time we spend with family and friends. Hopefully, in the end, the result is the same.

If you can’t be home for Christmas, have Christmas in your heart.

Guns, culture and violent attitudes in the United States Here’s an interesting statistic: the secondhighest rate of gun ownership in the world is in Yemen, a largely tribal, extremely poor country. The highest is in the United States, where there are almost as many guns as people: around 300 million guns for 311 million people.

But here’s another interesting statistic: in the past 25 years, the proportion of Americans who own guns has fallen from about one in three to only one in five. However, the United States, unlike Yemen, is a rich country, and the average American gun owner has four or five firearms. Moreover, he or she is utterly determined to keep them no matter what happens.

What has just happened in Sandy Hook, Conn. is the seventh massacre this year in which four or more people were killed by a lone gunman. The fact that this time 20 of the victims were little girls and boys six or seven years old has caused a wave of revulsion in the United States but it is not likely to lead to new laws on gun controls. It’s not even clear that new laws would help.

Half the firearms in the entire world are in the United States. The rate of murders by gunfire in the United States is almost 20 times higher than the average rate in 22 other populous, high-income countries where the frequency of other crimes is about the same.

There is clearly a connection between these two facts but it is not necessarily simple cause

PONOKA

and effect. early 17th century.

Here’s one reason to By the mid-20th Gwynne Dyer suspect that it’s not that century, the murder rate Guest Columnist simple: the American in England had fallen rate for murders of all more than a hundredkinds — shooting, stranfold: in London, it was gling, stabbing, poisoning, pushing people less than one person per 100,000 per year. In under buses, etc. — is seven times higher than most Western European countries it was about it is in those other 22 rich countries. It can’t the same. Whereas the US murder rate is still just be guns. up around seven people per 100,000 per year.

And here’s another clue: the rate of fire- Why? arms homicides in Canada, another mainly Pinker quotes historian Pieter SpierenEnglish-speaking country in North America burg’s provocative suggestion that “democracy with a similar political heritage, is about half came too early” to America. In European the American rate — and in England itself it countries, the population was gradually disis only one-thirtieth as much. What else is in armed by the centralized state as it put an play here? end to feudal anarchy. Only much later, after Steven Pinker, whose book The Better people had already learned to trust the law to Angels of Our Nature is about the long-term defend their property and protect them from decline in violence of every kind in the world, violence, did democracy come to these counis well aware that murder rates have not fallen tries. in the United States in the past century. (Most This is also what has happened in most people don’t believe that violence is in decline other parts of the world, although in many anywhere, let alone almost everywhere. That’s cases it was the colonial power that disarmed why he wrote the book.) And Pinker suggests the people and instituted the rule of law. But an explanation for the American exception. in the United States, where the democratic In medieval Europe, where everybody revolution came over two centuries ago, the from warlords to peasants was on his own people took over the state before they had when it came to defending his property, his been disarmed — and kept their weapons. rights and his “honour,” the murder rates were They also kept their old attitudes. astronomically high: 110 people per 100,000 Indeed, large parts of the United States, in 14th-century Oxford, for example. It was at particularly in the southeast and southwest, least as high in colonial New England in the still have an “honour” culture in which it is

accepted that a private individual may choose to defend his rights and his interests by violence rather than seeking justice through the law. The homicide rate in New England is less than three people per 100,000 per year; in Louisiana it is more than 14.

None of this explains the specific phenomenon of gun massacres by deranged individuals, who are presumably present at the same rate in every country. It’s just that in the United States, it’s easier for individuals like that to get access to rapid-fire weapons.

And, of course, the intense media coverage of every massacre gives many other crazies an incentive to do the same — only more of it.

But only one in 300 murders in the United States happens in that kind of massacre. Most are simply due to quarrels between individuals, often members of the same family. Private acts of violence to obtain “justice,” with or without guns, are deeply entrenched in American culture, and the murder rate would stay extraordinarily high even if there were no guns.

Since there are guns everywhere, of course, the murder rate is even higher. But since the popular attitudes to violence have not changed, that is not going to change either.

Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.

News

5019A Chipman Ave., Box 4217, Ponoka, AB. T4J 1R6 Phone: 403.783.3311 Fax: 403.783.6300 Email: editorial@ponokanews.com Published every Wednesday by PNG Prairie Newspaper Group in community with: Regional Publisher, Fred Gorman

Judy Dick Manager

George Brown Editor

Jeff Heyden-Kaye Reporter

Amelia Naismith Karen Douglass Susan Whitecotton Reporter Sales Administration

editorial@ponokanews.com manager@ponokanews.com reporter@ponokanews.com rovingreporter@ponokanews.com sales@ponokanews.com admin@ponokanews.com All editorial content, advertising content and concepts are protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is forbidden.

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

PONOKA NEWS Page 7

Politics plagued with irony Dear Editor: I only recently fully understood the definition of irony. It’s the notion that one’s understanding and thinking about the world is sometimes completely different to the way the world actually is.

In our political environment irony surfaces frequently. Take for example Premier Alison Redford’s idealistic agenda of eradicating child poverty in five years while in the last month she’s been mired in opposition allegations of influence peddling. Or the irony of the confidence the Wildrose had in going into the recent provincial election, something even suggested by the polls, and the actual result of those elections.

Shimon Peres, the president of Israel, who has been involved in politics for almost 70 years, made an interesting point recently in an interview.

The substance of his comments was that politicians can make their impact on the world but often the real world and events take over.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his government, for instance, have clearly put their stamp on Canada, from prison and sentencing legislation, to immigration policy, to the way assorted legislation is packaged in omnibus bills, focusing on Canada’s British connection, even more recently to changing the man-

date of the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa to a specifically Canadian focus. The direction of their policies is significantly different, in my opinion, to what we have experienced as Canadians in the past.

What will the next two years hold for federal politics? The dynamics, for instance, of how the opposition parties are faring in the polls, makes one wonder if the political realities present almost two years ago are changing. There are so many unknowns. Two years to the next federal election could be a long time. Can the Conservative government continue to push its agenda that often challenges the perception of Canada as a diverse, socially aware and globally temperate country?

Irony is about contradictions.

Who we are and who we are asked to be, can create a significant tension in our lives and in our politics especially if the future is unknown. An unknown and pessimistic future can add to the strain.

At Christmastime, the great irony, as the story goes, is of an insignificant child born somewhere in the Middle East, with comparable political and military tensions as today, whose life had a revolutionary impact in the world as we know it.

George Jason

Town Times

Come visit us: 5102 -48 Avenue; Ponoka, AB T4J 1P7 Come visit Phone: 403-783-4431 Fax: 403-783-6745 Email: town@ponoka.org Or Check us out Online: www.ponoka.ca

NOTICES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS SEASON’S GREETINGS TO ALL From The Town of Ponoka Council & Staff!

Town Hall Holiday Hours: December 24 – Closed at 12 noon December 25 & 26 - Closed January 1, 2013 – Closed

Business Licenses Are Now Due! The 2013 Business License Renewal Notices have been sent out and are due no later than the close of business on January 31, 2013. Inquiries can be made to 403.783.0117 or 403.783.0119.

2013 DOG LICENSES AVAILABLE DECEMBER 17TH $25.00 Per Dog until January 31st, then the cost increases to $40.00. All dogs over the age of three months must be licensed. As per Bylaw 114-01, owners will be fined $50 for dogs caught not wearing a current dog tag. Thank you for being a responsible dog owner.

Waste Transfer Station Hours Tuesday – Saturday – 10 am to 4 pm • DECEMBER 24 – 26: CLOSED There is a minimum tipping fee of $7.50 per visit. There is no charge for compostable materials or tires. Call 403-783-8328 for more information.

EVENTS AND RECREATION Arena Zamboni Advertisement Auction Thursday, December 20, 12 noon at the Arena Complex

Warmest wishes from your friends at Tim Hortons.

Volunteers Needed For Community Christmas Ponoka’s Community Christmas Dinner program (held on December 25th) is in need of volunteers. Contact Bob at 403-783-6165 for more information.

Aquaplex Update: The Aquaplex is closed on December 25th & 26, 2012 & January 1, 2013 December 27th, 28th & 31st public swim from 1 – 3 pm December 29th & 30th family swim from 2 - 4pm; public swim from 4 - 6pm January 2nd back to regular hours!

ARENA CLOSURES DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON Closed from December 24-26 inclusive Open December 31, but closing at 4 pm.

Open December 27 - 30 Open January 2, 2012.

Public Skating: Monday-Friday: 12 noon - 1:30 pm Saturday & Sunday: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm THE OUTDOOR RINK IS NOW OPEN!!!

Recreation Facilities Schedule is On-line Check it out at www.ponoka.ca and click on ‘Recreation in Ponoka.’

Wishing everyone in our community the happiest of holidays. Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year from Wayne & Darrell Marsden and the team at your local Tim Hortons in Ponoka.

COUNCIL UPDATES & BYLAW INFO GARBAGE PICK-UP Residential garbage pick-up scheduled for December 26 and December 27 will be picked up one day later on December 27 and December 28 respectively. All other pick-ups will remain as scheduled. RECYCLING CARDBOARD: Please help us keep our Recycle Depot neat and orderly.

Please refrain from dropping off cardboard and paper until Thursday, December 27 when staff will be working at the Recycle Depot. Thank you for your consideration.

Snow Removal on Back Alleys © Tim Hortons, 2008

Did you know that property owners are required to clear the snow on the sidewalk crossing the half of the alley adjacent to their property? This area often is not cleared of snow and ice which can lead to treacherous walking conditions, especially for the young or elderly.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ‘till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before.

What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” ~ Dr. Seuss - How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Page 8 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

CALLING ALL BABIES OF 2012!

The PONOKA NEWS presents

Babies of

2012 If your baby was born in 2012, you don’t want to miss putting their adorable picture in this special keepsake feature!

28/

$

entry

plus G.S.T. All pictures will be published in the Feb. 13, 2013 issue and will be entered to win a prize, compliments of the Ponoka News.

Fill out and drop off at the Ponoka News Office, 5019A Chipman Ave. by Feb. 8, 2013.

Baby’s name as you want it to appear: Last First T

Son

T

Middle Daughter

Birthdate Father’s Name Mother’s Name Phone Number

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

PONOKA NEWS Page 9

Less Fuel. More Power. Great Value is a comparison between the 2013 and the 2012 Chrysler Canada product lineups. 40 MPG or greater claim based on 2012 EnerGuide highway fuel consumption estimates. Government of Canada test methods used. Your actual fuel consumption will vary based on driving habits and other factors. See dealer for additional EnerGuide details. Wise customers read the fine print: •, ♦, ≤, ‡, § The Wonderful Ride Holiday Event offers are limited time offers which apply to retail deliveries of selected new and unused models purchased from participating dealers on or after December 1, 2012. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Offers subject to change and may be extended without notice. See participating dealers for complete details and conditions. •$37,798 Purchase Price applies to 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo (26E) only. Pricing includes freight ($1,595) and excludes licence, insurance, registration, any dealer administration fees and other applicable fees and applicable taxes. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Dealer may sell for less. See participating dealers for complete details. ♦Holiday Bonus Cash up to $1,000 is available on most new 2012/2013 models, excluding the following: Chrysler 200 LX, Dodge Caliber, Dart, Grand Caravan CVP, Journey CVP/SE, Avenger, Viper, Jeep Compass Sport 4x2 & 4x4, Patriot Sport 4x2 & 4x4, Wrangler 2 Dr Sport, Grand Cherokee SRT8, Ram 1500 Reg Cab & ST & SXT Trucks, Ram Cab & Chassis, Ram Cargo Van, FIAT 500 Abarth and 2012 FIAT 500 Pop models. Bonus Cash will be deducted from the negotiated price after taxes. See your dealer for complete details. ≤4.99% lease financing available through WS Leasing Ltd. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Westminster Credit Union) (“WS”) to qualified retail customers on new 2012/2013 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT models at participating dealers in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Territories. Lease offer is based on a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with a Purchase Price of $35,298 including $1,000 Holiday Bonus Cash and $2,500 Lease Delivery Credit. Purchase Price includes freight ($1,595) and excludes licence, insurance, registration, dealer charges and taxes. Lease offer ffer is based on a 60 month term at 4.99% APR and 130 bi-weekly payments of $208. Down payment of $0 and applicable taxes, $475 WS registration fee and first bi-weekly payment are due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $27,021. Taxes, licence, registration, insurance, dealer charges and excess wear and tear not included. 22,000 kilometer allowance: charge of $.18 per excess kilometer. Some conditions apply. Security deposit may be required. See your dealer for complete details. ‡4.49% purchase financing for up to 96 months available on the new 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee (26E) models to qualified customers on approved credit through Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank, k, TD Auto Finance and Ally Credit Canada. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Dealer may sell for less. See your dealer for complete details. Example: 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee (26E) with a Purchase Price of $37,798 financed at 4.49% over 96 months with $0 down payment equals 208 bi-weekly payments of $216 with a cost of borrowing of $7,226 and a total obligation of $45,024. Pricing includes freight ($1,595) and excludes licence, insurance, registration, any dealer administration fees and other applicable fees and taxes. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Dealer may sell for less. §2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland shown. Price including applicable Consumer Cash Discount: unt: $52,040. Pricing includes freight ($1,595) and excludes licence, insurance, registration, any dealer administration fees and other applicable fees and applicable taxes. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Dealer may sell for less. ¥Based on automotive awards for SUVs 1974 to 2011. ♠Based on Ward’s 2012 Middle Sport/Utility Vehicle Segmentation. mentation. ¤Based on 2012 EnerGuide Fuel Consumption Guide ratings published by Natural Resources Canada. Government of Canada test methods used. Your actual fuel economy will vary based on powertrain, driving habits and other factors. 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Hwy 8.8 L/100 km (32 MPG) and City: 13.0 L/100 km (22 MPG). TMThe SiriusXM iriusXM logo is a registered trademark of SiriusXM Satellite Radio Inc. ®Jeep is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC.

Time to reconsider north-south power line

SCAN HERE

FOR MORE GREAT OFFERS

A year ago the Alberta Government appointed a Critical Transmission Review Committee to determine whether the Alberta Electric System Operator’s (AESO) proposal that two high voltage direct current (HVDC) north-south transmission lines be built because of occasional congestion on the

Edmonton to Calgary corridor is reasonable.

In spite of the availability of lower-cost alternatives, the committee agreed with the AESO’s proposal, the Redford government accepted the committee’s recommendation, and AltaLink and ATCO Electric are now in the throes of planning to

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland shown.§

LEASING IS BACK!

GET WONDERFUL VALUE ON CANADA’S MOST AWARDED SUV 2013 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO MOST AWARDED SUV EVER

37,798 ¥

•

$

¤

PURCHASE PRICE INCLUDES $1,000 HOLIDAY BONUS CASH ♦ AND FREIGHT.

12123UC1

OR FINANCE FOR

LEASE FOR

208 4.99

$

216 4.49

%

@

$

FOR 60 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN

BI-WEEKLY≤

BI-WEEKLY‡

3,500

LEASE OFFER INCLUDES $

• Canada’s #1 selling mid-sized SUV♠ • 3.6 L Pentastar™ VVT V6 delivering 290 HP

%

@

FOR 96 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN

IN TOTAL DISCOUNTS

♦≤

• Unsurpassed 4x4 V6 highway fuel economy♠ : HWY: 8.8 L/100 KM/CITY: 13.0 L/100 KM ¤ • Over 1,000 kilometre driving range on a single tank of gas

IT’S ALWAYS JEEP SEASON With these available features:

OPTIMIZED DRIVING CAPABILITY WITH QUADRA-LIFTTM & SELECT-TERRAINTM

MOST LUXURIOUS VEHICLE IN ITS CLASS ♠

UCONNECTTM HANDS-FREE & GARMIN® NAVIGATION

LESS FUEL. MORE POWER. GREAT VALUE. 10 VEHICLES WITH 40 MPG HWY OR BETTER.

Jeep.ca/Offers

Gerry Angevine Guest Columnist

commence construction.

Unfortunately, the committee’s recommendation was not based on careful analysis. In fact, the recommended construction will result in overbuilding transmission lines at considerable and unnecessary expense to Alberta electricity consumers. For this reason, further work should be put on hold until a cost-effective solution is identified.

The process by which the committee sought to fulfill its mandate was inadequate and incomplete.

Interested parties were granted only one hour to present their views to the committee, including discussion, compared with the great many hours that the commission presumably spent interacting with AESO officials. Following a compressed hearing process given the importance of its task, the committee simply summarized what it had “heard” before providing two pages of “analysis” that regurgitated the AESO’s main arguments and concluding that the AESO’s proposal was “reasonable.”

The committee failed to assess the benefits and costs to consumers pertaining to the recommendation that two north-south HVDC transmission lines are needed. With an estimated capital cost of $3 billion, building two north-south HVDC lines is by far the most expensive of available options.

The AESO itself recently indicated that annual transmission system revenue requirements will jump from under $1 billion in 2011 to $2.7 billion by 2016 largely as a result this decision. Given the impact that this will have on electricity costs, one can only wonder whose interest the committee (and the government) is serving.

Based on AltaLink’s estimate that the annual cost of the two HVDC lines would be $344 million/year, every Albertan will pay an average of $75/year for these lines. While the committee suggests the cost on the average residential electricity bill will only be a few dollars per month, it misses the point that Albertans will ultimately also have to cover the higher costs faced by municipalities, hospitals, schools, restaurants, etc. Because of the cost, every effort should have been made to determine whether there are feasible alternatives to what the AESO recommended — such as building a single 500 kilovolt AC line or seeking solutions that avoid construction of major new transmission lines.

The committee accepted the AESO’s recommendation that DC lines be built in spite of costing an estimated $1 billion more than AC lines. Again, there was no attempt to justify the extra expense via cost-benefit analysis. Further, building two 500 kilovolt DC lines with a transfer capacity of 2,000 MW each would increase the Edmonton to Calgary transfer capacity from about 2,150 MW to approximately 4,000 MW. This is quite remarkable given that congestion has occurred very infrequently during the past six or seven years and that the committee heard the volume of northsouth transfers is likely to decline in the future as aging coal-fired generators near Edmonton are retired and new gas-fired generation capacity such as the 800 MW Shepherd Energy Centre is built in the south.

The cost-benefit analysis provided in the University of Calgary School of Public Policy’s submission to the committee concluded that “the proposed construction of the two HVDC lines appears to be an over build of transmission capacity” which cannot be justified. Further, because of the location of new electric generation facilities, TransCanada suggested that “a review of the critical designation of some of the transmission lines should be conducted and perhaps deferral of one or both HVDC transmission lines may be warranted.”

Continued on page 15

Page 10 PONOKA NEWS

E T A R B E CEL NSIBLY O P RES rink D t ’ n o D Drive d n a

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

WILL’S WELDING Flaman Rentals

5012 - 50 AVE. PONOKA, AB

6506 - 44 Ave. 403-783-3733

Ponoka First Call Towing Ltd.

TOLL FREE: 1-800-814-7778 PHONE: 403-783-3976

A&J AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR 403-783-8755

403-783-3636

6701 - 46 Ave. Ponoka, AB

Dunc’s Septic Tank Service

CHROME

6701 - 46 Ave.

• Septic Tanks • Holding Tanks • Fresh Water Service

403-783-3135

SAFETY SERVICES (2011) LTD.

403-782-0455 www.chromesafety.ca Ponoka

Serving Central Alberta

PLUMBING, HEATING GASFITTING, MAINTENANCE

Victim Services

24 HR. Emergency Service

Ponoka Victim Services

Doug Johnson/Owner Phone: 403-304-6909

403-783-6539

Battle River Insurance Ltd

Greg Braat, Insurance/Financial Advisor/Owner #3, 5103 - 48 Ave. Ponoka

403-783-3987

• Senior Rates • Delivery Rates • Workers Rates • Out of Town Rates

403.704.6898

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

PONOKA NEWS Page 11

THE

R O U IQ

L

RE O T S

4620 - 54 St. 403-783-8484

CRAWFORD AGENCIES ~ General Insurance Brokers ~

403-783-4494 Hwy. 2A South

www.adamsgm.com

Ponoka Funeral Home

! s r e e h C T I G N I K TO MA Y L E F A S HOME

~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~ 5023 - 51 Ave. 403-783-4033

5115 - 50 Ave. 403-783-3122

Little JONS.ca •Restroom Trailers • Handicap Units • VIP Solar Powered Units

real estate central alberta

6000 - 48 Ave.

(Beside The Old Iron Horse Restaurant)

403-783-5007

www.ponokaproperties.com

JOHN W. LOW Agencies Inc.

Book On-Line Today! sales@littlejons.ca

403.783.8322

DITTMAR STONE+TILE Christoph Dittmar Owner

403-783-5512 5118 - 50th Street, Ponoka

6502-46 Ave • PONOKA 403-783-3411

All Your Vehicle Needs From tires to mechanical services, see Fountain Tire for all your vehicle needs!

Showroom & Fabrication 202, 6701 Hwy 53 Ponoka, T4J 1K3 AB P: 403.783.9942 F: 403.290.8198 E: info@dittmarstone.ca www.dittmarstone.ca

RECYCLE PONOKA BOTTLE DEPOT

Open Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm Closed Sundays & Holidays 3-5520 Hwy 2A (across from Husky)

403-783-6875

Have a good time, this holiday season. But, if you know you’re going to drink, choose a designated driver, take a cab, or arrange to stay over. Getting on the road after even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time, opening the door to a holiday disaster.

Page 12 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

Students at the rural school presented their Christmas concert to a full house of family and friends on Dec. 12. Far left: Mrs. Padgham’s play school class sings This is the Way as they go looking in the woods for the perfect Christmas tree. These children show the way to trim the tree. Left: Maggie von Matt, Tim Huijssoon, Harmony Whalen and other children in Mrs. Ronnie’s kindergarten class perform I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.

Photos by George Brown

Mecca Glen Christmas

7XE] LIEPXL] XLMW LSPMHE] WIEWSR

O N LY AVA IL A B L E AT:

NEW

cold & flu

season

$2.69/ea or 2/$4.99

NEW

drink defense

NEW

boost immunity

NEW

NEW

holiday parties

$2.69/ea or 2/$4.99

#20 - 5011 48 Ave (located next to the bargain shop)

403-783-7333

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

PONOKA NEWS Page 13

Mecca Glen Christmas Harmony Whalen, Maggie von Matt, Nate Quapp, Annika Harris and others in Mecca Glen School’s kindergarten and Grade 1 class sing We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

Photos by George Brown

JOHN W. LOW Agencies Inc.

5118 - 50th Street, Ponoka

A MUST TO SEE

Home completely upgraded from outside to inside. New siding with insulation upgrade.

New modern kitchen, new bathroom on main floor and basement. Many extra features too numerous to list. $

239,000

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

IMMEDIATE POSSESSION

Extremely clean 4 bdrm. home nicely upgraded on large lot in Co-op subdivision. Detached double garage. $

LARGE MOBILE ON 22 ACRES Remarkable view of river valley within short distance of Ponoka $

425,000

RED DEER LAKE

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

GREAT FOR HORSES OR HOBBY FARM

89 acres bare land with beautiful view of river valley. $325,000

189,000

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

GREAT LOCATION

Super view of Battle River valley. Newer home on 72 acres close to Ponoka. Too many features to list. $590,000

Full time living or recreational property at Red Deer Lake. 3 bdrm. Very clean property shows pride of ownership. Mature subdivision. $

195,000

Call Wayne for more info 403-704-0864

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

GREAT LOCATION - COMMERCIAL BUILDING

Exclusive acreages in upscale subdivision Beautiful building sites just a short drive south of Ponoka in Jada Estates. Building restrictions make this property an exclusive area for upscale homes. Eight acreages available.

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

Great location, high traffic area across from 2 schools and neighbouring businesses. Selling building and land only.

Call Wayne for more info 403-704-0864

EXCLUSIVE LISTING

10 ACRES

north of town on blacktop. Services at property line.

2.4 acres close to Ponoka.

Trace Tonneson is an exuberant ringer as Mrs. Marek’s Grade 1 class performs a Jingle Bell Dance in the Christmas concert.

4.6 ACRES

ASKING $99,500.00

Close to QEII with 1260 sq.ft. house, finished up and down. Also has a 40’ x 60’ quonset which could be used as a shop or for storing your boats, RV’s quads.

For more details call Annette

Call Brian for more details. 403.704.7018

NEW LISTING

Older 3 bedroom home close to schools, playground and downtown. This home will require some upgrades. Priced to sell.

403-704-7023

GREAT LOCATION.

5 bdrm, 4 bath home located in a quiet close across from a park. Main floor laundry, cozy family room.

Call Annette for more details and to book your appointment to view

$

110,000

Call Brian 403-704-7018

Early Deadlines

RIVERSIDE

.64 acre, great development property. Chance to develop up to 5 lots. Property priced $20,000 under assessed value. Offered for sale at $60,000.

Call Brian 403-704-7018

COMPLETELY UPGRADED

Publication: Dec. 26 - the paper will be delivered Dec. 27 Deadline: Dec. 20 - noon

Publication: Jan. 2 Deadline: Dec. 28 - Noon The office will be closed Dec. 24 at noon, Dec. 25 & 26 and Jan. 1, 2013

Merry Christmas

403-783-5512

1-800-392-8658

Totally unique home in Riverside. Just under 1/2 acre, mature, fenced lot. Tons of room inside and out. 1724 sq. ft. of living above ground and fully developed bsmt.

Call Brian 403-704-7018

@403-704-7023

4 BEDROOMS CLOSE TO PARK AND SCHOOLS

This home has had major upgrades including oak cabinets, LARGE newer bathroom, laminate flooring, breaker box and some upgraded windows. Single detached garage is insulated, dry walled and has 220 wiring. Large fenced yard is a bonus. Rear and front decks are not even one year old!! Very nice home for under $156,000.00!!

Call Brian 403-704-7018

CENTRAL LOCATION

CLOSE IN ACREAGE

Affordable and close to schools! This very well kept home has a perfect location near schools and shopping. Large rear entry, spacious kitchen with upgraded cabinets, open loft and nice size lot on a quiet, beautifully treed street.

Priced in the $150,000.00’s for a quick sale.

4.59 acres. Great little acreage close to town with newer bi-level, double det. garage & small barn.

Call Brian 403-704-7018

Call Brian 403-704-7018 to view.

Sending Our Best at the Holidays Here’s hoping your holiday delivers a bundle of joy and good cheer.

Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year

WAYNE McGARVEY

BRIAN HATALA

ANNETTE DODDS

SHAWNA LOW Broker

PROFESSIONAL REALTORS OF JOHN W. LOW AGENCIES INC.

Page 14 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

First Nations leaders question government actions Open letter on behalf of the First Nations leaders to the Right Honourable Governor General David Johnston and the Right Honourable Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper

OTTAWA — On behalf of the National Executive of the Assembly of First Nations, we write regarding an urgent matter requiring immediate

attention. As First Nations leaders from coast-to-coast-to coast, those with inherent rights and title and those with whom the Crown has en-

MP Calkins unsure of reason for protest Continued from page 1 The purpose of the Navigable Waters Protection Act, when it was implemented, was to protect navigation on those rivers for transportation of goods and services but is not true for present day purposes, he stated. There are some that still need navigation protection but for the most part, Calkins believes municipalities should not be required to go through the federal government to install a culvert or repair a bridge.

The Battle River has been taken off the list as a navigable river and any changes on that river added delays and costs to the taxpayers. A municipality considering work along a river can opt into the protection of the river but if they are replacing a bridge with the same height as before they will not be held up by government restrictions. Environmental protection still applies but low risk works such as docks and boathouses are allowed as they are low risk to navigation.

Calkins is uncertain why the Hobbema protest was held but said he has an open-door policy and has not been approached before by First Nations’ representatives on Bill C-45. These amendments are something Calkins campaigned on when he ran for office and many of the municipalities he has spoken to are in favour of the amendments.

An open letter from the National Executive of the Assembly of First Nations to Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been sent Dec. 16 in support of Spence’s hunger strike. The letter states the Canadian Government has not upheld its responsibilities to First Nations people and they seek a meeting with the Crown and with Harper.

Calkins feels the purpose of these amendments is not to take away First Nations’ rights but to improve on outdated legislation.

Natives from the Hobbema reserves protested the handling of aboriginal issues by the federal government and to call attention to conditions of poverty in First Nations communities.

Photo by George Brown

tered into Treaty, we collectively raise our voices about the critical situation facing First Nations.

On Dec.11, Chief Teresa Spence commenced a hunger strike to call attention to the dire conditions many First Nations communities and peoples face, and to protest the disrespect and shameful treatment of First Nations by the Government of Canada. She has stated she will remain on this hunger strike until a meeting is achieved between the Crown (including provincial Crown representatives where the provincial Crown is involved as in Treaty 9) and all Treaty First Nations to discuss the treaty relationship and our respective obligations and outstanding issues. This situation creates an urgency that is foremost in our minds and is a direct correlation to the humanitarian crises being faced in many First Nations communities today.

The Government of Canada has not upheld nor fulfilled its responsibilities to First Nations, as committed to by the Crown including at the Crown-First Nations Gathering January 2012.

Canada has not upheld the Honour of the Crown in its dealings with First Nations, as evidenced in its inadequate and inequitable funding relationships with our Nations and its ongoing actions in bringing forward legislative and policy changes that will directly impact on the Inherent and Treaty Rights of First Nations. Treaties are international in nature and further indigenous rights are human rights, both collective and individual and must be honoured and respected.

We seek an immediate commitment to a meeting with you as the representative of the Crown, together with the Prime Minister of Canada, to demonstrate respect and attention to the priorities set by First Nations. All First Nations across Canada stand united and in solidarity in advancing this urgent call for action and attention.

Respectfully, National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo In behalf of the National Executive of the Assembly of First Nations

DO YOUR PART

RECYCLE

YOUR PAPER!

Holiday parade: Diamond Willow Middle School home court representatives model the latest in Christmas tree decorating.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

PONOKA NEWS Page 15

Wise customers read the fine print: The All Out Clearout Event offers are limited time offers which apply to retail deliveries of selected new and unused models purchased from participating dealers on or after December 1, 2012. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Offers subject to change and may be extended without notice. See participating dealers for complete details and conditions. ♦$1,000 Holiday Bonus Cash is available on most new 2012/2013 models, excluding the following: Chrysler 200 LX, Dodge Caliber, Dart, Grand Caravan CVP, Journey CVP/SE, Avenger, Viper, Jeep Compass Sport 4x2 & 4x4, Patriot Sport 4x2 & 4x4, Wrangler 2 Dr Sport, Grand Cherokee SRT8, Ram 1500 Reg Cab & ST & SXT Trucks, Ram Cab & Chassis, Ram Cargo Van, FIAT 500 Abarth and 2012 FIAT 500 Pop models. Bonus Cash will be deducted from the negotiated price after taxes. See your dealer for complete details. ≤4.99% lease financing available through WS Leasing Ltd. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Westminster Credit Union) (“WS”) to qualified retail customers on new 2012/2013 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT models at participating dealers in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Territories. Example: 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with a Purchase Price of $34,298 including $1,000 Holiday Bonus Cash and $2,500 Lease Delivery Credit.

Purchase Price includes freight ($1,595) and excludes licence, insurance, registration, dealer charges and taxes. Lease offer is based on a 60 month term at 4.99% APR and 130 bi-weekly payments of $199. Down payment of $0 and applicable taxes, $475 WS registration fee and first bi-weekly payment are due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $25,892. Taxes, licence, registration, insurance, dealer charges and excess wear and tear not included. 22,000 kilometer allowance: charge of $.18 per excess kilometer. Some conditions apply.

Security deposit may be required. See your dealer for complete details. ΩBased on longevity. R. L. Polk Canada Inc. Canadian vehicles in operation data as of June 30, 2011, for model years 1993–2011. TMThe SiriusXM logo is a registered trademark of SiriusXM Satellite Radio Inc.

Look for the magic of Christmas

Merry Christmas!

It’s time. Time to hurry up and get it all done. Wrap the presents. Decorate the tree. Attend the Christmas parties.

Be with family and loved ones. Eat, drink and be merry. Deck the halls, sing carols and hang wreaths all over the place. Drink eggnog.

And, most importantly (or not) read

Treena’s column.

Okay, the last item can, and probably will, be scratched off the Christmas to do list and the newspaper itself relegated to the recycle box so as to leave more room important stuff like presents and butter tarts.

But for those of you who actually chose to ignore the Christmas clock tick-

CANADA’S MOST DURABLE & LONGEST-LASTING DIESEL PICKUPΩ 12123UC1

®

GET $1,000 BONUS CASH ON MOST MODELS

Power lines

♦

LEASING IS BACK!

ing away the minutes and hours and, indeed, the last few shopping days before Christmas and read my humble attempts at writing, thank you.

Thank you for reading my column all year.

For laughing. For crying.

For muttering, but not too loudly, about gramTreena Mielke matical errors or spelling On The Other Side mistakes that somehow slipped by human eyes and made it into the print media where it will remain forever and ever, a humble reminder of my inadequacies.

And thank you for letting me take this time to wish you all the very best of the season however that looks for you.

And I truly do wish everyone, whether they’ve been naughty or nice, or a little bit of both, have the joy of having at least a few moments of Christmas card perfection dropped into the imperfection of the holiday season.

It is, of course, those moments that can’t be bought, which would, sometimes no doubt, make them a whole lot easier to attain.

It is kind of weird that I, at least, struggle over Christmas lists and agonize over what to get my children, my grandchildren and lots of other people, when the unwrapped gifts always end up being the best presents, anyway.

I know this in my head, but the other night here I am laying in my bed thinking, thinking, thinking, my thoughts unfinished and scattered like a whole bunch of unwrapped presents. “Well, we got Emilie the pedicure thing, and Jackson the Lego. I can’t believe his dad is getting him a punching bag, that was my idea.

MY IDEA. Anyway, there is only Kallie and Ben and Dylan left and, oh, yes, what about the neighbors, who shovel the walk and the Chinese Christmas thing and what about my sisters? Yikes, I need to sleep.

And, so I fall asleep and am immediately visited by the spirit of Christmas past. Who knew?

I see a Charlie Brown Christmas tree and burned butter tarts.

I see me searching frantically for the car keys so we can go to Grandma’s on Christmas Eve, but one of the kids has thrown them in the toy box. I see a Christmas tree that has more branches on one side than the other so we keep turning it around and finally it falls over.

And I see me making a stocking for the new baby with an old red towel and some white fluff.

And I see our family sitting in a quiet church on Christmas Eve lit only with candlelight and the feeling of absolute joy that permeates my entire being when I hear the choir sing.

And then I wake up. I’m late. Again.

But somehow, it doesn’t matter. I found it. The magic and meaning of the season. It’s back. And it’s all good.

Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope you find it, too!

Your own special magic of the season.

ASK ABOUT OUR INTRODUCTORY RATE OF 4.99% FOR UP TO 60 MONTHS

≤

∞

SCAN HERE

FOR MORE GREAT OFFERS

R RamTruck.ca/Offers

Continued from page 9 Because the AESO and the committee failed to demonstrate building two north-south HVDC transmission lines constitutes a cost-effective approach for addressing the transmission congestion challenges that the AESO claims need to be addressed, the Alberta government should immediately turn this important matter over to the Alberta Utilities Commission. The government has already acted on the committee’s recommendation that the Electric Statutes Amendment Act, 2009 be amended to give the commission responsibility for approvingtransmission lines that are proposed in the future. The commission should now also be asked to decide whether the benefits/costs of building the two HVDC north-south lines indicated as ‘critical” in the Electric Statutes Amendment Act, 2009 justify their construction when examined alongside possible alternatives. If not, it should be left to the commission to suggest solutions that best fit the needs of Albertans.

Gerry Angevine is a senior economist in the Fraser Institute’s Centre for Energy Policy Studies.

Page 16 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

Christmas bouquet: Bianca Jenkins attaches candy canes to a miniature candy bouquet.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

WE SHARE SO YOU CAN SHARE

12123OS0 12114OS0

WE’RE SHARING OVER $45 MILLION WITH OUR MEMBERS THIS YEAR.

Over 390,000 members shared in our profits. Increase your share by switching more of your banking over to Servus. servus.ca 187SERVUSCU

feel good about your money.

Treat-making session: During Ponoka Outreach School’s Christmas celebration, Sharlene Morris helps make warm, gooey popcorn balls.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

PONOKA NEWS Page 17

Town writes off $7,500 in uncollected utility bills

By Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye Town council was asked to write off $7,577.44 in uncollected accounts.

The amount is mainly for utility accounts from rental properties and town staff work diligently with people owing to bring collect funds, explained CAO Brad Watson to town council Dec. 11.

“They do a masterful job in follow-up.”

The town generally recuperates 10 per cent of the bills sent to collections.

In 2009, $21,013.48 was written off and those numbers have declined with town staff collecting the debt. The 2012 write off is slightly higher than 2011,

which was $6,773.26.

Coun. Shayne Steffen asked if there is a way to enforce a deposit for renters. Betty Quinlan, director of corporate services, said the town does operate that way and a deposit has already been taken off the debt owed on the 33 accounts past due. She feels of the more than 3,500 accounts the number of accounts owing is small.

The uncollected accounts can eventually affect the debtor’s credit ratings.

“We do everything we can not to do it but these are people that have escaped and not told anybody where they are go-

Open for business: Residents had a chance to use the Scott Seaman Outdoor Rink Dec. 16 as town staff completed flooding of the rink.

Here Justin Hall and Pierce Clement enjoy some shinny hockey.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

READY TO MOVE HOMES

FOR HOMES AVAILABLE NOW! 12123WW0 SEE OUR WEBSITE OR12114WW0 CALL

WWW.WARMANHOMES.CA Please call for details

TOLL-FREE 1-866-933-9595 The Alberta New Home Warranty Program

Custom Build Homes Start at $ 98.00 Per Sq.Ft. Book Now For Delivery AND SAVE In 2013 $ per

4.00 Sq. Ft. (Offer ends Dec. 28, 2012)

ing…the staff really undertake to work with people,” explained Watson.

In-camera delegation Councillors met behind closed doors with a company called N.E.X.T. Legacy Technologies. Watson could not give details of the meeting but said in an email representatives had a strong interest in Ponoka and they appeared to appreciate what Ponoka has to offer.

The website for N.E.X.T. Legacy Technologies states the company uses a new non-toxic blend of compounds to assist in hydraulic fracturing. The site states they use a fraction of the water normally required during a fracturing process.

Water utility increase Councillors gave three readings for an increase in water utilities. The increase comes from the Red Deer Regional Water Commission who informed its members the cost of a cubic metre of water was expected to increase to $2.04 from $2.01.

At the time of the meeting, councillors were informed the increase is actually going to be $2.03 but Quinlan said it is too late to change the budget but extra money they do receive goes to pay for upgrades and improvements of the system.

“The impact is we may pay $7,000 less in water costs during the year,” she explained. “If we don’t sell it, we’re not going to collect the money.”

The number could be changed for the final budget when the mill rate is set. A home that uses 25 cubic metres of water a month should see a $5.95 increase to their bill. Service remain unchanged.

Airport commission reappointments Councillors supported airport commission reappointments of Sid Gregr and Norman Clair for three-year terms for Jan. 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2015.

Coun. Shayne Steffen said they have also received two applicants after advertising one opening in Ponoka News Nov. 14 and 21.

The applicants are brothers from Edmonton and own property in the Ponoka area, explained Watson.

“The interest is to use them on ad hoc committees.”

Specialized skills needed for appeal board

Councillors have re-appointed former councillor Jerry Siemens to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board for a three-year term from Jan. 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2015. Watson said Siemens’ role is relatively specialized due to the training needed for board members.

“I think Jerry has sat on, in his term, two hearings,” said Watson.

The board is quasi-judicial and hears appeals regarding subdivision and development.

Zamboni advertising potential Businesses will have an opportunity to bid on a three-year contract to advertise on the Ponoka and Recreation Complex Zamboni, explained Wes Amendt, director of community services. “We’re going to auction of the rights to the Zamboni advertising.”

Invitations have been sent out to Ponoka and area businesses and an auctioneer will take bids Dec. 20 at noon at the arena. The idea came to Amendt after a businessowner asked him what such advertising would cost.

Outdoor skating rink Councillors asked when the Scott Seaman Outdoor Rink would be ready for skaters. Amendt said the hope was to be ready by Dec. 14 but even if there weather is cold, sun reflecting on the boards causes the ice to soften. “The sun still has enough strength to soften it.”

Coun. Izak van der Westhuizen feels there should be a plan to have the ice in sooner. “We’re putting the ice in on the shortest day of the year and the days are getting longer as the ice is in there.”

He suggested they consider a plan to have the ice in sooner if the fall season is cooler than normal. “They’re talking about pond skating for the last six weeks.”

Cross-country ski trail builder needed Amendt is looking for a new cross-country ski trail builder as the person who normally builds them has decided to cease his work in Ponoka. Salt and sand on the highways has affected his equipment as he travels from the Pigeon Lake area. Amendt is looking for either equipment or someone to take over the role as they do not have anyone to take over the seasonal position.

Ponoka www.ponokanews.com

Ponoka News

Ponoka News 403-783-3311 Ponoka News 403-783-3311

ADVERTISING ON THE WEB We are now offering advertising space on our website For more information contact Judy Dick Phone 403-783-3311 or email manager@ponokanews.com check us out at www.ponokanews.com

This time of year tends to bring out the best in people!

That’s something we like to do year round...

12123RR0

Happy Holidays

Page 18 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

commercial printing COME SEE US FOR...

• binding • books • Brochures • business cards • calendars • catalogues • certificates • cheques • computer forms • contracts • continuous forms • envelopes • flyers • folders • guest cheques

• posters • programs • purchase orders • raffle tickets • receipt books • score cards • stamps • statements (reg., laser, computer) • tickets • time tickets • vehicle repair forms • wedding invitations • work orders • and much more!

• invoices (reg., laser, computer) • labels • laser forms • log books • memorial cards • menus • newsletters • note pads • order forms • pamphlets • phone directories • photocopying (black & white) • photo reprints

WE DO EVERYTHING FROM FULL COLOR BROCHURES, BOOKS & PROGRAMS TO BASIC BUSINESS CARDS, COMPUTER FORMS, STAMPS AND WEDDING INVITATIONS!

403-783-3311 5019A Chipman Avenue Fax: 403-783-6300

News

PONOKA

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

PONOKA NEWS Page 19

FLEET PRICING TO THE PUBLIC 2012 RAM 3500 LARAMIE 4X4 CREWCAB

2012 RAM 3500 SLT 4X4 CREWCAB

2012 RAM 2500 LARAMIE POWER WAGON 4X4 CREW CAB

Stk#12RCC4918. leather buckets, prot. group, auto, 6.7L cummins, nav., remote start, p. pedals + more

Stk #12RCC3254. cloth prem. seat, luxury group, prot. group, 6.7 cummins, auto, fog lamps, u/ connect, alum wheels, remote start,

WAS $69,480

WAS $65,430

WAS $60,685

NOW $51,420

NOW $49,900

NOW $47,680

NOW $35,643

SAVE $18,060

SAVE $15,530

SAVE $13,005

SAVE $11,997

2012 RAM 1500 SPORT Q/C 4X4

2012 RAM 1500 SPORT CREW CAB 4X4

Stk #12RQ6634. leather, remote start, auto, 5.7L hemi, p.roof, sport hood, tube steps, nav., back up camera, power pedals, brake

Stk #12RCC6481. leather, remote start, sport pre. group, auto, 5.7L hemi, p.roof, u connect, spray n liner, steps

Stk #12RCC1381. leather, auto, 5.7L hemi, trailer tow mirrors, rear park assist, spray n liner

2012 RAM REG. CAB

2012 RAM 2500 SXT 4X4 CREW CAB Stk #12RCC0413. cloth, sxt app. group, 5.7L hemi, + more

WAS $47,640

2012 JEEP GR. CHEROKEE OVERLAND 4X4

Stk #12RR1059.

Stk #12GC2860. leather, adaptive, cruise, 5.7L hemi, 20” wheels, p.roof + more

WAS $57,090

WAS 52,210

WAS $28,465

NOW 36,789

NOW $35,950

NOW $17,723

NOW $50,920

SAVE $16,221

SAVE $16,260

SAVE $10,742

SAVE $6,170

$

WAS 53,010 $

2012 JEEP GR. CHEROKEE OVERLAND *DEMO SPECIAL* Stk #12GC2858. leather, adaptive cruise control, 5.7L hemi, 20” wheels, p.roof + more

$

2012 JEEP UNLIMITED RUBICON 4X4

2012 DODGE JOURNEY R/T AWD

2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SXL

Stk #12JW3074. leather, con. group, tow pkg., auto, V6, acw/temp, hard top, nav., sat. radio, remote start, lift, tire upgrade, wheel

Stk #H120J6457. leather, 3rd row seat, auto, V6, p.roof, u connect + more

Stk #12GV2225. cloth, climate group, u connect, sxt plus group, dvd, auto, stow n go, + more

WAS $36,565

WAS $33,779

NOW $29,987

NOW $26,670

SAVE $6,578

SAVE $7,109

$

WAS 57,090

NOW $48,900

SAVE $8,190

ONLY$38,995 2012 JEEP PATRIOT 4X4

SANTA O NLY COMES ON YEAR! C CE A OME IN NOW!!!

Stk #12JP. cloth, prem. seats, tire/ wheel group, a/c + more

WAS $25,295

2012 JEEP COMPASS SPORT 4X4 Stk #12JC1402. prem. cloth, sat. radio, spring special group, 2.4L + more

WAS $29,655

NOW $20,990

SAVE $4,305

NOW $24,744

SAVE $4,881

Financing Available OAC $ 0 Down Available New vehicle payments based on 96 months Pre-owned on 72 months

N! HURRY I NDS OFFER E ! !

DEC. 31!

“CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE” Call for pre-credit approval

1-800-265-6851 or Local 783-5383 Hwy. 2A South Sales Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 8:30 - 5:30 P.M., Fri. 8:30 - 5:00 P.M., Sat. 9:00 - 3:00 P.M.

Parts & Service Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7:30 - 5:30 P.M., Fri. 7:30 - 5:00 P.M., Sat. 8:00 - NOON

Page 20 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

Crestomere Students master Christmas show

Sommer

PONOKA COMMUNITY GOLF CLUB

Website: www.homehardware.ca/sommerhhbc Telephone: 403-783-4464 Twitter @sommerhh 6503-44 Avenue in the Ponoka South Industrial Park Weekdays: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm • Saturday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm • OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

CHRISTMAS HOURS: December 24 8am – 3pm • December 25 CLOSED December 26 CLOSED • December 31 8am – 4pm January 1 CLOSED

50

%

OFF

ALL IN STOCK CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS AND ARTIFICIAL TREES

25

%

OFF

TITIEST PRO VI BALLS

SUNGLASSES SUNDOG & MAUI JIM

ALL CLOTHING

ALL GOLF BAGS

$

45/DOZ

50% OFF GLOVES

25% OFF

Left: Cory Spelt, Josh Ouellette, and Jack Steeves await the arrival of baby Jesus.

Above: Graedy Landry rocks out with a bluesy baritone during the Crestomere School Christmas performance dress rehearsal, held Dec. 12.

For more photos see page 22.

Photos by Amelia Naismith

30% OFF 25% OFF WEDGES & UTILITY CLUB

25% OFF

COMPLETE SETS WILSON PROSTAFF

REG. $399 00 SALE

PRICE $299 00

CLEARANCE ON ALL PING G20 AND DEMO EQUIPMENT CUSTOM GIFT BASKETS AND GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

OFF ALL IN STOCK TOYS

Call 403-783-3311

Great specials throughout the store!

403-783-4626

Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm Sat – Sun 9am - 4pm • Boxing Week Dec. 27 – 31 9am – 4pm

www.ponokanews.com

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

PONOKA NEWS Page 21

2012 Chevrolet Impala LT Sedan (#34143)

Cloth Interior, Interior In rior Remote Remote Starter, Starter Traction Tr n Control, Control Contrro Remainder of Manufacturer Warranty, 35,500 kms

$

17,750*

2012 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4X4 Heated Leather Interior, 8 Passenger, Rear DVD, Power Sunroof, Dual Power Seats, Power Liftgate, 12,500 kms $

46,000*

(#47024)

2012 Chevrolet Malibu LS Sedan

(#34137)

Cloth Cl th IInterior, t i RRemote t KKeyless l EEntry, t 4 Cylinder Ecotec Engine, 34,000 kms $

14,800*

2012 GMC Acadia SLE AWD Cloth Interior, Remote Keyless Entry, 8 Passenger, 3.6L V6, 48,850 kms

(#34123)

$

28,900*

2011 Buick Lucerne CX Sedan

(#34128)

C Cloth Interior, Interior teeri Remote Keylesss EEntry, Entry Traction Control, 5 Passenger, 56,500 kms

$

18,250*

2009 Buick Enclave CXL AWD Heated Leather Interior, 7 Passenger, Power Sunroof, Dual Power Seats and Dual Climate Control, 82,000 kms $

28,250*

(#12871A)

2009 Buick Allure CX Sedan (#34101)

Cl th IInterior, Cloth t i Power P SSeat, t RRemote t KKeyless l g, Entry, Powertrain Warrantyy Remaining, 113,000 kms $

10,600*

2012 Chevrolet Express 3500 Van Cloth Interior, 15 Passenger Van, Remote Keyless Entry, Rear Air and Heat, 11,000 kms

$

29,500*

(#47013)

2012 Chevrolet Suburban LT 4X4

(#34144)

Heather eaathe Leather Interior Interior, Interior Remote Rem Star Starter Starter, t r 8 Passenger, Power Sunroof, 37,800 kms $

40,800*

2010 GMC Acadia SLT AWD Heated Leather Interior, Power Sunroof, 8 Passenger, Remote Starter, 58,500 kms

(#34067)

$

29,900*

2010 GMC Sierra 3500HD SLE Crew Cab 4X4

2010 Chevrolet Traverse LT AWD

(#47027)

Cloth Interior, 8 Passenger, Remote Starter, Alloy Wheels, Power Sunroof, 48,000 kms

$

Cloth Interior, Remote Keyless Entry, 6.6 L Duramax Diesel, Long Box- 8�, 77,000 kms (#34121)

$

39,850*

26,800*

*Prices are plus fees & GST

STEVE WOLBECK Sales Mgr.

FOR PRIOR CREDIT APPROVAL PHONE

403-783-4494 www.adamsgm.com

BOB MASS Sales

JOHN COURSER Sales

SERVICE & QUICK LUBE:

OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:00 AM TO 5:00 PM

WE SERVICE ALL MAKES

Page 22 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

Christmas beauty: Summer Spelt pretends to get her make up done during Crestomere’s Christmas play.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

Tap dancing showstopper: Halle Carlson (left), Josh Rust (center) and Shane Dyrland put their own twist on a classy tap dance number.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

Christmas toys are here!

Sto in today and shop our huge Stop WR\ V WR\ VHOHFWLRQ WR ÷QG WKH SHUIHFW JLIW IRU \RXU OLWWOH IDUPHU 2OGV Ŭ &DOJDU\ Ŭ &ODUHVKROP 2OGV Ŭ &DOJDU\ Ŭ &ODUHVKROP &RURQDWLRQ Ŭ &UDQEURRN Ŭ 3LQFKHU &UHHN 3RQRND Ŭ 6WHWWOHU Ŭ 7URFKX

0RUH PRGHOV 0RUH SDUWV 0RUH NQRZOHGJHDEOH VWDII

www.AgroEquipment.com

TOY SPECIAL

Dec. 17 - Christmas Eve Receive 25% OFF the 2nd toy* PLUS a FREE John Deere Agro Cap *Of equal or lesser value

Barnyard boogie: Hailey Morin joins the other animals in a Christmas celebratory dance.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

Priceless gifts are from the heart!

Wondering what to buy?

Personalize a gift card for a variety of FCSS services that your loved one could benefit from: Lifeline, Meals on Wheels, Home Support.

Available at FCSS. 5006 52 Ave., Ponoka, AB 403-783-4462

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

PONOKA NEWS Page 23

HOMETOWN STORE IF IT’S AVAILABLE AT SEARS IT’S AVAILABLE AT YOUR SEARS HOMETOWN STORE

CLEARANCE $

SAVE 500

899

Off original ticketed price

95

WAS 1399.99 CRAFTSMAN®/MD snowblower.

11.5 ft. lb. of torque.

Briggs & Stratton engine. Electric start.

While quantities last WEBCODE: W-7152125

ILLION M 2 4 DAYS DOLLAR E ONLY! MAJOR APPLIANC EL D O M OPEN SUNDAY R O FLO DECEMBER 21-24

E C N A R A E L C ING ROOM MAK OXING WEEK FOR B

27" dual stage

42"

249 CC

LED

SPECIAL PURCHASE

499

1080p

99

CLEARANCE $

SAVE 500

1299 Off original ticketed price

95

WAS 1799.99 CRAFTSMAN snowblower.

16.5 ft. lb. of torque.

Briggs & Stratton engine. Hand warmers, electric start, LED light.

While quantities last WEBCODE: W-7152244

3D

LG 3D TV with 4 pairs of 3D glasses. #42LM3400 While quantities last

WEBCODE: W-5762409

32"

SAVE 80 $

268

LCD

99

720p

TOSHIBA® TV. #32C120U SEARS REG. 348.99* Sale price valid Fri., Dec. 21 until Mon., Dec. 24, 2012

30" dual stage 342 CC

WEBCODE: W-5762100

LOCALLY OWNED AND

photo

SEARSSTORE HOMETOWN STORE OPERATED BY SEARS HOMETOWN LOCALLY OWNED are locally owned and operated by dedicated operated by dedicated JIM &OPERATED SHEILA BY are locally owned and AND serving their communities. individuals serving individuals their communities.

5101-51 Ave. • 403-704-8000 address We carry the top major appliance brands, Mon.-Thurs. 9:30 am - 6:30 Wepm carry the top major appliance brands, sleep sets, home home electronics appliances, home electronics phone sleep sets, home appliances, Fri. 9:30000-0000 am - 8 pm and lawn and garden products hours and lawn and garden products and much more. and much more.

Sat. 10 am-6 pm • Sun. 11am-5pm Mon., Dec. 24, 9:30 am - 4 pm

Use the WEBCODE to shop thousands of products on sears.ca or by phone 1.800.267.3277

Hometown Store ND124D112 © 2012. Sears Canada Inc.

Page 24 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

D E I F I S S A L C

E G A R E V O C E AD R O F E B R NEVE CHECK OUT THESE GREAT

LIKE

S E G A K PAC K C A P 6

Now Also Review y e b im R · s ering · Ponoka New eekender OffLVAN W · t n e d n e SY dep ance v · Stettler In d A r o t s a C LAKE NEWS ar · · Bashaw St & ECVILLE ECHO * Start at 25 words =

.20

$40

K C A P 6 S PLU .20 $51

e (Thurs) if L a t r e lb A · Central * Start at 25 words =

K C A P 8 - S PLU te eer Advoca

D · 7 Days Red r Life e e D d e R y · 1 Da * Call for Prices

COVERS YOU BEST! DE AREA OUTSID

CALL 1 1 3 3 3 2 2 7 7 8 0 0 13 3 9 0 3 3 om c 0 . e t 4 a c o v d m eddeera dvocate.co LOCAL AREA

ra www.ar s@reddee d ie if s s la il: c em

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

PONOKA NEWS Page 25

Christian School concert focuses on Jesus’ love

Ponoka’s Christian School students practice for their Christmas concert, held Dec. 13.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

Noah Hyde uses all his might to sing his love for Jesus.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

ENJOY THE PEACE & CALM OF THE COUNTRY at the new location of

The Complete Wellness Centre and Day Spa ONLY A FEW MINUTES SOUTHWEST OF PONOKA

– Enjoy these products –

THE PONOKA NEWS Your source for your local news

Eminence

Come & Relax Today GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Christmas is Near And we’re open Until Saturday, December 22 10 am - 6 pm We will then close until April 1, 2013

WE HAVE AVAILABLE: - Giftware - Christmas ornaments - House plants - European Christmas arrangements - Fresh greens - Gift certificates

Merry Christmas From Our House To Yours!

Best wishes to our customers, neighbours and friends this holiday season. Thank you for your patronage.

403-704-4008 www.bobtailnursery.ca

For Appointments • 403.783.5436

Page 26 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

County council debates supporting RCMP clerical position

By Amelia Naismith

reminded council if they assist with the new position they may have to consider supporting two other detachments.

“I just reminded council if we do this we have the Rimbey detachment and the Bashaw detachment, that covers the east part of the county . . . may be forthcoming with their requests.”

Compactor purchase County council has decided to purchase a Caterpillar compactor for the Bluffton landfill.

Ponoka County council is considering financial support for a new clerical position, as requested by the RCMP. A management review of the Ponoka detachment was done and the clerical area was deemed one in need of support.

The county would give $16,000 per annum.

However, CAO Charlie Cutforth

REACH OUT-OF-TOWN

CUSTOMERS WHERE THEY LIVE SAVE VE WHEN YOU ADVERTISE IN ALL 8 PAPERS UP TO OF THE PRAIRIE NEWSPAPER GROUP 30% PONOKA

News 9

21, 200 day, January

Wednes

Vol. 61, No. 03

DEDICATED TO

403-783-3311

anews.com

editorial@ponok

At their Dec. 11 meeting, council discussed the merits of two different compactors, the Bomag compacter and the Caterpillar.

County CAO Charlie says Bomag compacters are known to run well but the service isn’t up to the counties desired standards.

The quality of Caterpillar compacters is less known but Cutforth says he hasn’t heard of any problems.

The landfill has a Bomag compactor in use; however, it’s off warranty and sitting at approximately 6,000 hours of use. “If worst comes to worst we could run this Bomag another year,” said Cutforth.

The Caterpillar will cost between $507,000 and $510,000, and a Bomag would cost $550,000.

New Precision Precast application Precision Precast, the company recently denied their land rezoning application, has applied to the county for a different land designation.

Since they couldn’t apply under the same type

Ponoka & District e Chamber of Commerc Small Business of the Year 2008

Subway Fresh

m

s.co www.ponokanew

Try Our

NOKA

ION OF PO THE PROMOT

Jamaica trip in sight for ts ob H bema cade

Tuscan Chicken

NEW!

er

By Eraina Hooy culture and a dynam ic Editor , sandy beaches, Hobbema Reggae music members of the during of the things may experience are just some t Corps Program Community Cade ica. invitation their time in Jama international received an National The HCCCP t Corps (The Cade e Polic y on ican ninth anniversar from the Jama de) to attend their Cadet Interschool Briga ts will also join the Jamaican Cade Program A il 14 The

403-783-3311

of designation for at least a year, they’ve switched to a direct control application.

A direct control designation means county council would issue all development permits and conditions, rather than the county development officer considering only permitted uses.

“So that will come before council in the new year,” said Cutforth.

Rimbey lagoon outfall request The Town of Rimbey requested support from county council for their lagoon outlet project.

County council accepted the request as information but made no further decisions at their Dec. 11 meeting.

The outfall system from the lagoon is 5.6 km and runs south to the Blindman River. Based in an engineers report, the total cost to clean the outfall channel would be approximately $600,000.

Cutforth showed council photos of standing water throughout the outfall path but no one there believed the water was significant or out of the ordinary.

“There’s some potential improvements for the affected land along that outfall,” added Cutforth. And I thought, well really, that is such flat, low wetland anyway. How much impact does this really have, and how is it the responsibility of the county?”

Bluffton Hall support County council is donating $6,000 to Bluffton Hall to deal with water drainage issues.

“They had standing water that wouldn’t drain from the building,” said Cutforth. The is concern that increased humidity caused by the water could lead to mold.

“When they built their addition onto the hall three years ago, they’ve had some water issues,” said Cutforth, in recommending the county’s support.

In the last year the hall hosted around 40 function, most attended by more than 200 people. These numbers affirmed to council the hall is still a well-used building in the community.

WE ONLY MADE 500 OF THESE. SO WE’RE ONLY GIVING AWAY ONE. Drive In and Win. When you bring in your vehicle for a service special, you’ll receive a “Drive In and Win” contest card for instant prizes. You’ll also qualify for great Draw and Win prizes, including a Limited Production 2012 Chrysler 300 Mopar’12. There’s no better way to celebrate Mopar’s 75th Anniversary.

PEACE-OF-MIND MAINTENANCE SERVICE

69

$

†

±

95

(Regular Price: $89.95)

Available at additional cost.

†

Must be dealer installed. Excludes tire sizes over 18 inches. Installation and balancing extra.

Service includes: √ Up to 5 litres of 5W20 or 5W30 Mopar® Oil √ Mopar® Oil Filter √ Rotation of 4 tires √ Peace-of-Mind Inspection of cooling system, all fluid levels, electronic battery test, front and rear brake systems, exhaust system and suspension system √ Written report on findings √ Manufacturer’s check

FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT

95∞

99

$

Service includes: √ Setting of tire pressure √ Computerized alignment √ Toe adjustment √ Steering and suspension inspection √ Manufacturer’s check ∞ Parts extra. Excludes heavy duty vehicles.

WHEN COMBINED WITH “BUY 3 GET THE 4TH FREE.”

±Additional charges may be applied for diesel, V10s, HEMI® V8s, fl uid disposal, semi-synthetic and synthetic oil. Environmental handling charges may apply.

12101UC0 12123UC0

FOR EXTRA SAVINGS VISIT mopar.ca/signupandsave•

$49,400 MSRP

ONLY AT YOUR ALBERTA CHRYSLER, JEEP®, DODGE, RAM DEALER.

*

S E R V I C E & PA R T S M O P A R P E O P L E. M O P A R P A R T S.

*No purchase necessary. The 2012 “Drive In and Win” contest consists of a scratch and win instant win promotion and an online sweepstakes with regional prizes. A skill-testing question must be correctly answered. Instant prizes range in value from $2.50 to $12.95. Complete contest details available at www.mopar.ca. The instant win contest closes on December 31, 2012 or while supplies of official “Drive In and Win” cards last (whichever occurs fi rst). There are 517 secondary prizes awarded on a regional basis and 1 Grand Prize awarded nationally for the online sweepstakes portion of the “Drive In and Win” contest. Online sweepstakes ends with all entries received by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on December 31, 2012. Approximate retail value and regional allocation of sweepstakes prizes is as follows: 1 Grand Prize consisting of a 2012 Chrysler 300 Mopar’12 (approx. value: $49,400) awarded nationally/Katzkin Interior (approx. value: $1,645)/Mopar Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (approx. value: $784)/ Peace-of-Mind Maintenance Service Package (approx. value: $230)/Mopar Wheel Locks (approx. value: $90)/Mopar Cargo Tote (approx. value: $45). British Columbia (including Northwest Territories): 1/3/40/4/4, Alberta: 2/5/80/8/8, Prairies: 1/3/40/4/4, Ontario: 4/7/120/12/12, Quebec: 2/5/80/8/8, Atlantic: 1/3/40/4/4. Incentive offer applicable only at participating Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram dealers. Prices do not include taxes. Dealers are free to set individual prices. See your participating Chrysler, Jeep ®, Dodge, Ram dealer for complete details. ®Jeep is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC, used under license by Chrysler Canada Inc. •Valid with purchase of any in-market service at any participating Chrysler, Jeep ®, Dodge, Ram dealer.

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

PONOKA NEWS Page 27

What C-19 did and did not do

By Todd Brown Concerned Gun Owners of Alberta To understand what Bill C-19 will do, you need to know that licencing is separate from registration. The Firearms Act deals with two distinct things: the person and the firearm. Licencing deals with the person, and registration deals with the firearm.

Licencing is the wallet photo ID card that gives you permission from the government to possess, buy, and sell firearms and ammunition. It is called a Possession Acquisition Licence, or PAL. All the regulations contained in the Firearms Act affect anyone with a PAL. Registration deals only with the firearm. “The Registry” is only the part of the Firearms Act that tells the government what firearms you legally own. A registration certificate is a wallet-sized paper card that is supposed to identify a particular firearm, that is to be kept (by law) with that firearm. The number on a registration certificate is tied to, but not part of, your PAL. C-19 affects only the non-restricted category of firearms, the bulk of that category is made up of rifles and shotguns. Firearms of any other category, restricted and prohibited classes, are made up of mostly handguns and full auto firearms. There are exceptions, so make sure your firearms are verified to ensure proper status.

Both licencing of the people and registration of the firearms were started when Bill C-68, The Firearms Act, was made law by the Liberal government.

Bill C-19 proposes to get rid of the registration portion affecting rifles and shotguns (non-restricted) only. Bill C-19 has nothing to do with licencing. You are still required, by law, to possess the photo ID (PAL) to legally possess your firearms. Simple possession of a firearm (without a PAL) is a federal crime.

The prior system, (pre 1995) was the Firearms Acquisition Certificate (FAC). Under this system, simple possession of a firearm was not a crime.

Under the current system, simple possession of a firearm is a crime, unless you are the holder of a licence (PAL), which when defined is: permission from the government to do something that would otherwise be illegal.

The then-Liberal government had to make simple firearms possession a Criminal Code offence (sec. 91 & 92) for C-68 (The Firearms Act) to have any lawful validity.

Sec 91 and 92 state: • 91. (1) Subject to subsection (4), every person commits an offence who possesses a firearm without being the holder of (a) a licence under which the person may possess it; and (b) in the case of a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm, a registration certificate for it.

• 92. (1) Subject to subsection (4), every person commits an offence who possesses a firearm knowing that the person is not the holder of (a) a licence under which the person may possess it; and (b) in the case of a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm, a registration certificate for it.

So, your registration certificates can be burned, but you still need a valid PAL to possess your firearms.

STAY

INFORMED

READ

Ponoka Drop-In Activities 5015 – 46 Avenue

The first jam of 2013 is Saturday, January 5th at 1 pm.

All proceeds go to the food bank. Bring non-perishable food items and or money.

Drop-in officers for 2013: President-Bill Jones, 1st Vice President-Gail Pugh, 2nd Vice President-Isabel Odgaard, Treasurer-Ulla Thomsen, Asst. Treasurer-Dennis Ensminger, Secretary- Mary Jones, Acct. Secretar-Tilley Lloyd, Past President-Dorothy Houghton.

Directors: Doreen Rausch, Jeannette Faupel, Leo Belanger, Glyn Pugh, George MacKenzie, George Stewart, Linda Schmautz Activities: Monday: Billiards 9:00 am Monday through Saturday.

Monday: Bridge 1:15 pm - J. Reynolds, M. Martin, –A. Fierlbeck Monday: Whist - P. Miller, E. Massing Tuesday and Thursday: Exercise class 9:30 am - Come join our group.

Tuesday: Shuffleboard 7:00pm Wednesday Partner Bridge - Murray & Brenda, Annie & Marinus Wednesday: Sewing Guild 9:30 am - 4:00 pm Non Competitive activity Wednesday: Cribbage 1:30 pm - Fred Broska, Herb Vandersteen Wednesday: Floor Curling 7:00 pm - L. Vold, B. Vold, G. Pugh, E. Schnell Thursday: Weaving 1:00 pm Thursday: Partner Bridge 1:15 pm - J. Reynolds, H. Fierlbeck, M. Huysmans Friday: “500” 1:00 pm - M. Martin, Herb Vandersteen To rent our facility contact George @ 403-783-2014 or Dorothy @ 403-783-3027 Alcohol beverages may be served after you obtain a permit and accept all responsibility.

www.rodeomasters.com

Ponoka Capitol Theatre 4904 - 50th St. Ph. 403-783-3639

PLAYING December 21 – 27

S C N O R B A PONOKY PRESENTS: ACADEM N

U F Y L I M FA NIGHT

SCREEN #1

Brought to you by:

The Hobbit

Battle River Insurance - The Co-operators

170 min 7:00 PM Daily Saturday & Sunday Matinee 2:00 PM Rated PG

SCREEN #2 Dec. 21-23

The Rise of the Guardians 97 min 2:00 & 8:00pm Rated PG

Dec. 26-27

Parental Guidance 105 min 2:00 & 7:00pm Rated G

CLOSED DEC. 24 & 25 Tuesdays & Matinees

$

all 400 seats

Ponoka Servus Credit Union Ponoka Professional Pharmacy

E C N A D Y L I FAM BY FOLLOWED T H G I N E I V MO VIE O M E H T G FEATURIN

ELF

DAN0CE:

$2 v d a anced $25 at the door PER FAMILY DANCE T STARTING A 6:00PM

MOVIE H S A N L A C ER 28• B ARTING AT T S M E C E E D R T

. CEN 9:00PM PONOKA AG is proud to support the Broncs Academy

Page 28 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

Farm & Ranch Machinery boosts older farmers injury risks

By Amelia Naismith

DON’T MISS THESE GREEN FEVER DEALS!

3E SERIES COMPACT UTILITY TRACTORS

0% FOR 60 MONTHS

PLUS

$1,000 OFF with the purchase of two or more implements*

A Canadian study has shown farm injury risks increase with age, especially when it comes to operating heavy machinery and equipment.

The average age of farmers in North America is increasing each year. The study concluded older farmers work fewer hours than their younger counterparts but spend more time operating heavy machinery and equipment.

Farmers aged 45 to 64 spend six to eight more days per year than farmers 20 years younger.

The study surveyed 519 farmers aged 65 to 74.

These farmers spent a median of 46 hours per week working on the farm—that’s one hour less than famers 40 years their junior. Farmers older than 75 work 34 hours per week.

It was found the amount of weekly hours worked decreased 34 per cent over the lifespan of farmers.

However, older farmers disproportionally retain tasks involving machinery as they age. The proportion of time spent operating machinery increases 40 per cent in older age groups.

The study concluded exposure to potentially dangerous farm equipment didn’t decrease as expected. Older farmers remain relatively active in the workplace and prevention efforts should focus on safe machinery operation.

In addition to the finding older farmers spend more time working with machinery is that the machines they’re using are usually the oldest on the farm.

Since older farmers are using older equipment, the equipment has been named an independent factor related to farm injuries in aging farmers.

Safely driving and operating heavy farm machinery requires accurate sensory input, rapid information processing, reliable judgment and fast motor responses.

As farmers age, skill factors of good driving and machinery operating, including, visual ability, hearing ability, reaction time, muscle strength and joint flexibility, deteriorate.

The onset of dementia and other neurological disorders also increase injury risk potential.

The study also highlighted a challenge faced by older farmers. A reason they may choose machinery operation over more labor-intensive work is because that area is where they see themselves as

VJV MARKET REPORT MARKET REPORT DECEMBER 12, 2012

5M SERIES UTILITY TRACTORS 0% FOR 60 MONTHS OR

$1,500 OFF**

www.AgroEquipment.com

More models. More parts. More knowledgeable staff.

OLDS CALGARY CLARESHOLM CORONATION CRANBROOK 403.556.6961 403.280.2200 403.625.4421 403.578.3744 250.417.0272 PINCHER CREEK PONOKA STETTLER TROCHU 403.627.4451 403.783.3337 403.742.4427 403.442.3982 *Offer valid from October 27, 2012 until January 31, 2013. Down payment may be required. $50.00 documentation fee may apply. Monthly payments and cost of borrowing will vary depending on DPRXQW ERUURZHG DQG GRZQ SD\PHQW 0LQLPXP áQDQFH DPRXQW PD\ EH UHTXLUHG 7KH FKDUJH IRU DPRXQWV SDVW GXH LV SHU DQQXP 7D[HV VHW XS GHOLYHU\ IUHLJKW DQG SUHSDUDWLRQ FKDUJHV QRW included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Additional fees may apply. Subject to John Deere Financial approval. See participating dealer for details. Program subject to change, without notice, at DQ\ WLPH SXUFKDVH áQDQFLQJ IRU PRQWKV RQ &RPSDFW 8WLOLW\ 7UDFWRUV 5HSUHVHQWDWLYH ([DPSOH 0RGHO ( DW SOXV D GRFXPHQWDWLRQ IHH OHVV D GRZQ SD\PHQW RI DW APR, monthly payment is $231 for 60 months, total obligation is $13,860, cost of borrowing is $28.50. Down payment may be required. **Offer valid from October 27, 2012 until January 31, 2013. Get $1,000 off the agreed upon purchase price of new John Deere 3E Compact Utility Tractors with the purchase of two John Deere or Frontier implements. ^Offer valid from October 27, 2012 until January *HW RII WKH DJUHHG XSRQ SXUFKDVH SULFH RI QHZ -RKQ 'HHUH 0 8WLOLW\ 7UDFWRUV 2IIHU DYDLODEOH ZLWK UHJXODU UDWH SXUFKDVH áQDQFLQJ RU IRU UHWDLO FDVK FXVWRPHUV %\ VHOHFWLQJ ORZ UDWH áQDQFLQJ WKH GLVFRXQW ZLOO EH IRUHJRQH ZKLFK ZLOO UHVXOW LQ D KLJKHU HIIHFWLYH $35 6HH SDUWLFLSDWLQJ GHDOHU IRU GHWDLOV

On Wednesday, December 12, 2012- 3460 head of cattle went through our rings & 882 Saturday, December 8 – TOTAL 4342

SLAUGHTER CATTLE D1 - D2 cows D3 - D4 cows Holstein cows Heiferettes Bologna Bulls Feeder bulls

65.00-72.00 55.00-63.00 50.00-62.00 70.00-77.00 67.00-78.00 80.00-95.00

Good Bred Cows 1200.00-1725.00 Older Bred Cows 1050.00-1200.00 Good Bred Heifers: 1000.00-1650.00 Cow/calf pairs (younger) 1200.00-1700.00 Cow/Calf pairs (older) 1100.00-1350.00

STOCKERS AND FEEDERS Good Feeder Steers 1000 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 900 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 800 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 700 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 600 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 500 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 400 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 300 lbs Plus: Replacement hfrs Dairy Steers Baby Calves Dairy Type: Baby Calves Beef Type: Hay: Sq Bales Straw: Sq. Bales Greenfeed: Sq. Bales.

118.00-128.00 131.00-135.50 131.00-138.00 135.00-145.50 143.00-151.00 153.00-166.00 162.00-180.00 178.00-195.00

Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers

110.00-120.00 117.00-125.00 124.00-128.75 125.00-131.00 128.00-134.50 132.00-150.00 145.00-166.00 145.00-172.00

up to 145.00 85.00-109.00 70.00-140.00 100.00-185.00 1.50- 5.50 2.00-3.00 NONE

Rd Bales Rd Bales Rd Bales

44.00-58.00 NONE NONE

FIRST SALE 2013 JANUARY 9TH Vold Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd. | Foothills Livestock Auction | Dawson Creek Auction Vold Jones & Vold Co. Ltd. Š 2006 4410-Hwy 2A, Ponoka Alberta, Canada, T4J 1J8

most productive and capable. However, this choice puts them at a greater risk for injury due to the exposure to the machinery.

Preventative measures mentioned in the study include: all machinery should be in good working condition with regular preventative maintenance, older farmers should check in with others regularly when working long hours, older farmers should avoid low-light situations where hazards could be hard to see, co-workers and family members should watch out for signs of close call such as dents, paint scrapes and damage to property or machinery.

Behavioral signs that may indicate an older farmer is having troubles with machinery could include anxiety or frustration in the operation of equipment, memory troubles or problems balancing multiple tasks and confusion with operational controls.

Laura Nelson, executive director at Alberta Farm Safety Centre, says the study is an interesting report with no easy answers for the problems it mentions. “Farming is exempt from occupational health and safety regulations. Farming is a bit unique,� said Nelson.

However, there are exceptions to that standard.

Operations such as greenhouses or mushroom farms are covered, but not primary farms, such as cattle.

Farming is also not covered by workers compensation legislation. Farm workers on traditional farms are the only labour force not covered by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA).

Nelson said some of the centre’s biggest programs are educational programs visiting school and teaching children about farm and agricultural safety. “I think that the younger generation . . . they’re not going to accept the iffy things their parents and grandparents did.�

Nelson says the lack of safety is becoming less acceptable within the farming industry. She recalls talking to older farmers who were almost nonchalant about injuries and missing limbs resulting in farm accidents around older machinery.

Younger generation farmers don’t accept the ideals that just because they’re farmers they’re almost guaranteed to lose limbs are acquire damaged hearing or lungs. “I think that whole mindset is more prevalent,� said Nelson.

While awareness and technology has improved, Nelson says a portion of staying safe on the farm comes down to common sense. “A lot of us, as we get a little older, don’t want to say we’re done for the day, you want to push on.�

It’s usually not the intent to make risky decisions, but not every decision is wise.

Pressures of farming also play a factor in the decision-making process. “It’s not a eight to five job. People are under huge amounts of pressure, if there’s a storm coming . . . that’s their livelihood.�

Don Voaklander, a professor at the University of Alberta Public School of Heath; Lesley Day, researcher at Monash University Accident Research Centre; James Dosman, professor of agricultural medicine at the University of Saskatchewan; Louise Hagel, with the Canadian Centre Health and Safety Subway Fresh for in Agriculture at the Limited Time Only University of Saskatchewan; and William Pickett, professor of community health and epidemiology at Queens University, studied 2,751 male Saskatchewan farmers over the age of 25.

Pulled Pork

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

PONOKA NEWS Page 29

Merry Christmas to all!

FREE UFC 155 SATURDAY, DEC. 29TH A special Christmas present for our UFC fans.

403-783-6600

Ponoka Office: 403-783-3315 Bashaw Office (Tues.): 403-372-3627 Wetaskiwin Office (Thurs.): 780-352-6488 SERVICES OFFERED • Personal & Corporate Income Tax Planning • Tax Return Preparation • Accounting & Audit Services • Estate Planning • Business Advisory Service • CAIS Program Assistance

Peewee team skates into first hockey tournament

By Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye The first hockey tournament of the season was Dec. 14 to 16 and players had a chance to test their skills with teams from around central Alberta.

The Ponoka McDonalds peewee B hockey team played seven other teams and manager Julie Feragen feels the weekend went well. “It was awesome.”

She enjoyed seeing the team compete against others who are not in their hockey league and it helped players see how they stand against their opponents.

Parents from other teams also enjoyed the hospitality of Ponoka Minor Hockey.

“We had so many compliments,” she stated.

Prizes were different this year as well, each team received a Sony IPod docking station to play music during warm up and the winning team of each final game received a cash payout. Feragen does not know the breakdown but the total payout was $700.

She found the players enjoyed the weekend.

“They really enjoyed themselves and were as much involved as the parents were involved,” she explained.

“It’s something that they can enjoy as a team.”

Despite losing 3-0 in the D final, the tournament brought parents and players together and she feels it is another way to create team unity. With some kids

hurt and some with the flu, it was a challenge to perform to their normal level.

However the players competed with determination and discipline. “I think it has a lot do to with the coaching. You have to be a team to play a game and you have to play as hard as you can.”

Coaches decided not to have a head coach but rather to work in concert to guide players.

She feels hosting a tournament gives players a chance to learn the value of being a good host and to raise money to compete in other tournaments, which can cost anywhere from $850 to $1,200.

“It can get pricey.”

Feragen is proud all the teams’ efforts in raising funds and food for the Ponoka Food Bank. Each team filled a large red sack for the food bank and one team donated $100 as well. Fundraisers for the food bank gives kids a better awareness of what some people may take for granted, she said. “They need to be a part of it.”

These are the final results from the tournament: • D Final: Ponoka McDonalds peewee B lost 3-0 to Picture Butte.

• C Final: Calgary Shaw Meadows won 15-1 against Rocky Ice. • B Final: Wainwright won 5-0 over RMAA (Carstairs, Disbury, Crossfield).

• A Final: Calgary Glen Lake won 9-0 against the Bashaw Stars.

The Ponoka McDonalds peewee B hockey team received donations to the Ponoka Food Bank from all the teams competing in their tournament and they presented food sacks to a food bank representative Dec. 15.

Pictured are back row: Kirk Landmark (coach), Carter Weir and Trevor Feragen (coach). Middle row: Clay Podritske, Jamie Kim, Hunter Busat, Carter Broulette, Jaymee Klinger, Madison McLaren, Travis Hyink, Chance Landmark, Jason Cline (coach) and a representative from the food bank. Front row: Seth Gratrix, Driston Louis, Kaiden Thomson, Brenden Patterson, Karsen Cline, Owen Feragen. Missing: Thomas Chesterman and Tyler Hoar.

Hunter Busat of the Ponoka McDonalds peewee B hockey team stretches to stop a puck against the Bashaw Stars during their tournament Dec. 14 to 16.

Carter Broulette takes shot on the goal against the Bashaw Stars.

Photos Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Page 30 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

Students and staff square off for charity Story and photos by Amelia Naismith In support of the annual Santa Showdown, and everything it stands for, Ponoka Composite High School (PCHS) staff, students, as well as fans piled into the arena on Dec. 11 for another year’s festivities.

This year’s game raised $3,605.75 and a few boxes of food. All proceeds and food are donated to the school’s Santa’s Anonymous program. The program has operated at the school for 31 years and works to provide turkeys, food hampers, and children’s gifts to those in need within the community.

Since the inaugural game, 19 years ago, the Santa Showdown has raised more than $20,000. “I thought it would be a good idea to raise money,” said co-ordinator Ron Labrie.

“In the beginning we thought it would be something where we’d have to muster a team together,” said Labrie. During the first years it was mainly hockey players who teamed up for the showdown, but eventually a few non-hockey players ventured onto the ice, which released the floodgates.

“We for sure have more non-hockey players than hockey players. Over the year’s we’ve kind of had to restrict it,” said Labrie. Now, only Grade 12 students are allowed to play.

This year saw 55 students and 14 staff members participate.

Labrie says Santa’s Anonymous runs so smoothly and successfully because everyone realizes the game is held in the spirit of Christmas and fun. “The hockey players check their egos at the door.

“It wasn’t really all about me, it was about everyone. That’s why we had so many kids come out.

People wanted to try it for the first time. There was a great atmosphere on the bench,” explained Cole Levesque, who attends PCHS and plays for the Ponoka Stampeders.

Levesque, Jordan Pritchard and Matt Korchinski agreed with Labrie that the Santa Showdown works because it’s for fun and all about the cause.

Levesque said the whole point of the game was to raise money. “It’s a good feeling because you’re giving back to the community in a giving season.”

“It was a great time. It was good to give back, it

wasn’t all about winning,” added Korchinski.

However, their positive attitudes didn’t stop the students from beating the staff 30-29, and bragging about it in school. They also won several of the half-time show events, including the tug of war.

“We haven’t won the tug of war for a few years,” said Labrie.

Levesque said scoring this year was satisfying because the staff team had a student goalie. “It was nice to score 30 points on him, rub it in that he switched sides.”

The boys also agreed it was nice to see so many players come out and step out of their comfort zone. “I think it was cool to see everyone give an effort, even though they knew they were going to embarrass themselves in front of a huge crowd,” said Levesque.

“It was also nice to see the girls come out and play and have fun,” he added.

Korchinski said having so many people come out and try the game made many realize how hard it can be. “I think a lot of them gained a new respect for us hockey players.”

The full house and number of volunteers were other elements that added to the festive feeling of the game. “It was nice to have all those volunteers, it made it easier on us,” said Levesque.

With so many people working in the background, providing musical entertainment and manning raffle and 50/50 draws, the boys were able to put on a good show and enjoy themselves. “(My favorite part was) going on my breakaway and then falling because I finally got the chance to score, and as a goalie that never happens,” said Korchinski. Pritchard said his favorite part was scoring two goals to tie the game.

“My favorite part was probably watching other people play hockey . . . to give them a chance to play hockey,” said Levesque.

The money and food for the showdown has been sorted with the rest of the Santa’s Anonymous proceeds. Students have already packaged the hampers together and they’ll be handed out the afternoon of Dec. 19.

PE teacher Cody Baird moves in fast, hoping to score on Matt Korchinski.

Ponoka Composite High School students suit up and cheer on their teammates.

Austin Way (left) makes a sharp turn, hoping to intercept Brad Buss.

Social Studies teacher Ron Labrie takes a shot on Matt Korchinski during the Ponoka Composite High School’s 19th annual Santa Showdown, held Dec. 11.

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

PONOKA NEWS Page 31

22nd annual Broncs basketball Pump Classic

High lay up: Davis Labrie of the Broncs senior boys basketball team makes a breakaway lay up against Beaumont Dec 14 during the PCHS 22nd annual Pump Tournament.

Photos by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

The Ponoka Composite High School gym was full of students cheering on the Broncs senior boys basketball team against Beaumont. The Broncs won the game 76-31 but placed fourth after losing to Grande Prairie 86-56.

TICKET information : or email:

www.rodeomasters.ca

scottwyz@hotmail.com

the ponoka rodeo masters nightly 7pm THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: CALNASH TRUCKING VJV AUCTIONS

PROCEEDS GOING TOWARDS THE PONOKA BRONCS RODEO ACADEMY

TERRA FIRMA LANDCORE MCC FEEDS dr.r barr/ dr.h porter STETSON/ROPER JONES BOYS NICK AND SHAWNA JENKINS DON LAING TRAILERS VAN EATON OILFIELD BRUCE HARBIN WELDING GALLOWAY CONSTRUCTION

SE HOR NG R I K N I A BUC SEM TH NG 9 I 2 D I R ER 30 EMB BER DEC CEM N E D AND TERNOO AF

MUSKWACHEES AMBULANCE

Ross Miedema (right) of the Broncs senior boys basketball team draws a foul against the Beaumont Bandits.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Subway Fresh Try Our

NEW!

Personal Pizza

SKATE SHARPENING AVAILABLE

promotions brought to you by: horses all 790 cfcw PONOKA NEWS

December 28th family dance and movie night 6pm-10:30pm

4804-50 St. 403-783-3082 www.truhardware.ca

december 29th

december d ec e mb er 30th 30th

DECEMBER 31ST

roughstock

canada’s ultimate

canada’s ultimate

futurity

cowgirl championship

cowboy championship

location: calnash ponoka ag. center

Page 32 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

Stamps looking for wins to make playoffs

By Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye After 24 games and only one win, the chances of competing in the playoffs are slim for the Ponoka Junior B Stampeders hockey team.

There has also been a recent change in the coaching staff, former head coach Nick Jones stepped down to be an assistant coach and offered the position to his assistant, Dave Parent.

“He talked to me and thought I was more suit-

able for the job, I think that’s kind of what he said,” explained Parent.

The team’s Dec. 12 game against Stettler Lightning ended the with a 6-2 loss with their first goal scored in the first period. For Parent, the goal is to keep his players committed to all three periods.

“It’s a challenge trying to get them to play 60 minutes of hockey. I do as much as I can, say as much as I can to get them fired up in the dressing room.”

“We played 40 minutes and unfortunately 40

PRESENTS CIS / ACAC Female Hockey U OF A PANDAS

minutes isn’t enough to win a hockey game,” he stated.

He feels the Stampeders outplayed their opponents in the first period but slowed in the second, which led to several goals and an uphill climb to catch up in the third. “Things just didn’t go our way.”

With the hopes of competing in the playoffs becoming slimmer, Parent tries to remind his players to dedicate their energies to control the puck throughout their games. There are times he feels frustrated with their results when considering the quality of his players, said Parent.

To help with his new role, Parent has hired on two other assistant coaches; Kyle Kinley, from Ponoka and Andrew Walker, from Red Deer.

“I’m a rookie as a head coach and I’m trying to get as much help as I can and as much opinion and point of view as I can…It’s been great having a couple extra sets of eyes out there.”

To compete in the playoffs means the Stampeders have to win at least 10 of their next 17 games.

“It’s not out of the question but it’s just a matter of these guys wanting to play 60 minutes,” he said.

It also depends on how other teams in the Stampeders’ division perform.

Stettler Lighning is the next highest team in the division with eight wins and 15 losses and the Mountainview Colts close in front with eight wins, 15 losses and two ties.

“These are key games we gotta

win and it makes it hard when we take a period off and they score a couple. Then instead of going one down in the third, we’re going down three or four into the third,” explained the coach.

If the team can perform well in all three periods they can beat other teams and have stronger games, explained Parent. “Some of the holes we dig for ourselves, they’re a lot harder to get out of than people think.”

He credits the fans for their support despite the Stampeders’ performance this season. Parent recalls a few games this season where a large number of people were in the stands rooting for the team to win. “It’s gotta be frustrating for them.”

One of the ways Parent works with his team is to focus on defense.

He wants to see fewer shots on their goal and more on the other team’s.

Coaches are not the only ones frustrated with their results; players feel the same when they cannot produce goals.

“I keep telling them to stay positive, good things will happen…keep working and good things will come,” he explained.

The team practices twice a week with dry land training every Tuesday and the coaching staff talks every day to plan practices and plays. The Stampeders’ next home game is Dec. 19 at 7:45 p.m. against the Blackfalds Wranglers, who lead the division with 16 wins.

GRANT MACEWAN GRIFFINS

SATURDAY DEC.29TH, 2012 @ PONOKA ARENA COMPLEX Warm-up: 2:00pm Game Time: 2:30pm TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: Ponoka Rowland Parker & Associates Altima Ponoka Minor Hockey Executive Co--op Oils

Enter your name at the Ponoka News to win tickets.

Draw to be made Dec. 28

Lacombe Lionels No Frills Lacombe Kinsmen Aquatic Centre

Taking advantage of a breakaway is Stampeders’ Nick Keoughan against Stettler Lightning Dec. 12. The team lost 6-2.

Photos by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

TICKETS - $5.00/PERSON GENERAL SEATING OUR SPONSORS

is a proud supporter

Goalie Aaron Swier readies himself for a Stettler Lightning attack during the game.

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

PONOKA NEWS Page 33

REACH OVER 217,000 READERS With one of these great deals!

6 PACK 8 PACK

Announcements

What’s Happening

50-70

700-920

Services Directory

1010-1430

5019A Chipman Ave. Box 4217 Ponoka, AB T4J 1R6 Card Of Thanks

CLASSIFIEDS CALL TOLL FREE:

ADPACK ALL IN 1

Employment

County Items Buy/Sell

150-194

1-877-223-3311

Agriculture

2010-2210

FAX: 403-783-6300

We would like to thank each one of you for your kind words, cards, comforting hugs and the food shared with us.

Also thank you for the donations given in memory of Eleanor Andrews, flowers from the F.C.S.S., lunch by the Baptist Church women, the support and help from Pastor Spate, as well as the staff at the Ponoka Funeral Home.

God Bless You All!!

Gordon & Irene Taylor

Thanks to everyone who donated and or participated in †”THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS” fundraiser for the Fingernagel’s at the Morningside Hall.

It was yummy, fun and successful!!

YOUR

PART

RECYCLE

YOUR

PAPER!

THOMPSON Wayne Sr. 1947 - Dec. 13, 2012 Survived by his children, grandkids, mother and two sisters. Memorial Service will be held at the Morningside Community Hall on Dec. 22, 2012 at 2 pm.

Celebrate your life with a Classified ANNOUNCEMENT

Obituaries

DO

Public Notice

6010

CROOKS Stanley Gordon

With appreciation, the Andrews Family

We would like to thank all the kind people who help us in many ways, also a good job to the snow plow operator for a job well done.

Vehicles

5010-5240

Obituaries

THANK YOU THANK YOU to the lady who phoned for the AMA tow truck at the Museum on Thursday.

A huge thank you & Merry Christmas.

3000-4310

EMAIL: classifieds@ponokanews.com

Obituaries

Card Of Thanks

Rental & Real Estate

On December 9, 2012 Stanley Gordon Crooks of Ponoka passed away at the age of 76 years. He is lovingly survived by his wife of 55 years, Pat; son Marty; son Daryl (Alison) and grandchildren Kelsey and Shane; son Jim (Jaquie) and grandchildren Jared, Stephanie and Jamie; his sister Evelyn (Ron) Desharnais; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Mary and Nathaniel, sisters Gladys (Warren) Missen and Joy (Dick) Solvason, and infant grandson Cody. A Funeral Service will be held at the Ponoka First Baptist Church at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 19, 2012. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation.

To express condolences to Stanley’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements Entrusted To PONOKA FUNERAL HOME ~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~

Eleanora Hildegard Andrews January 14, 1917 - November 23, 2012 The family of Aldo Johnson would like to sincerely thank everyone who offered support over the last few weeks through visits, phone calls, flowers, food, cards or donations to the memory of Aldo. Your thoughtfulness and concern will never be forgotten. We are so blessed to live in a community where family, friends and neighbors can lean on each other during difficult times.

Thank you also to Dr. Bunting and the nursing staff of the Ponoka Hospital and Northcott Nursing Home.

Their kind comments and caring touch were always welcomed and appreciated.

A special thank-you to Marlon and Sheila at the Ponoka Funeral Home who co-ordinated a celebration of Aldo’s life that was a true tribute to the man we were fortunate enough to call “husband”, “Dad”, “Grandpa” and “Great Grandpa”.

In lieu of thank-you cards a donation will be made to the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre.

Bernie, Karen & Jerry, Cathy & Gary, Connie & Kerry, Tim & Julia and families.

Born in Cactus Lake Saskatchewan to Ernst and Martha Weybrecht, “Lola” graduated from business college and worked for the Government in Ottawa during World War II. She married Harold in 1946, raising a family and moving to various locations in Ontario, British Columbia, the Yukon and Alberta as required by his work, before settling in Ponoka in 1989.

During this time, Eleanor completed her high school academic matriculation by correspondence and acquired degrees from the University of Alberta in Edmonton and the University of Calgary. Qualified as a professional Social Worker, she completed her career working in a field for which earlier clerical work had given her great interest.

Despite a demanding schedule with family, church and work responsibilities, Eleanor was a model of Christian hospitality, her home and dinner table frequently welcoming a wide variety of visitors.

Predeceased by her parents and brother Herbert, and by Harold in 2004, Eleanor is survived by sons Edgar (Heather), Richard (Theresa), David (Gwen); grandchildren Jennifer Ettie (Mike), Mark (Elizabeth), Sarah, Jonathan (Maggie), Neal; great-grandson Zachery; nephews Clarence and Earl Weybrecht; and niece Lorraine Rowsell.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also praises her.

Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all... a woman who feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

Proverbs 31:28:30

1-877-233-3311

Funeral service was held on Friday, November 30, 2012 at First Baptist Church in Ponoka.

Page 34 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

Caregivers/ Aides

In Memoriam

SUPPORTED HOME PLACEMENT AIDE NEEDED

who passed away in December of 2011 Always thoughtful, loving & kind Wonderful memories you left behind.

Ponoka - Parkland CLASS provides a specialized Supported Home Placement program that delivers services to children who live in Proprietorships (Foster Care Homes). SHP Aides provide goal orientated support to children with special needs.

Love from your family.

59

ALATEEN

What’s Happening #45 - #70

52

Coming Events

BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS

Weekly meetings Tuesdays @ 8 p.m.

Neighborhood Place 5115 49 Ave. Ponoka For more info.

403-783-4557 or 403-783-8371 We change daily to serve you better.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Monday night meetings at the Anglican Church Ponoka 8:30 p.m. Phone 403-783-0719 for info.

Class Registrations

Mentors

60

Personals

Is someone’s drinking causing you problems?

AL-ANON 403-346-0320

Farm Work

755

HELP wanted on farm east of Consort from May-Oct. $15/hr. starting wage.

Running equipment, fencing and cattlework.

Email resume to jkm196@hotmail.com

Employment #700 - #920

51

– LACOMBE MEMORIAL CENTER –

difference

Mondays: Jan. 7- Feb 4, 2013 @ 6:30 – 7:30pm OR Thursdays: Jan. 10- Feb 7, 2013 @ 6:30 -7:30pm Register by December 31, 2012 to receive Early Bird Pricing & a Special Gift!!

403-783-3112 Get a 6 PACK

To Register call 403-302-7132 or Email sarahthefitnesstrainer@yahoo.ca What’s Zumba? Check it out at www.zumba.ca

What’s in it?

Everyone Welcome, Limited Space Available!!!

Your ad in 6 community papers

* BASHAW * CASTOR * STETTLER * WEEKENDER * PONOKA * RIMBEY

25 WORD AD only

$40.20 + gst Call 403-309-3300 or toll free 1-877-223-3311

Meetings

59

THURSDAY AA Meetings at 8:30 p.m. in the Catholic Church basement. 52 Street & 52 Ave. Ponoka.

Open meetings first Thursday of the month, Everyone Welcome.

403-783-4347 or 403-783-2493

SAVE $$$$ prepay your Classified ad. 1-877-2233311.

Coming Events

Experience with youth with developmental disabilities, FASD, seizures and responding to behaviours of concern would be ideal.

Knowledge of Aboriginal Culture and some related post-secondary education would be an asset. This position is female required due to companionship and role modeling for a 17 year old female. Driver’s license (GDL ok) and transportation are required.

Hours of Work: 10 flex hours per week. Hours are to be worked in the afternoon (after school), evenings and weekends.

Wage: $14.52 or $15.06 per hour Please send a cover letter & resume to: Parkland CLASS, Human Resources 6010-45th Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 3M4 Fax: 403-342-2677 Email: hr@pclass.org We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Competition will remain open until a suitable applicant is found.

Come Shake your booty With Sarah

make a

Sur-B Enterprises Ltd.

Parkland Community Living and Supports Society

OSMAR AND EDITH MASSING

Meetings

BOBCAT SERVICES

710

52 CLASSIFIEDS’ CHRISTMAS Hours & Deadlines

BOBCAT SERVICE • Snow Removal • Driveways & Parking Lots • Post-Hole Augering - 6, 9, 12, 15 • Corral Cleaning • Grading & Construction Call 403-783-2764 403-588-0599 CallJim JimAshbough Ashbough 783-2764ororCell: Cell: 588-0599 Jack Surbey 403-783-5283 Cell: 403-588-0597 Jack Surbey 783-5283orCell: 588-0597

BOTTLE DEPOT

PONOKA BOTTLE DEPOT 3

01 Open Monday - Saturday 1, 2

Y N 13 A J 20 Closed Sundays 23 &2, Holidays ER ARY B U M CE JAN Cartons for Deposit We Now Recycle DE EN Milk D SE OP CLO 3, 5520 Hwy 2A R 10 am - 5 pm UA

(Across from Husky)

403-783-6875 CONSTRUCTION

www.parklandclass.org

Parkland Community Living and Supports Society

RELIEF FOSTER CARE PROVIDER NEEDED Ponoka - Parkland CLASS provides a specialized Foster Care service for children with developmental disabilities. Individuals or couples willing to open up their home have the opportunity to make an incredible difference in the life of a female teenager. As a Part Time (Relief) Provider you will offer support and care 1-2 weekends per month. This commitment involves the inclusion of the child in your regular family life.

Experience with youth with developmental disabilities, FASD, seizures and responding to behaviours of concern would be ideal. Knowledge of Aboriginal Culture and some related post-secondary education would be an asset. Individual must have a private room, be in a non-smoking environment, and play in a fenced yard. Driver’s license and transportation are required.

Part time Foster Care Providers receive a (tax free) remuneration paid per days worked. Parkland CLASS provides extensive training which all Foster Care Providers are required to take.

SALES & SERVICE

Motorcycles & ATV’s 403-783-5185 1-800-662-7135 Fax: 403-783-4635

Tues - Fri: 8:30 am-5:30 pm Saturday: 9 am-3 pm

GARBAGE COLLECTION

Please send a cover letter & resume to: Parkland CLASS, Human Resources 6010-45th Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 3M4 Fax: 403-342-2677 e-mail:hr@pclass.org Office & Phone Lines Closed

TUES. DEC. 25 & TUES. JAN. 1 Office & Phone Lines Closed WED. DEC. 26 - Boxing Day

PONOKA PUBLICATION DATES & DEADLINES WED. DEC. 26 Deadline is Thur. Dec. 20 @ NOON

WED. JAN. 2 Deadline is Fri. Dec. 28 @ NOON

We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Competition will remain open until a suitable applicant is found. www.parklandclass.org

THIS?

Don’t waste time sifting through garbage online.

Find what you need from a trusted source.

RIMBEY

28

PUBLICATION DATES & DEADLINES

TUES. DEC. 25 Deadline is Wed. Dec. 19 @ NOON TUES. JAN. 1 Deadline is Thurs. Dec. 27 @ NOON Happy Holidays from the Classified Staff

This space could be yours for $ PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311

OR THIS?

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

790

Medical

Oilfield

PONOKA NEWS Page 35

800

CENTRAL PEACE NATURAL GAS CO-OP LTD. requires full-time Gas Utility Operator. Experience, safety tickets an asset.

Clean valid driver’s licence Registered Nurse & required. Forward resume: Licensed Practical cpngc@telusplanet.net.

Fax 780-864-2044.

Nurse Mail: Box 119, Spirit River, The Rocky PCN requires T0H 3G0. the services of a 1.0 FTE Registered Nurse and a Licensed Practical Nurse CLASSIFIED Want Ads do in a 0.4 FTE to support more things for more people t h e C h r o n i c D i s e a s e than any other form of Management Program. advertising. Phone 1-877See our website at 223-3311 rockymedical.com/pcn for full listing EXP. LINE LOCATOR, We thank all those who apply, however only those H2S PSTS, 1st aid req’d. who will be offered an Min. 3 yrs. exp. Resume by fax 403-227-1398 or email interview will be contacted. info@accutechcanada.ca

SIMPLE!

It’s simple to run a Garage Sale Ad in the Classified section and make quick cash.

Phone Classifieds 1-877-223-3311.

Caregivers/ Aides

LOCAL SERVICE CO. REQ’S EXP. VACUUM TRUCK OPERATOR Must have Class 3 licence w/air & all oilfield tickets.

Fax resume w/drivers abstract to 403-886-4475

710 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

HEALTH CARE AIDE CASUAL AND FULL TIME POSITIONS

Preference to Certified Applicants Norquest Training available on site Apply in person to: Director of Care 4209-48 Ave. Ponoka, Alberta T4J 1P4 lross@northcottcarecentre.com 403-783-4764 At this time only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Janitorial

770

800

Oilfield

NOW LOCATED IN DRAYTON VALLEY. BREKKAAS Vacuum & Tank Ltd. Wanted Class 1 & 3 Drivers, Super Heater Operators with all valid tickets. Top wages, excellent benefits.

Please forward resume to: Email: dv@brekkaas.com.

Phone 780-621-3953 Fax 780-621-3959

PRODUCTION TESTING PERSONNEL REQ’D RETIREMENT & SAVINGS PLAN BENEFITS

Join Our Fast Growing Team!!

QUALIFIED DAY AND NIGHT SUPERVISORS

(Must be able to Provide own work truck)

Oilfield

SEEKING CLASS 1 DRIVERS with off-road fluid hauling experience. Will relocate.

Year round work. Above average wage, appealing benefit packages offered.

Trophy Buck Oilfield Services, Whitecourt, Alberta. Email resume: info@trophybuck.ca.

Fax 780-706-2389

TANKMASTER RENTALS requires CLASS 1 BED TRUCK Operators for Central Alberta. Competitive wages and benefits. m.morton@tankmaster.ca or fax 403-340-8818

CLASSIFIEDS Sell it Best! To place your ad phone 1-877223-3311 WANTED - WATER & VACUUM TRUCK OPERATORS. Class 3 w/Q-endorsement, H2S, First Aid, PST, CSTS. Mechanically inclined. Day-rate benefits.

Fax 403-934-3487.

Email: accounting @mjswaterhauling.com

FIELD OPERATORS Valid 1st Aid, H2S, Drivers License required!!

Please contact Murray McGeachy or Jamie Rempel by Fax: (403) 340-0886 or email mmcgeachy@ cathedralenergyservices.com jrempel@ cathedralenergyservices.com website: www. cathedralenergyservices. com Your application will be kept strictly confidential.

MORE sellers find buyers in the classifieds. 1-877-2233311.

Professionals

800

Restaurant/ Hotel

820

MCDONALD’S Restaurants in Ponoka, Lacombe, Gasoline Alley (East and West) and Stettler are now hiring full time TEAM LEADERS (Food Service Supervisors). Starting wage is between $11.05 to $13.00 per hour, depending upon previous experience and/or equivilent education.

All restaurants are 24 hours so applicants must be wlling to work flexible shifts, weekend, evenings and late nights. We offer benefits and opportunities for further advancement.

Apply in person, or on line at cbay22@telus.net or fax resume to 403-783-4251.

Trades

850

AN ALBERTA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY IS HIRING DOZER AND EXCAVATOR OPERATORS. Preference will be given to operators that are experienced in oilfield road and lease construction.

Lodging and meals provided.

The work is in the vicinity of Edson, Alberta. Alcohol & drug testing required.

Call Contour Construction at 780-723-5051.

CAM CLARK FORD OLDS is looking for full-time Journeyman Automotive Mechanic. Job details: Mon. to Fri, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Excellent wages and benefits. Family like atmosphere.

Ford experience an asset.

The successful candidate will join our team in the opening of the new store being built in 2013.

Fax resume to 1-403-556-3585 or email: jhn_lavoie@yahoo.ca or blake@camclarkford.com

EXPERIENCED Technician or Apprentice

required for GM dealership in Drumheller Medical benefits, good working conditions.

Must have clean driving record. Please fax or email resume to service manager.

Email: bob.thomas@ westerngmdrumheller.com Fax: 403-823-7237

Trades

850

MORGAN CONSTRUCTION & ENVIRONMENTAL LTD. - Looking for experienced Heavy Equipment Operators, Foremen & Labourers for work in oilfield & heavy civil construction projects.

Competitive wages, full benefits & opportunity for year round work.

Email resume: careers@mcel.ca.

Fax 780-960-8930 or apply in person: 702 Acheson Road, Acheson, Alberta.

PYRAMID CORPORATION IS NOW HIRING! Instrument Technicians and Electricians for various sites across Alberta.

Send resume to: hr@pyramidcorporation.com or fax 780-955-HIRE.

QUALIFIED ELECTRICIANS NEEDED True Power Electric Requires Residential exp. only Competitive wages & benefits.

Fax resume to: 403-314-5599

Required Exp’d Fabricator For a Ponoka Manufacturing Shop.

HOW can you make your phone ring & make some quick cash? Place your ad here. . .

Knowledge of ASME code bolt up, basic instrumentation and a commitment to excellence are prerequisites.

LARGE commercial . project, drywall, , steel stud, t-bar, taping , long term work. Benefits, 403-588-4614, 588-4615

Competitive wages with benefit packages available.

Interested candidates please send resume to admin@westcanfab.ca Of fax to 403-775-4014

MECH TECH HEAVY EQUIPMENT REPAIR LTD. mechtech.her@hotmail.com Journeyman Heavy Equipment Field Technician needed. Class 5 licence. onroad/offroad equipment exp. an asset.

Position in Ft.McMurray.

Call Justin 780-713-9049

TJ LOGGING OF WHITECOURT, ALBERTA is accepting resumes for experienced Heavy Duty Operators, Buncher, Hoe, Processor Dozer, Skidder, Delimber for immediate employment. Fax resume 780-778-2428.

810

Janitorial Services

Ponoka RCMP Detachment & Ponoka Town Hall The Town of Ponoka invites written proposals for the supply of janitorial services for two Town owned facilities. The Ponoka RCMP Detachment facility and the Ponoka Town Hall.

Complete proposal packages will be available to all interested contractors at the Ponoka Town Office (5102 – 48 Avenue). Please note that the successful candidate for the RCMP Janitorial contract requires security clearances through the RCMP. For more information contact Wes Amendt, Director of Community Services at 403-783-0118.

Proposals must be submitted in writing to the undersigned no later than 2:00 pm on Friday, January 4, 2013. Faxed or electronic mail submissions will be accepted.

Wes Amendt, Director of Community Services Town of Ponoka, 5102-48 Ave., Ponoka, AB T4J 1P7 Fax: 403-783-6745 Email: Wes.Amendt@ponoka.org

OUT OF SCHOOL CARE PROGRAM COORDINATOR 25 hours/week (Sept. - June) 40 hours/week (July - August) Required Qualifications: - Post-secondary education in relevant field - Exceptional people skills - Previous experience in child care - Current first aid certification - Ability to make a 1 year commitment Resumes will be accepted until January 18, 2013.

Position will commence January 29, 2013.

Please apply to: Ponoka Youth Centre Box 4115/#4 5004 54 St Ponoka, AB T4J 1R5 Phone: 783-3112 Fax: 783-3108 Email: beth@ponokayouthcentre.com

830

PARTS AND ACCESSORIES POSITION Knowledge of clothing and accessories an asset. Good working atmosphere.

Will train the right individual.

Full time position. Benefit package and competitive wages.

Please send your resume to: Hi-Line Polaris Suzuki 4723-39th Avenue, Wetaskiwin, Alberta, T9A 2J4 780-352-7887 • fax 780-352-1883 email: harleyl@hilinecnh.com

requires requiresan

ASSISTANT MANAGER

is currently seeking a

This is a FULL TIME (36 hr/wk) position with full benefits

DIRECTOR OF CARE Qualifications and skills include: • Must be a graduate of an accredited nursing program with current CARNA registration, • 5 years experience in the area of nursing administration in a supervisory position; experience in long term care is an asset.

• Ability to work both independently and as a team in a multi-disciplinary environment.

• Excellent leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Visit www.qualicarehealthservices.com for more details.

810

Job Opportunity

Sales & Distributors

Northcott Care Center REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Professionals

Full-time permanent position.

Competitive wage, health and dental benefits, RRSP program, and a positive working environment!

Apply with resume to: Hammy’s Spirits Bay 5, 4502 50 Street

Reached a Milestone?

Located on the east side of Ponoka, overlooking the scenic Battle River Valley, Northcott Care Center is a 73 bed nursing home committed to providing quality care to the residents of our community.

We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your employment future.

If you are interested in a rewarding career, please fax your resume to 780-418-6201. Email: bhalliday@citadelcarecentre.com Website: www.qualicarehealthservices.com

1-877-223-3311

Page 36 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

AG EQUIPMENT Darcy Zimmer - Sales North of Hwy 53 Phone: 403-588-8420 Ferdinand Harkema - Sales South of Hwy 53 Cell: 403-785-7149 Rick Cline - Store/Sales Manager Cell: 403-588-1957

PONOKA JOHN DEERE SALES & SERVICE

24 Hour Emergency Call 403-783-3337 Home Page: www.agroequipment.com

Hwy. 53 Ponoka Toll Free 877-783-3338 Ph. 403-783-3337 E-Mail: admin-ponoka@agroequipment.com

880

Misc.

Help

Trades

Geotechnical / Environmental Driller Assistants

'ULOOHU $VVLVWDQWV QHHGHG IRU RXU (GPRQWRQ RIÂżFH ,GHDO IRU SO007569 someone who is dependable, likes working outdoors, and wants WR JHW DKHDG %ULQJ D VWURQJ ZRUN HWKLF DQG ZLOOLQJQHVV WR OHDUQ DQG ZHÂśOO WUDLQ \RX IRU D UHZDUGLQJ FDUHHU 0HFKDQLFDO DSWLWXGH D SOXV 127 DQ RLOÂżHOG UHODWHG MRE Visit www.mobileaugers.com for details DQG WR VXEPLW UHVXPH

Are you interested in working in the RAIL industry?

General Manager Cell: (403) 783-0593 Bus: (403) 843-3700

Rimbey, AB

Fax: (403) 843-3430

RAILWAY SAFETY SUPERVISOR-EDMONTON CANDO, an employee-owned company that supplies specialized services to the rail industry, is currently seeking a safety supervisor for its railcar switching operation in Edmonton. The Railway Safety Supervisor is responsible, along with the Manager of Switching Operations, for leading Cando’s switch crews to ensure the service delivered to the customer is provided in the safest and most practicable and efficient manner.

SO00 SO 0076 7 92 With a focus on safety, top candidatesSO007692 will demonstrate initiative, strong organizational skills, the ability to work in a fast paced environment and previous or developing supervisory skills. Incumbents must meet and maintain regulatory and customer standards in various areas, and must have knowledge of and ability to perform railcar switching.

Cando currently operates four crews at the site—shifts are twelve hours in duration, five days on, five days off, with some service requirements beyond scheduled shifts. Shifts include day and night operations, 365 days a year.

SUBMIT RESUME Fax: 780-418-2365 Email: john.quirk@candoltd.com

candoltd.com

ANIMAL SERVICES

Calnash Trucking has an immediate opening for the following position:

DISPATCHER

AUTO SALES

BUYERS

Responsibilities include coordinating equipment and personnel for rig moves and service work. Computer skills and knowledge of the trucking industry, drilling rigs and oilďŹ eld equipment, transportation rules and regulations would be an asset. Will train right candidate.

COMPETITIVE WAGES & BENEFIT PACKAGE INCLUDED

Submit resume to: Calnash Trucking Ltd. 6526 - 44 Avenue, Ponoka, AB T4J 1J8 Fax: 403.783.3011 Email: hr@calnashtrucking.com Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please

RANDY MOHL

403-783-8008 Phone 783-8008 BUY - SELL - CONSIGN 5704 - Hwy 2A North, Ponoka, AB T4J 1M1

A & J AUTOMOTIVE A & J AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR JUST

$28

PER WEEK. REACHING 6000 HOUSEHOLDS PER WEEK.

Tornado Hydrovacs, a division of Petrofield Industries is accepting resumes for: Assembly Department: Industrial Painters, Electrical Technicians; Welders (Journeyman or Apprentice); and Labourers. Our Company has an enthusiastic, fast paced working environment with advancement for motivated individuals, and an excellent benefit package. Please forward resume to hr@ petrofield.com or Fax 403 742-1905

Truckers/ Drivers

860

PIZZA D’ORO

DRIVER WANTED WITH OWN VEHICLE Drop off resume #7, 5103 48 Ave BUSY CENTRAL AB company req’s exp’d. Class 1 drivers to pull decks.

Assigned truck, exc. wages and benefits pkg. Paid extras. Family orientated.

Resume and abstract fax to 403-784-2330 or call 1-877-787-2501 Mon,. - Fri,. 8 a m to 6 pm EQUAL TRANSPORT, EDSON, ALBERTA. Class 1 Drivers Needed.

Top wages paid!

H2S certified, off road experience required.

Company paid benefits & bonuses. Fluids hauling experience preferred.

Send resume & drivers abstract in confidence to: Email: edson@equaltransport.ca.

Fax 780-728-0068 REQUIRED FOR AN ALBERTA TRUCKING COMPANY: One Class 1 Driver.

Must have a minimum of 5 years experience pulling low boys and driving off road. Candidate must be able to pass a drug test and be willing to relocate to Edson, Alberta.

Scheduled days off.

Call Lloyd 780-723-5051

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

6701 - 46 Ave. 6701 46 Ave. Ponoka, AB - T4J 1J8 Ponoka, T4J 1J8 (403)AB783-8755 (403) 783-8755 Al Dickhaut Owner/Operator Al Dickhaut Owner/Operator

HEATING & EAVESTROUGHING

Great Career Opportunity!

Rimbey Implements Ltd.

Al York

850

12123QQ0

SPEEDWAY MOVING SYSTEMS REQUIRES O/O 1 tons to transport RVs throughout North America. We offer competitive rates and Co. fuel cards. Paid by direct deposit. Must have clean criminal record and passport to cross border.

1-866-736-6483; www. speedwaymovingsystems.com

Business Opportunities

870

NEW MONEY FOR NEW YEAR! Solutions to transform people’s lives physically/ financially.

Work from home; no experience required; paid daily/weekly.

Start today! 587-785-6800; Ms.3B3B@gmail.com

TOO MUCH STUFF? Let Classifieds help you sell it.

Commercial - Residential Installations - Repair 24hr Emergency Service 3912 - 66 St Ponoka, AB T4J 1J8 www.wcmltd.ca

Ph: 403.783.3501 Fax: 403.783.3531 wcmltd@telus.net

GUITAR LESSONS

Guitar Lessons Absolute Beginners to Advanced

Rock‘Pop ‘Blues ‘Jazz ‘

Call Brian 403 704 5608 CHILD SAFETY FREE CAR SEAT INSPECTION 3rd Wednesday of the month

By appointment only To register or for more information call Christine at 403.783.3987 or email christine_swift@cooperators.ca

3 Certified Inspectors on Staff Battle River Insurance Ltd. The Co-operators 5103 48 Ave, Bay #3 Ponoka, AB

VETERINARY SERVICES

Southwest Industrial Park 4102-64 St., Ponoka 403-783-5200 8 a.m. - 5 p.m Mon. to Sat. • Open late Thursday 24-hour Emergency Call Dr. Bill Frischke • Dr. Kelly Loree • Dr. Leighton Coma Dr. Trevor Hook • Dr. Emily Ames

PAINTING (1997) Residential & Commercial • Interior & Exterior • Wallpaper hanging • Free Estimates

Serving Ponoka & Central Alberta for the past 35 years.

Jerry Witvoet Jr. Ponoka, AB (403) 783-6335 Cell: (403) 783-1523

Reaching 6000 households weekly

For just

$28 per week this space could be yours!

403-783-3311

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

PONOKA NEWS Page 37

DENTISTRY

880

Misc.

Help

RIMBEYDENTALCARE DR. STEVE CALDER BS C DDS

Family Friendly Dentistry Box 1100 4905 50 St. Rimbey, AB T0C 2J0

Ph. (403) 843-2173 Fax: (403) 843-2607

DENTAL CARE

in Morningside is looking for a

Meat Wrapper

Part time 2 to 3 days Tuesday – Thursday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Starting wage $12/hr depending on experience

Call Valentin 403-783-5805

BIRCHLAND DENTAL CLINIC

- General Dentistry - Orthodontics - Cosmetic Dentistry - Bonding - Veneers - Bleaching - White or Gold Fillings - Crown and Bridge - Implant Restorations “WE ENTHUSIASTICALLY WELCOME NEW PATIENTS”

EYE CARE Drs. Heimdahl & ZoBell 403-783-5575 1-800-662-7168 WWW.4YOUREYESONLY.CA

-

•

5120-51ST AVE, PONOKA

ADVANCED EYE HEALTH & VISION EXAMS CONSULTATION & REFERRAL SERVICES DESIGNER EYE WEAR & CONTACT LENSES INSURED MEDICAL EYECARE SERVICES NOW AVAILABLE FOR ALL AGES

in Ponoka, has immediate opening for

SWAMPERS Please submit resumes to 6526 - 44 Ave Ponoka, AB T4J 1J8 Fax: 403-783-3011 or Email: hr@calnashtrucking.com INTERESTED IN THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER BUSINESS? Alberta’s weekly newspapers are looking for people like you. Post your resume online. FREE. Visit: www.awna.com/ resumes_add.php

OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311 HEATING

RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL • Heating • Ventilation • Air Conditioning Systems • Custom Metal Fabrication • Hearth Products PHONE: 403-783-7443 FAX: 403-783-7454 5210 - 50th Street Ponoka, AB 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Advertise your business in the Business Directory!

SUNRISE VILLAGE Supportive Living

Email or fax your resume to: Cindy Osmond, Administrator, Sunrise Village, 4004- 40th Street Close Ponoka, Alberta, T4J 0A3.

Email: cosmond@ sunrisevillages.com Phone: 403-783-3373 Fax: (403) 783-3324 www.sunrisevillages.com

Classifieds Your place to SELL Your place to BUY

TR BUILDERS

is seeking a F/T carpenter & F/T laborer for new home construction near Breton starting immed., ref’s and transportation r e q ’ d . P h o n e Ty l e r 780-696-2028 eves.

DANDY

8AM - 12:30PM • 1PM - 5PM

28

REQUIRED Shop Laborer Polisher Full or Part Time Crestomere area BANDIT INDUSTRIES 403-783-4284

880

Misc.

Help

NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME

This space could be yours for $

RCI (a Division of Park Paving) has an immediate opening for a full-time year-round Recycle Crushing Foreman and Operators (excavator/loader) in Edmonton. Send your resume via email to: employment @parkpaving.com or via fax to 780-424-5373

P/T Cook P/T Kitchen Aide

403-783-5225 • 403-783-5235 DR. HUGH PORTER • DR. RICK BARR DR. JEFF BARR • DR. GREG EDWARDS

880

has the following positions available:

PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY 5118 - 51 Ave., Ponoka, AB T4J 1R5

Misc.

Help

PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Electrical Enclosure & Power Division

POSITIONS ARE: • Electricians/Engineers • Panel shop Manager (Must have electrical journeyman designation)

• Executive Assistant • Electrical Project Managers • Sheet Metal Fabricator Full Benefit Package & Production Bonuses. Safe, Warm, Modern Working Environment.

Fax or E-mail your resume in confidence to: A.C. Dandy Products Ltd.

Fax: 780-352-2249

Email: acdandy@acdandy.com Employment Training

Employment Training

900

IF YOU’RE INTERESTED in real estate, then take Appraisal and Assessment, a specialized two-year business major at Lakeland College’s campus in Lloydminster, Alberta. Your training includes assessment principles, computerized mass appraisal valuation of properties, farmland evaluation and property analysis. Visit www.lakelandcollege.ca/ realestate or phone 1-800-661-6490, ext. 5429 LEARN FROM HOME. Earn from home.

Medical Transcriptionists are in demand.

Lots of jobs! Enrol today for less than $95 a month.

1-800-466-1535; www.canscribe.com; admissions@canscribe.com

Classifieds...costs so little Saves you so much!

WELL-PAID/ LOW-STRESS CAREER IN MASSAGE THERAPY. Get the best-quality RMT education in Alberta without giving up your day job! Visit www.mhvicarsschool.com or call 1-866-491-0574 for free career information

Business Services #1000 - #1430

Accounting .......................... 1010 Acupuncture........................1020 Advocate/Mediation ............1025 Antique Dealers & Stores ...1027 Automotive ..........................1029 Bands & DJ s ......................1030 Beauty/Cosmetic ................1040 Bookkeeping .......................1050 Cabinet Makers...................1054 Child Care/Caregivers.........1060 Carpentry............................1062 Car Rentals .........................1064 Cat Work .............................1065 Cleaning .............................1070 Clerical................................1080 Construction .......................1085 Consulting...........................1090 Contractors ......................... 1100 Computer Services ..............1110 Drafting & Design................ 1120 Eavestroughing ................... 1130 Educational ......................... 1140 Electrical ............................. 1150 Entertainment ..................... 1160 Escorts................................ 1165 Farm Equipment ................. 1168 Financial ............................. 1170 Fireplaces ........................... 1175 Flooring............................... 1180 Food/Catering ..................... 1190 Furnace Cleaning ............... 1193 Glass Shops ....................... 1196 Mobile Glass Shops............ 1197 Handyman Services ...........1200 Health Care......................... 1210 Income Tax .........................1220 Insurance ............................ 1130 Landscaping .......................1240 Land Mapping .....................1250 Legal Services ....................1260 Limousine Services ............1270 Massage Therapy ...............1280 Mechanical .........................1285 Misc. Services ....................1290 Moving & Storage ...............1300 Oilfield .................................1305 Painters/Decorators ............ 1310 Personal Services ............... 1315 Pet Services ....................... 1318 Photography .......................1320 Plumbing & Heating ............1330 Printing................................1335 Rental - Equipment .............1340 Rental - Misc .......................1350 Repair Service ....................1360 Roofing ...............................1370 Snow Removal....................1380 Travel ..................................1385 Upholstery ..........................1390 Well Drilling ........................1400 Welding ............................... 1410 Window Cleaning ................1420 Yard Care ............................1430

Financial

1170

DO YOU NEED to borrow money - Now? If you own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits will lend you money - It’s that simple.

1-877-486-2161.

DROWNING IN DEBTS? Helping Canadians 25 years. Lower payments by 30% or cut debts 70% thru Settlements.

Avoid bankruptcy!

Free consultation; www.mydebtsolution.com or toll free 1-877-556-3500 MONEYPROVIDER.COM. $500 loan and +. No credit refused. Fast, easy, 100% secure. 1-877-776-1660.

Legal Services

1260

CRIMINAL RECORD? Have it removed.

Canada’s premier record removal provider since 1989. BBB A+ rating.

Confidential, fast & affordable.

Free information booklet.

1-8-NOW-PARDON (1-866-972-7366); RemoveYourRecord.com.

Cleaning

1070

Legal Services

1260

CRIMINAL RECORD? Think: Canadian pardon.

U.S. travel waiver.

(24 hour record check).

Divorce? Simple. Fast.

Inexpensive. Debt recovery?

Alberta collection to $25,000.

Calgary 403-228-1300 or 1-800-347-2540; www. accesslegalresearch.com

Misc.

Services

1290

DISCONNECTED PHONE? Phone Factory Home Phone Service.

No one refused!

Low monthly rate!

Calling features and unlimited long distance available.

Call Factory today!

1-877-336-2274; www.phonefactory.ca NEED TO ADVERTISE? Province wide classifieds.

Reach over 1 million readers weekly.

Only $259. + GST (based on 25 words or less).

Call this newspaper NOW for details or call 1-800-282-6903 ext. 228.

Cleaning

1070

PHILCAN JANITORIAL SERVICES We offer cleaning services for home, commercial, office, large or small One time, weekly or monthly Including floor stripping, waxing, scrubbing and polishing Contract or subcontract We are based here in Ponoka

Please call 403-790-6226 or 403-872-4855 email: arielfajardo1729@yahoo.ca

1160

Entertainment

1160

Entertainment

DJ Service

LIGHTS & SOUND SYSTEM EV & JBL SPEAKERS • DISCO LIGHTS LASERS • FOG MACHINE STROBE LIGHT • BLACK LIGHT For Birthday parties, weddings, school dances, anniversaries, family reunions, company parties and more!

Call Abe at 403-790-1801 Misc.

Services

1290

Misc.

Services

1290

Used appliances available Six month warranty

900

Berni's a div. of Kokotilo Holdings Inc. Funded in part by the Government of Canada.

SO007393 PREPARE FOR A CAREER IN FIREFIGHTING & POLICING

MÉTIS EMERGENCY SERVICES PREPARATION 1-888-48-MÉTIS

Refrigeration and Appliance Service We deliver and install your purchases.

403-783-4880

Misc.

Services

1290

JUST MOVED? Our Hostess’ Gifts and Information are the Key to Your New Community.

Heather Goodwin 403-704-3647 heathermccg@shaw.ca

IRONMAN Scrap Metal Recovery is picking up scrap again! Farm machinery, vehicles and industrial.

Serving central Alberta.

403-318-4346

Personal Services

1315

Unplanned pregnancy may be difficult to face.

We care. For confidential help call 403-343-1611 (24 hrs.)

DATING SERVICE. Long-term/short-term relationships. Free to try!

1-877-297-9883.

Live intimate conversation, Call #7878 or 1-888-534-6984.

Live adult 1on1 Call 1-866-311-9640 or #5015.

Meet local single ladies.

1-877-804-5381. (18+).

GET 50% OFF - Join Herbal Magic this week and get 50% off.

Lose weight quickly, safely and keep it off, proven results!

Call Herbal Magic today!

1-800-854-5176.

TRUE PSYCHICS! 4 Answers call now 24/7 Toll Free 1-877-342-3036; Mobile: # 4486; http://www.truepsychics.ca

Pet Services

1318

CLINKERS KENNELS * Quality Boarding for your dogs & cats *Proof of vaccinations and advance bookings required HOURS: Mon - Thurs 9 am - 12 Noon; 4 pm - 6 pm; Fri. 9 am - 12 Noon; 4 pm - 7 pm; Sat. 9 a.m. - 12 noon; Sun. 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. & 4 - 7 p.m.

403-783-6272

www.clinkerskennels.ca

Page 38 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

VETERINARY SERVICES

Ponoka Veterinary Clinic Dr. Murray Jacobson Dr. Clayton West Dr. Ashley Shannon

Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 5 pm Sat. 9 am - 4:30 pm

24 Hr. Emergency 403-783-4348

5502 - Hwy 2A Ponoka, AB

T4J 1M1

CUSTOM TUB GRINDING • Different screens for bedding & feed • 600 HP truck driven for fast grinding • Minimum Charge 2 HRS @ $220/HR

Rental Misc

1350

Need RV or Self Storage?

8’ X 10’ mini storage units available for rent.

Also RV storage.

Secure compound.

Call Keith at

First Call Towing

783-3636 Snow Removal

1380

SNOW REMOVAL CALL LEEN VOGELAAR 403-704-0919

WATER WELL DRILLING SERVICES

Building Supplies

Last sale at this location DEC. 19

Resuming weekly sales Wed. Jan. 16, 2012 @ 6 pm. at the Moose Hall 2 miles south of Ponoka on Hyw. 2A Items sold off the floor after Dec. 19

Event Tickets

BIG STRAPPER AUCTIONS 4625-46 Street, Lacombe, south of Tim Horton’s.

We buy for cash SALES WED. @6 pm.

1610

SEE OPRAH LIVE. Monday, January 21 in Edmonton. Tickets from $299 each with courier delivery included. Call Dash Tours and Tickets at 1-800-365-0000.

One call and you’re there.

ANTIQUE SALE 1st SUN. OF THE MONTH AT 1 P.M. 403-782-5693 www.bigstrapperauctions.net

MEIER GUN AUCTION. Saturday, December 22, 11 a.m., 6016 - 72A Ave., Edmonton. Over 200 guns - handguns, rifles, shotguns, miscellaneous.

Call to consign 780-440-1860.

1550

STEEL BUILDINGS/Metal Buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owned!

Call 1-800-457-2206; www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

Household Appliances

1710

FULL size fridge $350; 30� range $275; HD washer $275; all cycle dryer $175; built in dishwasher $175, all in good cond, can deliver 403-341-9660

SMART shoppers read the Classifieds. 1-877-223-3311.

Misc. for

1550

Your water well solution for over 30 years • Specializing in water wells with PVC casing • Government grants in effect for farmers • New pumps & pressure system installation • Same day service - on most pump & pressure system repairs

WATER WELL DRILLING SERVICES

1530

1760

- Acreages Sale Building - Driveways Supplies NEVER SHOCK CHLORINATE AGAIN! - Commercial lots LOOKING FOR A SHOP? Newly Patented!

PHONE Kyle 403-391-1738 Kevin 780-361-3752

Call Cliff today for a free estimate (403) 350-0106

Auctions

Buy & Sell #1500 - #1990

Welding

1410

Post Frame Buildings.

AFAB Industries has experience, expertise, reliability and great construction practices.

For a free quote, contact Ryan Smith 403-818-0797 or email: ryan.afab@gmail.com

“Kontinuous Shok�

Chlorinator. No mess: Effective year round eliminating bacterial growth, smell and slime.

Inexpensive.

Phone 1-800-BIG-IRON; www.bigirondrilling.com

METAL ROOFING & SIDING. Best prices!

36� Hi-Tensile TUFF-Rib 29ga. Galvalume $.67 sq. ft. Colours $.82 sq. ft.

40 Year Warranty.

ALTA-WIDE Builders Supplies 1-888-263-8254.

Welding

Dogs

1840

BORDER COLLIE PUPS from excellent working Pedigrees at That’ll Do Ranch. For more info call Elvin Kopp 780-682-2143 email: kopp81@gmail.com

1410

Travel Packages

Darcy’s Drilling Services

1900

HAWAII ON THE MAINLAND, healthy low-cost living can be yours. Modern Arenal Maleku Condominiums, 24/7 secured Community, Costa Rica “friendliest country on earth�!

1-780-952-0709; www.CanTico.ca.

• water wells drilled & serviced • new pump & pressure system installations • all types of pump repairs • well shocking Darcy Schmidt Ph: (403) 783-2220 Fax: (403) 783-8828

ECKLUND Water Well Service

• Install & Service Pumps • Shock Wells • Pressure Systems Serviced & Installed Home: (403) 783-3712 Cell: (403) 704-3413

Advertise your business in the Business Directory!

• B-PRESSURE • PIPELINE • OILFIELD • ASME Section VIII Division I VESSEL FABRICATION & PIPING • SHOP/PORTABLE • CNC PLASMA CUTTING • ALUMINUM • SHEARING & FORMING

Agricultural #2000 - #2290 Grain, Feed Hay

MAIN: (403) 783-7591 FAX: (403) 783-8178 Website: www.harbinwelding.com E-mail: bharbin@telus.net

Well Drilling

1400

Well Drilling

2190

HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola.

Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed.

Buying damaged or offgrade grain. “On Farm Pickup�

Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-250-5252

2190

ROUND wild Hay Bales for Sale $20.00 each no rain good condition ........SOLD!!..........

1400

Well Drilling

1400

RURAL WATER TREATMENT

)RON &ILTERS s 3OFTENERS s $ISTILLERS Tell them Danny s 2EVERSE /SMOSIS s +ONTINUOUS 3HOK #HLORINATOR Hooper sent you

0ATENTED 7HOLE (OUSE 2EVERSE /SMOSIS 3YSTEM SO005352

For Rent #3000 - #3200 Houses/ Duplexes

#HECK OUR WEBSITE FOR LOCAL REPS AND PHONE NUMBERS

Visit us online at www.BigIronDrilling.com !LSO VIEW OUR 29 PATENTED AND PATENT PENDING INVENTIONS

03 7E ALSO SELL 3OFTENERS 0URIlERS FOR 4OWN #ITY WATER

SHANDALL PLUMBING LTD. JAMES AVERY “Reasonable rates on all your plumbing needs�

Gas Fitting - Home Renovations - Drain Cleaning -24 HOUR SERVICE-

PLUMBING

PONOKA PLUMBING & HEATING

3020

3 bdrm 1 bath duplex with four appliances. Newer laminate flooring, very clean. Town utilities incl. $850/month plus D.D. N/S, N/P Available Dec 1

780-997-0505

We now carry a complete line of Ritchie Stockwater parts

JESSE ZINTER Office - 403-783-5489

This space could be yours for $

2+1 BEDROOM 2 bath house, Ponoka

28

4 appliances, single garage.

New paint, no pets, no smoking. $1000 mo. d.d. same. Avail. Jan. 1st 2013.

403-783-4993

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311

3 BDRM. Duplex, 4 appls., rent $850 + utils. avail.

Jan. 1, 403-783-3860 AVAILABLE Jan 1, 2013 / $1100 + utilities , DD $1100; 3 bdrm., 1.5 baths 4 appls., n/s, no pets,.

References required 403-783-2370

Condos/ Townhouses

PORTABLE TOILET RENTALS

tleJONS’ t i L 3030 Hand Wash Stations Handicap Units Trailer Units New Solar Powered Units with Running Water

NEWER 3 BDRM. condo, 5 appls., close to school., $1000/mo. PONOKA 403-348-3971 or 783-0663

Manufactured Homes

3040

RIMBEY 2 BDRM. $750/mo,+ elec/.gas Lora 403-704-5992

4 Plexes/ 6 Plexes

3050

AVAIL. immed. in Ponoka 2 bdrm. spacious downstairs suite in 4 plex. 4 apps., N/S, NO PETS, $675 rent & d.d., Call 403-704-1706 Vicki or Mel RIMBEY 2 bdrm. 2 levels with balcony, brand new flooring, 4 appls, inclds. heat/water, 403-843-4894 RIMBEY light spacious 1 bdrm. laundry storage and parking provided, incl. heat and water, $650/mo.+ d.d.

403-843-4894

Suites

Hours of Business: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 5 pm

5110 -50 Street Box 4414 Ponoka, Alberta T4J 1R7

2 BDRMS 1/2 duplex Ponoka, single att. garage, prefer mature tenant, $800/mo. + utils., $800 d.d., no pets, n/s, avail.

Jan. 1. Call Mary 403-783-6609

3060

4IME 0AYMENT 0LAN / ! #

")' )2/.

PLUMBING

5306 - 60 ST, PONOKA, AB T4J 1K7 PH: (403) 783-6372 • FAX (403) 783-6345

AVAIL. now, mobile home incl., all appls.. , $950/mo., $950 d.d., incl. all utils. inclusive, NW of Bentley 403-748-2819

Email: darcysdrillingservices@hotmail.com

WATER WELL SERVICE

Grain, Feed Hay

2 bdrm bsmt suite $800/mth plus D.D. All utilities included Available Immediately

403-704-1692

Book On-Line Serving Central Today!

Alberta

403.783.8322

www.littlejons.ca

Reaching 6000 households weekly for just

$

28

PER WEEK

This space could be yours!

403-783-3311 TRAVEL

JULIE’S TRAVEL Julie Evans 403-783-4954 403-704-3584

“CertiďŹ ed to sell travel with knowledge you can trustâ€?

email: juliestravel@telus.net www.juliestravel.ca

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

Suites

3060

Downtown Ponoka One bdrm Apartment No Smoking No Pets

403-357-0654 Large 3 bdrm basement suite with large windows, close to downtown. Water & heat included. No pets.

PONOKA NEWS Page 39

Suites

3060

PONOKA: 2 bedroom apartment, blinds, heat, water, fridge, stove. Adult building, no children, no pets. (403)783-5434 RIMBEY, 1 bdrm. suite, most utils. included.

Available Dec. 29, $550 rent/d.d.

No pets, 403-318-1334

* RIVERSIDE APTS. * Newly renovated 1 & 2 bedroom units in Ponoka: 3724-45 Street.

403-357-0287

Available immediately

403-783-6241 ** FOR RENT ** WOODRIDGE 2 bdrm. apartments $725/mo.

Includes heat & water.

No pets. non smokers Avail. immed.

Contact Sandra Lyon at First Choice Realty (Ponoka) Ltd. 403-783-8881 FURNISHED BACHELOR SUITE FOR RENT IN PONOKA TV & utils. incld. $550/mo.

403-963-0204 PONOKA 1 bdrm. apt. heat & water included, power is extra, next to firehall. Laundry on site.

Rent $500+ DD avail. immed. 403-392-7450 PONOKA. immed. avail. spacious 2 bdrm. bsmt. suite, w/4 appls., newly painted, separate entrance, no pets, quiet, n/s people only, 403-704-1645

Houses/ Duplexes

4090

Manufactured Homes

UNITED HOMES CANADA has a wide variety of stock units that must go!

Visit our Heated display gallery today!

148 East Lake Blvd., Airdrie 1-800-461-7632; www. unitedhomescanada.com

CLASSIFIED Want Ads do more things for more people than any other form of advertising. Phone 1-877223-3311

3020

PROPERTIES FOR RENT COMMERCIAL

3000 sq ft commercial building downtown. Good retail/office space on Chipman Ave. For sale or lease.

RESIDENTIAL

3 bdrm condo c/w attached garage, fridge, stove and dishwasher. $1150/mo. Available Jan. 1/13 • All residences are no smoking and no pets damage/security deposit same as rent unless stated otherwise.

Applications and references required for all properties. Working people preferred.

Contact Ernie Anderson at Greig Holdings Inc. @ 403-783-8580 Bay 6, 5012 50 Street, Ponoka, Alberta

4020

Transportation #5000-5300 Cars

5030

FORD, CHEVY, DODGE, TOYOTA & MORE. Vehicles from $47/week with bad credit or no credit.

Bankruptcy OK. $0 down options. Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Minivans.

1-888-222-0663.

Apply online at www.canadadrives.ca.

Real Estate #4000 - #4190

GREIG HOLDINGS INC.

Houses For Sale

Public Notices

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS

Estate of Norma Irene Connell who died on September 17, 2012 If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by January 20, 2013 with Evelyn Start, Executor at 5028-58 St, Lacombe, AB T4L 1K7 and provide details of your claim.

Public Notice #6000

Public Notices ..................6010 Special Features ..............6050

EASY!

The easy way to find a buyer for items you want to sell is with a Classified want ad. Phone 1-877-2233311

Our favourite memories of Christmases past

6010

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

TELL it all! Tell it well! Make your ads sell for you by giving full description of goods or services offered. Include prices and terms. Phone 1-877-223-3311 for a friendly ad taker.

s•

• rses

le and

ices

Sp

C

Pu

Whatever your sell...

Advertise it here!

1-877-223-3311 are

Kit

• chen

p

keu

Ma

rw ppe • Tu

As we joyfully prepare to • Christmas Day is always so celebrate another festive sea- exciting because after we helped son, we will hopefully be able to pick up all the crumpled wrapgather together with family and ping paper we were more than friends, to sit around that bounti- happy to go to our rooms and ful table full of Christmas cheer, try out those new toys, games, and to share the gifts and giving clothes, and all the rest. Later in of this most glorithe morning we ous occasion. No were encouraged matter what age to clean up, dress we may be, we all up, and then quilove to snuggle etly wait for the together around company to arthe fire, admire rive, all the time the fabulous suffering through tree that we crethose amazing ated, while sitting tummy teasing back, nibbling aromas that were on goodies, and coming from Mike Rainone sharing our famom’s out-ofHammertime vourite memories bounds kitchen. of Christmases As usual everyone past. just sat around There is absolutely nothing and nibbled on treats or sipped more precious than watching the drinks before dinner but would overwhelming excitement and always find lots of room for an joy of our children at this time ample portion of that glorious of the year, their eyes sparkling festive feast. After dishes it was and hardly able to wait for Santa back to visiting, as well getting to arrive. After just seven more to chat on the phone with grandsleeps they will be dressed and parents or family who couldn’t wide awake under the covers make it home for the holidays. early Christmas morning just • On Boxing Day we were told waiting to be let loose upon to sleep in and make our own the festive fantasy in the living breakfast while the adults rushed room. As parents we always to the sales but we decided to tried to organize the morning get dressed and go outside to and insist on breakfast first, as go skating, sliding on the golf grandparents we slowly shuffled course hill, or to check out what out, found a soft chair in which the neighbourhood kids had to relax and watch the mayhem, found under their tree. and as teens we wondered why Christmas greetings to all we had to get up so early but did old friends (by D.A. Morrow because we didn’t want to miss 1948) anything. I know that we will all “Should auld acquaintances have so many fond memories of be forgot”, Christmas, both yesterday and Should we no longer care today, and I would like to share to hear from those we call ‘old some of mine with all of you. friends’ to know how they fare?

• Who could ever forget those Ah no! At least at Christmas neat school and church concerts, time we should a message send, dressing up and acting like an Although ’twere but a card angel or a wise man, or getting to greet each old-time friend. to sing in the choir, sometimes I’ve passed my own threeout of tune, but it always sound- score-and-ten a full three years ed just great! ago, • A couple of weeks before the And as the years slip swiftly big day many of us got to bundle by, old friendships dearer grow. up real warm and go out into the Each year the list grows bush with our family to pick and smaller yet, each year old father chop down a Christmas tree. If time, we behaved and didn’t eat too Doth take a heavy toll of many we got to make popcorn strings, then help with the deco- those who were your friends and rations on the lower bows of our mine.

And so in memory’s name, spruce masterpiece. If you were my dear, come place your hand the littlest duffer in the clan, you got hoisted up by dad to place in mine, And you and I will drink a that magnificent angel on the toast to “The days of Auld Lang top!

• Remember going to the church Syne!”

Please celebrate this holiservice on Christmas Eve, then driving around the community day season to the fullest with all looking at the fabulous light dis- those who mean the most to you plays, and finally going home to and yours, always remembering enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, the true meaning of Christmas, saving some of course for that and the magic and joy of caring jolly old visitor with the long and sharing with others, espewhite beard? You didn’t have cially those who may be alone, to be coaxed too much to go to shut-ins, or not as fortunate as bed early, but there were always some.

A very Merry Christmas and those visions of sugar plums and two weeks holiday break from a Happy New Year to your family school dancing around in our from mine, and in the meantime, busy heads. have a great week, all of you!

OFFER ENDS DECEMBER 25 T H

THE SIMPLE

SALES EVENT

2013

ESCAPE

$

186 4.99 **

@

$ SE FWD 2.0L ECOBOOST®

WELL- EQUIPPED FOR ONLY

$

26,499 *

OR

BI-WEEKLY PURCHASE FINANCING

%

APR

1,000

VISIT ALBERTAFORD.CA OR YOUR ALBERTA FORD STORE FOR DETAILS.

GET UP TO

$

IN REBATES

2013

F-150

$

FOR 72 MONTHS WITH $1,500 DOWN OR EQUIVALENT TRADE. FOR 72 MONTHS WITH $1,700 DOWN OR EQUIVALENT TRADE. FOR 72 MONTHS WITH $1,900 DOWN OR EQUIVALENT TRADE.

OFFERS INCLUDE $3,000 OFFERS INCLUDE $7,500 OFFERS INCLUDE $5,500

IN MANUFACTURER REBATES AND $1,650 FREIGHT AND AIR TAX. IN MANUFACTURER REBATES AND $1,700 FREIGHT AND AIR TAX. IN MANUFACTURER REBATES AND $1,650 FREIGHT AND AIR TAX.

221 4.99 **

@

7,500 †

ON VIRTUALLY ALL NEW MODELS.

12123MF0

SUPER CAB 5.0L XLT 4X4

$ PAYLOAD†† TOWING†† POWER†††

2013

%

APR

EDGE

WELL- EQUIPPED FOR ONLY

31,499 *

OR

BI-WEEKLY PURCHASE FINANCING

$ SEL FWD AUTO

WELL- EQUIPPED FOR ONLY

$

29,999 *

OR

BI-WEEKLY PURCHASE FINANCING

209 4.99 **

@

%

APR

ELIGIBLE COSTCO MEMBERS RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL

PLUS

▲

IT'S THAT SIMPLE.

ON MOST NEW 2012 AND 2013 MODELS

WISE BUYERS READ THE LEGAL COPY: Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers may be cancelled at any time without notice. Dealer order or transfer may be required as inventory may vary by dealer. See your Ford Dealer for complete details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. †Until December 25, 2012, receive $750/ $1,000/ $1,250/ $1,500/ $1,750/ $2,000/ $3,000/ $3,500/ $3,750/ $4,000/ $4,750/ $5,000/ $5,500/ $6,000/ $6,500/ $7,500 in Manufacturer Rebates with the purchase or lease of a new 2013 Edge SE/ Fiesta S, Flex SE, Explorer Base, Transit Connect, E-Series/ Focus ST, Fusion Hybrid/ Focus S, Focus BEV, Mustang V6 Coupe, Taurus SE, F-150 Regular Cab XL 4x2 (value Leader)/Fusion (excluding Hybrid)/ CMAX, F-350 to F-550 Chassis Cabs/ Explorer (excluding Base), Escape (excluding S)/Fiesta (excluding S), Flex (excluding SE)/ Mustang V6 Premium/ Focus (excluding S, ST and BEV), F-250 to F-450 (excluding Chassis Cabs) Gas engine / Mustang GT, Edge AWD (excluding SE)/ Expedition / Taurus (excluding SE), Edge FWD (excluding SE), F-150 Regular Cab (excluding XL 4x2) non 5.0L/ F-150 Regular Cab (excluding XL 4x2) 5.0L, F-250 to F-450 (excluding Chassis Cabs) Diesel Engine/F-150 Super Cab and Super Crew non 5.0L/F-150 Super Cab and Super Crew 5.0L– all Raptor, GT500, BOSS302, Transit Connect EV and Medium Truck models excluded. This offer can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford of Canada at either the time of factory order or delivery, but not both. Manufacturer Rebates are not combinable with any fleet consumer incentives. *Purchase a new 2013 Escape SE FWD with 2.0L EcoBoost engine/2013 Edge SEL FWD with Automatic transmission/2013 F-150 XLT Super Cab 4x4 with 5.0L engine for $26,499/$29,999/$31,499. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after Manufacturer Rebate of $3,000/$5,500/$7,500 has been deducted. Offers include freight and air tax $1,650/$1,650/$1,700 but exclude optional features, administration and registration fees (administration fees may vary by dealer), fuel fill charge and all applicable taxes. Manufacturer Rebates can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford of Canada at either the time of factory order or delivery, but not both. Manufacturer Rebates are not combinable with any fleet consumer incentives. **Until December 25, 2012, receive 4.99% annual percentage rate (APR) purchase financing on a new 2013 Escape SE FWD with 2.0L EcoBoost engine/2013 Edge SEL FWD with Automatic transmission/2013 F-150 XLT Super Cab 4x4 with 5.0L engine for a maximum of 72 months to qualified retail customers, on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit. Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest APR payment. Purchase financing monthly payment is $402/$452/$480 (the sum of twelve (12) monthly payments divided by 26 periods gives payee a bi-weekly payment of $186/$209/$221 with a down payment of $1,500/$1,900/$1,700 or equivalent trade-in. Cost of borrowing is $3,980.37/$4,473.96/$4,744.63 or APR of 4.99% and total to be repaid is $28,979.37/$32,572.96/$34,543.63. Offers include a Manufacturer Rebate of $3,000/$5,500/$7,500 and freight and air tax of $1,650/$1,650/$1,700 but exclude optional features, administration and registration fees (administration fees may vary by dealer), fuel fill charge and all applicable taxes. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after Manufacturer Rebate deducted. Bi-Weekly payments are only available using a customer initiated PC (Internet Banking) or Phone Pay system through the customer’s own bank (if offered by that financial institution). The customer is required to sign a monthly payment contract with a first payment date one month from the contract date and to ensure that the total monthly payment occurs by the payment due date. Bi-weekly payments can be made by making payments equivalent to the sum of 12 monthly payments divided by 26 bi-weekly periods every two weeks commencing on the contract date. Dealer may sell for less. Offers vary by model and not all combinations will apply. ▲Offer only valid from December 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013 (the “Offer Period”) to resident Canadians with a Costco membership on or before November 30, 2012. Use this $1,000CDN Costco member offer towards the purchase or lease of a new 2012/2013 Ford vehicle (excluding Fiesta, Focus, Fusion HEV & Energi, C-Max, Raptor, GT500, Mustang Boss 302, Transit Connect EV & Medium Truck) (each an “Eligible Vehicle”). The Eligible Vehicle must be delivered and/or factory-ordered from your participating Ford/Lincoln dealer within the Offer Period. Offer is only valid at participating dealers, is subject to vehicle availability, and may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. Only one (1) offer may be applied towards the purchase or lease of one (1) Eligible Vehicle, up to a maximum of two (2) separate Eligible Vehicle sales per Costco Membership Number. Offer is transferable to persons domiciled with an eligible Costco member. This offer can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford Motor Company of Canada at either the time of factory order (if ordered within the Offer Period) or delivery, but not both. Offer is not combinable with any CPA/GPC or Daily Rental incentives, the Commercial Upfit Program or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). Applicable taxes calculated before $1,000CDN offer is deducted. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offer, see dealer for details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. ††When properly equipped. Max. towing of 11,300 lbs with 3.5L EcoBoost 4x2 and 4x4 and 6.2L 2 valve V8 4x2 engines. Max. payload of 3,120 lbs with 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine. Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs GVWR vs. 2012/2013 competitors. †††Max. horsepower of 411 and max. torque of 434 on F-150 6.2L V8 engine. Class is Full–Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs GVWR vs. 2012/2013 comparable competitor engines. ©2012 Sirius Canada Inc. “SiriusXM”, the SiriusXM logo, channel names and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. and are used under licence. ©2012 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

Page 40 PONOKA NEWS Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

albertaford.ca

Available in most new Ford vehicles with 6-month pre-paid subscription