Ponoka News, January 21, 2015

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Vol. 67, No. 4 | WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21, 2015 | 403-783-3311 | EDITORIAL@PONOKANEWS.COM

St. Augustine JV Kings lose to Wetaskiwin Story on page 22

The pioneer way of work and play Story on page 5

Hockey fundraiser!

St. James Gate band members entertain folks at Ponoka Minor Hockey’s fundraising night Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Stagecoach Saloon.

Please see our story on page 14.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

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2 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Council can’t decide on tax exemption request

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Town council will have to revisit a request for property tax exemption after hearing a non-profit agency rents the building.

The request came from Murray Wedin, of 103435 Developments, owner of the Wedin’s Professional Building, to town council Tuesday, Jan. 13 during the regular council meeting.

Wedin asked for a 2015 property tax exemption as the Ponoka Parent Link Centre, a not-for-profit agency, rents from him on 5012 48 Avenue.

Administration recommended the request be denied as non-profits are eligible for exemption only if they own the building they operate in.

Coun. Carla Prediger agreed with administration and suggested approving the request would set a precedent for other landlords renting to non-profit agencies but Coun. Teri Underhill disagreed.

She says there are some for profit groups that rent property from the Town of Ponoka at low rates. “I don’t know if we haven’t already opened that door.”

Mayor Rick Bonnett said he was on the fence with the decision because he feels the Ponoka Parent Link Centre offers vital services to the community. “You’re sitting on a group that has done great things for the Town of Ponoka.”

Bonnett asked program co-ordinator Andrea Ramage about the centre and she replied that the rate they pay is less than market value.

“It’s an all-inclusive and it is unbelievably generous.”

“He’s basically giving the space to the families of Ponoka,” said Ramage.

She added before moving they did look at public property such as the Provincial Building but there was no vacancy there.

Coun. Sandra Lyon said the Parent Link Centre also approached the town on a different building. “This was the same group that approached us last year for the Hudson’s Green (Nature and Activity Centre) and we denied them.”

Council defeated the request to deny tax exemption, which means it will have to revisit the matter for a decision.

Mayor Bonnett, Councillors Tim Falkiner, Lyon and Underhill voted against denying the

request and Councillors Marc Yaworski, Loanna Gulka and Carla Prediger voted in favour of denying the request.

Council denies a request to reverse tax penalties A request from Philip Gormley to reverse tax penalties of $417.66 was denied.

Council received the request during their regular meeting after hearing that Gormley purchased a modular home on #58 6205 54 Street in 2012. He did pay all tax arrears once he realized the error but hoped to have the penalties reversed After reading that Gormley was advised to register with the Town of Ponoka at the time of purchase but did not, council unanimously agreed that he should pay the penalties.

Kinettes request declined Nominations Now Open Red Deer College is now accepting nominations for the awards that are presented annually at RDC’s Convocation:

G.H. Dawe Memorial Award of Excellence This memorial award is presented by RDC to a community member who best exemplifies the values of Mr. George Harold Dawe (1910-1999), cofounder of RDC and first administrative officer.

The recipient will have demonstrated excellence in the characteristics of the late Harold Dawe, including: • Commitment to the community, education and student success • Prominent leadership in the community • Personal warmth and generosity coupled with high integrity and ethical standards • Keen vision and appreciation for RDC In the nomination package, please include the nominee’s name, address and telephone number. A cover letter expressing your reasons for nominating the individual which includes a description of his or her achievements, along with three letters of support, should also be provided to the G.H. Dawe Selection Committee at Red Deer College.

Each nomination is considered by the Selection Committee for three consecutive years.

Nominations are reviewed annually and the recipients will be honoured at the RDC Convocation Ceremony on June 5, 2015.

Nominations should be forwarded to: G.H. Dawe Selection Committee, Red Deer College 15013RR0 P.O. Box 5005, Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 5H5 Attn: Elaine Vandale, Executive Director, Board & Corporate Relations Phone: 403.342.3259 | Fax: 403.341.4899 | Email: elaine.vandale@rdc.ab.ca

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

A request to the Town of Ponoka by the Ponoka Kinettes to donate labour and services for the Centennial Park Playground project has been denied.

Town councillors turned down the request Tuesday, Jan. 13 during a regular meeting over concerns of liability and staff availability during a busy season.

“That would mean we’d have to have it (services) after hours and on the weekend,” explained CAO Rachel Kunz.

She said providing equipment to volunteers of the project would probably be a liability as the town only insures employees.

If staff volunteered and got hurt using town equipment that would also be a liability, as an injury would not be covered by workers’ compensation.

Coun. Carla Prediger suggested the request should have come earlier. “If you’re looking at something that’s labour intensive versus monetary, you’ve got to give us some time.”

Mayor Rick Bonnett agreed. “It could’ve been arranged at budget time.”

The Kinettes and Lions Club are working together to build a new playground at Centennial Park and have already received $25,000 from the town to help with the project.

Council denies request to increase recreation rates

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Town council denied administration’s request to

increase recreation rates by three per cent for 2015.

The request came to council Tuesday, Jan. 13

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Commercial • Residential • Recreational

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during their regular meeting. The proposed increase would have added $9,200 in revenues.

This is not the first time council denied a recreation rates increase. At the beginning of 2014, councillors denied a rate increase, although they approved it a few weeks later, stating the information provided was unclear and they wanted to see use of recreation buildings go up before adding more fees.

With increased rates will come decreased use, said Mayor Rick Bonnett. “It actually will get worse, we’ll get less utilization.”

If usage goes up, then so will the revenue, he added.

Bonnett suggested with the price of fuel being down this year, the town may save money on those costs.

Coun. Carla Prediger did not want to see an increase either. She feels a plan is needed before increasing rates. She suggests a master plan will help set the stage for the future of Ponoka’s recreation.

Councillors voted unanimously to reject the proposed increase.

PONOKA NEWS 3

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Man found with stolen Judge orders peremptory election for seven in motorbike in motel room

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

collided with a moose that had crossed the road.

There were minor injuries in the incident.

Another moose was hit on Highway 2 Jan. 17 at 8 a.m. A 30-year-old man from Rimbey was driving a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500.

No injuries in the incident.

The moose did not survive the collisions.

Searching for shoplifter Police are looking for a woman believed to be involved in a theft of a drill set from a Ponoka hardware store last week.

The woman is reported as being native with black hair and glasses possibly driving a grey 2004 Chevy Venture.

Ponoka RCMP and the Integrated Traffic Unit received 86 calls for service last week.

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

Reports of a man believed to have a stolen motorcycle in his room at the Oasis Motel turned out to be true.

Police were first called to the room Thursday, Jan. 15 after an anonymous call that a man had taken a motorcycle from a neighbour’s and brought it to his room.

After questioning the 44-year-old man, police only saw a bicycle in the lodging. It wasn’t until they were called to the room the next day over a domestic dispute with a 45-year-old woman that they discovered the bike was indeed in the room.

The dispute started after the woman woke up to find a motorcycle in the apartment. Police charged the man with possession of stolen property.

Minor injuries in collision Police charged a 68-year-old man with failing to yield after his vehicle went through an intersection on Range Road 265 and Menaik Road.

The Ponoka man was northbound on Range Road 265 Jan. 13 at 4:20 p.m. when his vehicle collided February 5, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm with another, driven by a 58-year-old woman. There Peter Lougheed Community Centre were minor injuries in the incident.

Two moose collisions Presents Keynote Speaker :Zaheen Nanji last week “Unlock the Power of You & Embracing Change” The first collision with a moose was Jan. 14 in the Also 6 Concurrent Sessions evening south of Ponoka on Distressed Painting, Cuban Cooking, Self Defence, Highway 2A. Top Travel Trends, Fairy Gardens, Scarf Tying A 62-year-old woman, Entertainment, Vendors, Prizes driving a 2005 Honda CRV,

kidnapping case

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

Seven individuals accused of kidnapping a Ponoka man over an alleged drug debt made a brief appearance in Ponoka provincial court on Friday, Jan. 16.

With some released, others in custody in various stages of addressing bail and several still without legal counsel, all seven matters were adjourned until Friday, Jan. 30, where election will be peremptory; as ordered by Judge W. Andreassen.

The seven, Christine Kirkeby (29) of Red Deer, Shane Kerik (42) of Lacombe County, Tyler Scott (21) of Red Deer, Lane Dickson (19) of Red Deer, Ashley Shewchuk (28) of Ponoka, Zackary Purdy (24) of Innisfail and James Miller-Laney(28) of Ponoka are facing joint charges of break, enter and commit robbery using a firearm, assault with the intent to steal while armed with an offensive weapon, use a firearm during kidnapping, carry imitation of a weapon, utter threats to kill and unlawful confinement.

Scott, Purdy, Shewchuk, Dickson and Kirkeby were also charged with unlawful

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Women’s Conference

There are no words to express our appreciation for the love and support we have received with the loss of Brett.

Thank you to Wombold Funeral Home for following our families wishes down to the smallest detail.

Thanks to Rick Williams for sharing our memories of Brett and presiding over our goodbye. Thank you to all the family and friends for everything from visits and hugs, messages and calls, to food, Æowers and most of all the love felt by us all.

In addition, we’d like to thank all who donated to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Darcy, Stacy, Nikki & Greg

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possession of stolen property not exceeding $5,000 after the group’s first court appearance on Dec. 19, 2014.

On Jan. 16, Purdy appeared via closed circuit television (CCTV). He had not yet received full disclosure and bail had not yet been spoken to; it will be addressed at his next court appearance.

Dickson’s cash bail has been set at $2,000, if it is not deposited by Jan. 30, he will appear

by CCTV. Upon his release, a recognizance orders that he adhere to a nightly curfew of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., have no contact with any of the other co-accused or complainant, live in an approved residence, consume no drugs or alcohol, actively seek school or steady employment, report weekly to the Red Deer RCMP, not possess weapons or anything that could be used as a weapon.

Scott’s bail was set at $1,500 and he must follow the same orders as Dickson, with the exception of an approved residence or his father’s house.

Keric, Miller-Laney and Kirkeby are waiting on legal aid.

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4 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Your Guide To Local Houses of Worship

CHURCH DIRECTORY Associated Gospel Churches of Canada

CHURCH OF THE OPEN BIBLE Pastor Jerry Preheim • Pastor Matt Sealy 3704 - 42 St. Ponoka 403-783-6500 Worship Service 11:00 a.m. • churchoftheopenbible@telus.net

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PONOKA

Sr. Pastor Paul Spate Erin Dirsten - Fac. Youth & Family Min. 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! phone: 403-783-6962 • 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 WORD OF LIFE CHURCH Pastor Rob McArthur

403-783-5659

Sunday @ 10:30 a.m.

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

www.wordoflife.ca

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

Safety Issue In the book, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” C.S. Lewis writes of the lion Aslan “Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion”...”Safe?” said Mr Beaver ...”Who said anything about safe?

‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

I have to admit that as I strive to live obedient to God, I find that he is not always safe or convenient. All too often, following him requires that I take risk and have faith. I am tempted to agree with the words of Lewis that while he is not always “safe”, he is good.

An example of this is found in the New Testament book of Luke, as Jesus enters into Simon Peter’s clean up after work and pushes him beyond what is comfortable and familiar: When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down

Jerel Peters Area Director Central Alberta Youth Unlimited

I am not Charlie Dear Editor, Another act of terrorism was committed in France recently and as is usually the case, the real culprits for “unspeakable” violence are apathy and ignorance. Sadly, apathy is generally acknowledged and accepted and ignorance is also raised up as some sort of virtue. And Greed, which is always bad, despite some sneaky greedy voices, always plays a role in tragedy.

There are many people, sadly, who believe there is no way to eradicate terrorist violence, and there may be no way to minimize it. This is nothing but apathy. For terrorists, in general, there are two problems that must and can be confronted. The first is greed. There are many manic messiahs in the world who want to be king of it all. Sadly, this applies to terrorists as well as some politicians, and some businessmen. And some individuals pursue all three of these ventures simultaneously.

The only way to combat a wannabe messiah is with truth. Does God really want you to kill innocent people?

Will you really be rewarded for murder? Does true security lie in having the greatest military even if your people are disgruntled and angry? Does true happiness come when you have hoarded the most money while millions starve?

Sadly, many politicians and businessmen are guilty of the same sin as terrorists but their stains tend to be whitewashed in Western society.

In the West there are many unhappy, disgruntled people because of a lack of opportunity. There is an eerie connection here between terrorism, the drug culture and dirty politics and big business. Individuals desperate for happiness pursue illusions at the cost of many lives. What is not an illusion is happiness and person’s desire to pursue it.

When some are greedy and pursue a false happiness many will suffer and that is what we are seeing in our culture today: east/west, Muslim/Christian and religious/secularist.

5113 - 52 Ave., Ponoka, T4J 1H6 403-783-4048 stachurch@shaw.ca

ST. MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH Rev. Donna Willer Rev. Marty Tuer, Honourary Assistant 5120 - 49 Ave. Ponoka

PONOKA RISING SUN CLUBHOUSE

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 Pastor Tim Graff • trinityponoka.ca

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

the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ”Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:4-8) The safety issue with Jesus is that if we choose to obey him, it will require faith.

There is risk involved. He is not predictable.

His way is not always easy, and his plans are not always safe, but He is good.

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Much of the Muslim world has a real concern. The concern in control. In the seventh century, Muslim forces were able, via military attacks, to conquer all of the Middle East, Northern Africa, and parts of Europe. Through the Crusades, a purely defensive effort, a small portion of these lands were recaptured. Understandably, many Muslims today, feel this loss and are willing to engage in terrorism or excuse terrorist acts. And then after WWII, the Christian West gave Jewish people a small sliver of the Middle East.

This is an act that is not be forgiven by some Muslims and their wound will not assuaged until there is no Jewish state in the Middle East. And by extension, the war with the West will not end until all past grievances have been satisfactorily addressed.

And here is where the West must accept responsibility, especially as it becomes increasingly secularized. There are many in the world today, and not just some Muslims, who are not at home in the secularized world. And sadly, most secularists assume that secularism is pristine way of life that deep down everyone wants. This is ignorance.

Secularist must accept that many tenets of secularism are terroristic and are equally, if not more damaging, to persons and society than so called terrorism. These modern acts of violence are a scapegoat comparable to the Scopes Trial or the Flat Earth Society. Religious people are not more ignorant than secularists and religion is not the sole cause of violence.

First, there would have been no Enlightenment without Christianity. In fact, all Enlightenment figures were religious even if some attacked certain aspects of religion.

Leading up to the Enlightenment, and during the Enlightenment, almost all scientists were priest. Modern science owes everything to two pervasive religious beliefs: one, the universe is knowable because it was created by a knowledgeable being and two because humans have reason. What follows from these two tenets of religion are two secularist mantras: truths exist and can be discovered.

Those of us in the West must come to terms with the reality that secularism is as violent, or more violent, than religion ever was. Joseph Stalin killed millions in what was supposed to be a religion free society. The same is true for Mao in Communist China and Pol Pot in Communist Cambodia. These men dispensed with religion and then when on to cause more violence than had occurred previously in all of human history. Modern terrorism, and the so called Crusades, are nothing in comparison. And then there is abortion, whose death toll can only be compared to all of the wars of history. If secularists can come to terms with the two greatest atrocities in human history, truth will be on our side, and apathy will be the only unforgiveable sin.

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Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

PONOKA NEWS 5

Reflections of Ponoka The early pioneer way of work and play five or six yoke of oxen, but it was so heavy that Abe had to build a truck to haul it around to the In all of the colorful stories of our early fields in order to work for other district farmers. hardy pioneer families, it may have seemed Next was the arrival of an extremely noisy too many that during most of their long and steamer owned by the Schultz brothers, and this average days on the prairies, they led a fairly powerful 25-horse power Case Steamer could simple and laid back life. To be more realpull an eight or 10 bottom plow. Unfortunately, istic, their hectic 365 day-a-year schedule it was so heavy it got stuck in the mud all the likely started with a very early breakfast, time, so many farmers had to go back to the old followed by work, chores, get the kids off reliable handle or gang plows, which had two to school, feed the stock, milk the cows, wheels but no seat, and of course were pulled by teams of eight to 12 horses or oxen. Crops check the egg shed, work, head out into the and hay was first cut by scythe, then later with field for seasonal planting, clearing and harhorse drawn mowers. Over those early years, vest while mother tends to the garden, more the farming methods and machines got better of chores, does some washing and churns up a course, but the constant challenges of storms, batch of butter before preparing more meals floods, crop failure, fires, hail, bugs, drought for home or to take out to the field and rushes and low prices were always popping up, but back to pick and clean some berries before were somehow overcome by everyone working the kids get home from school and dad together and helping each other in times of need. comes in from hunting. This went on and on Many of the babies were delivered at home with from dusk until dawn, but then occasionally the assistance of the neighbour ladies, but if after chores, an extra family outing and treat an illness or injury was more serious and they day might include a three-four hour trip into couldn’t make it to town, the doctor was called Ponoka, church on the weekend, followed to come out in his horse and buggy, and was by a district family picnic, ball-game, dance quite often accompanied by the preacher to lend or amateur rodeo, then back to the same old support to the family. The only hospital was in grind on Monday.

Lacombe, and until the first General Hospital There was no time to get bored Photo submitted was built in Ponoka in 1947, local patients were Most of the rugged and rolling land in those days was cleared by a strong back and This early pioneer mother encourages her children to get involved attended to in Dr. Graham’s palatial home/ofan ax, then the brush was piled by hand and with teaching the young calves how to drink and eat out of a pail, fice/ hospital at 5112-51 Avenue.

Back at home, vegetables were put into jars burned and the trees were sawed up for fire- because in only a few more years they would be chasing them wood and fence-posts or fashioned by hand into the barn and helping with the milking or going into town with and processed for several hours, with the meat for a new building. Then came along the in- their father to drop the full grown animals off at the stock yards cut up and canned in the same way, with some being put into a mixture of salt brine and warm vention of some fancy new breaking plows, for a trip to the market. Such were the toils, the successes and lard, which one set would keep for a long time and one of the first and finest was owned by Abe Davidson of the old Buckhorn district, the joys of our early heritage on the farm, which, thankfully, still if kept in a cool place. The real savior of those early homesteads were their huge gardens, as which consisted of a 24-inch plow pulled by remains to this day. well as the bountiful berries, fish, and wildlife that could be picked, caught and hunted throughout the year, which would always be needed to feed and nourish the large and constantly growing families. Next to the fences and shelter for the animals, the first thing the homesteader looked for once he had settled in was water, which was dug for by hand or hauled from the creek or spring, while the wash water was caught in a barrel for washing clothes.

The cattle drive was the occasion that most men looked forward to, with the critter being rounded up the day before, then the long trip to the stock yards in Lacombe or Ponoka would begin early the next morning, with early prices bringing 2 ½ cents a pound for live weight. A trip to town with hogs or grain in winter was an arduous one with team and sleigh, but in the late 1920s, the grain hauling was first taken over by Jewel Stretch and Merle Gee, who also trucked gas from Turner Valley for about $8 to $10 for a 45 gallon pail.

There were also lots of fun times The trip to town at the turn of the century was always completed by horse and buggy, including lots of blankets in the winter, and the possibility of fording or swimming across the flooded Battle River in the spring. After selling the eggs, veggies and bartering for other supplies, there might be some time to take in an auction sale, and while the horses were being attended at one of the many livery stables, mother and the kids would stop at the Ponoka Restroom to relax and visit with other ladies, while father popped into the Royal or Leland Hotel for a beer and a fine cigar.

A rare but very special family day would be a visit to the Capital or Empress Theatre on Railway Street to take in a black and white movie, a Minstrel show or concert, a boxing or a wrestling match, and many other activities that might also include a big bag of candy or popcorn for just a dime.

Through the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s, both town and country folks became avid baseball and hockey fans as well as attendPhoto from Crestomere/Sylvan Heights History Book ing the annual summer Ponoka Fair/Stampede/Races up on This 1914 photo features a grand old time family band, which played for many gala the same ground that they are held today. Later, the era of the barn dances, weddings, and special events in the districts west of Ponoka for many automobile changed those early lifestyles just a little, but that years. Shown in the back row from left to right are: Jas McFetridge, Charles Reynolds, same keen and friendly spirit of community and country spirit Mrs. Reynolds and Lillie, Hugo Kerber, Ida Reynolds and Fred Ortman, then seated in and camaraderie has continued to carry on long into our busy, front is Ob McFetridge, Dean and Jim Reynolds, and Mike the mascot. bright and successful future.

BY MIKE RAINONE FOR THE NEWS

Remember When...

6 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Opinion

Transfer of wealth and element of fear Everyone must have noticed, because it is not something that can easily escape attention: It is the latest report by international charity organization Oxfam that says top 80 billionaires of the world own $ 1.9 trillion and this roughly equals what the rest of the world owns and in the next four years, they will be richer than the rest of the world: Billionaires 54 per cent, the rest 46 per cent by 2020.

But they might not have to wait for it that long, the rise in the wealth of the billionaires could come as early as this year or next, because our new economic system, the “bankism”, (the name coined by financial analyst Gerald Celente) which replaced capitalism, has many tools working for them, credit swaps, derivatives, yield spreads, you name it…

And the process may have already begun: Swiss National Bank, Switzerland’s central bank, after promising only one month ago that it would keep holding as long as necessary, just last week dropped the peg it had established to European

single currency three years the central banks, this war ago. After the move, the being closer to a race to the Euro took a nosedive, Swiss bottom in terms of the valfranc skyrocketed, several ues of their currencies, the global currency exchange cheaper your currency is, the dealers declared bankruptcy, easier for you to export your some could be saved through deflation. injection of huge amounts of And what does this mean cash. for us in Alberta, where The Swiss had established we are facing the very real the peg to prevent their own possibility of a serious reMustafa Eric currency from appreciating cession, unemployment and Editor against the Euro, and in order depleted savings for a lot of to prop up the single Europeople? pean currency, they had been Maybe not much in the buying billions of it and have created a huge short term, but a lot of bad news in the not Euro reserve. But one day after this article too distant future. appears on print, European Central Bank Because Canadian dollar is basically a is expected to announce a massive money commodity currency, the value of our naprinting scheme, which will mean an enor- tional currency unit is very vulnerable to mous depreciation of the reserves of the the fluctuation of prices in the international Swiss bank alongside the reserves of other commodity exchanges. With the price of central banks. oil, the most widely traded commodity and Market analysts said it could be the be- our main export item, already down by 50 ginning of the new phase of the war among per cent since last summer, and copper price

Judy Dick Manager

Mustafa Eric Regional Editor

Jeff Heyden-Kaye Reporter

in steep decline throughout the world, first and foremost, the purchasing power of the money in our pockets and bank accounts is slowly being drained.

Then, given the tricks of “bankism”, we might be looking at a new crisis in the next three to six months, given that big investments banks have now started to fight to devour the market share of each other.

The space of this column is not enough to list all the possible or potential disasters that could fall on us, the ordinary people who try to make a living with our labor and not by the proceeds of our investments.

But there is enough space to draw attention to this: As the Oxfam report shows, the process of accumulation of wealth in the hands of few has been accelerating since the beginning of the new millennium, and this is the time when terrorism (Islamic or otherwise), violence, and consequently, fear and anxiety started to become distinctly more noticeable elements of our lives.

Could it be more than a coincidence?

Amelia Naismith Reporter

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

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PONOKA NEWS 7

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Town ratifies agreement with planning agency

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Town councillors have taken the next step to ratifying an agreement with Parkland Community Planning Services (PCPS) that will last until March 31, 2017.

Council passed second reading of the bylaw during its regular meeting Tuesday, Jan. 13 and will have to make a final decision at its next meeting set for Jan. 27.

“We have to pass a provisional bylaw that we’re funding them,” explained CAO Rachel Kunz.

During budget deliberations in December, council approved the cost to contract PCPS for three years but a bylaw is needed as the Town of Ponoka is becoming a member of a larger inter-municipal group that uses PCPS services. There are 16 municipalities that make up membership of PCPS, explained Kunz.

Coun. Carla Prediger wanted to know what the overall benefits of working with PCPS are. Kunz replied that for the next

three years, the town will be able to use PCPS services for major planning projects, which will help alleviate the workload of town staff.

The contract also provides a discount on contracting rates. Non-members pay $175 per hour while members pay $120 hour with the contract, said Kunz. “For us it’s to take care of the big projects for a subdivision.”

Coun. Tim Falkiner asked why Ponoka should be part of this contract if the City of Red Deer is no longer a member. Kunz replied that Red Deer planning had become so big that half of PCPS staff were working on the city’s projects leaving other members having to wait.

The Town of Ponoka started to use PCPS services in 2014 and if the agreement is ratified by council, PCPS will prorate the contract fees to the discounted rate, added Kunz.

The planning and development officer position at the Town of Ponoka is still open.

Be environmentally friendly RECYCLE YOUR PAPER!

Town Times

Ponoka, AB T4J 1P7 Ph: 403-783-4431 | Fax: 403-783-6745 | Email: town@ponoka.org Or Check us out Online: www.ponoka.ca

NOTICES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Business Licenses Are Now Due! The 2015 Business License Renewal Notices have been sent out and are due no later than the close of business on January 31, 2015. Inquiries can be directed to 403.783.0119.

EVENTS AND RECREATION Winter Walk Day With Ponoka FCSS Wednesday February 4, 2015, 11:00am - 2:30pm Ponoka’s own Ag Event Centre is graciously supplying coffee, hot chocolate and clean back barns for the annual Winter Walk Day. Walkers are welcomed Monday to Friday throughout winter to get some exercise off the ice and out of the elements. For anyone interested, we will be walking for a short while at Rimoka at 10:30am before heading to the Ag Event Centre. Call Shelly at FCSS Ponoka for more details 403.783.4462.

Library News FREE LIBRARY MEMBERSHIPS: Ponoka Jubilee Library is pleased to announce that Library Memberships are now FREE!! Take this opportunity to take advantage of all the Library has to offer, including books, movies, audiobooks, magazines, an eLibrary and much more. If you would like the Free Library Membership Initiative to carry on, we will also be accepting donations for it continuance; any donation of over $20.00 will be issued a tax receipt. Please note: to receive a free library membership you must be of legal age and be able to present proof of residence in either the Town or County of Ponoka, or the Community of Maskwacis.

COMPUTER CLASSES: Ponoka Jubilee Library is offering three new computer classes in January.

Thursday January 22, 2015 from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Keep Your Kids Safe on the Internet Learn about child blocks, online child luring and privacy protection.

Thursday January 29, 2015 from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Setting Up a Facebook Account – Set up a Facebook account and learn about privacy. Must have a working email address PRIOR to the event. Space is limited for all the classes, so please stop by Ponoka Jubilee Library at 5110 48 Avenue to sign up, or call 403-783-3843.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY: WE NEED YOU! Ponoka Jubilee Library is currently looking for NEW FRIENDS! Yep, we’re a little lonely. What does being a friend mean? It means you love our library, want to see the library grow and continue to provide excellent service to our community, and that you have a little bit of free time (a really little bit!) to use for fundraising for our library. So if you have the time and the love, please join our Friends of the Library society. Contact us by phone at 403-783-3843, email us at ponokalibrary@prl.ab.ca, or contact us through Facebook. Thanks!

Aquaplex Update

PSC Broncs News

Sign up for Spring Break Lessons Feb 1st.

STAT Family Day Swim Family $6.00 2-6pm PD day/Teachers convention swim 1-3pm on Feb 13th, Feb 19 & 20th.

Public Skating: Ashlyn Mackey & Emily Massing Grade 10

Proudly sponsored by Ponoka Lions Monday - Thursday: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Saturday & Sunday: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm **Shinny Hockey on Weekdays only** Outdoor Rink Hours are Dawn - 11pm, please use responsibly.

Ponoka Gym Club Hello, we are student athletes at Ponoka Secondary Campus; rookies on the Senior Girls· basketball team. All 14 of the players are dedicated to basketball and have a strong bond with each other. Our coach, Adam Troitsky dedicates his life to basketball and helps his players achieve success in all that they do. Basketball here at PSC has taught us patience, hard work, teamwork, facing adversity, along with many other important life skills. Being a rookie shows us the rewards that come with dedicating yourself to a sport through watching the seniors succeed in their academics, and basketball careers. Being a part of this team has made us lifelong friends, and shown us that you can create a bond with someone in a short amount of time. Basketball is very time consuming and keeps players busy, while they·re having fun and learning important skills they will need later in life.

As a team, we are very privileged to travel for basketball and to have support from the admin and our peers. This year, we have traveled to Okotokes, Grande Prairie, we plan to host a home tournament on January 30 and 31, 2015, and travel to Devon in February.

So far, we have had one home game, and the gym was full of spectators supporting the basketball teams. This is just one example of how much support athletics at PSC receive from the community. On behalf of the team, we would like to thank the people who come to games and support us. We would also like to encourage spectators to keep coming out to games!

This Week At PSC January 21-27 Jan 21 – SS 30·s Part B Diploma Jan 23 – Canyon Ski Trip @ 8:30/BB Camp @ 3:30 Jan 26 – Math 30·s Diploma@9am/ATA Mtg @ 4pm Jan 27 –Physics 30 Diploma @ 9am Please visit our website for all upcoming events and exciting news!

www.psc@wolfcreek.ab.ca

is still accepting registrations, and are also offering birthday parties!

For more information, please call Annette at 403-783-9981.

COUNCIL UPDATES & BYLAW INFO Next Town Council Meetings January 27, 2015 @ 7 pm.

Visit our website @ www.ponoka.ca for copy of the agenda.

2015 Dog Licenses Now Due Take Advantage of the Lower Rate - Pay before February 1st $25.00 per Dog Now! 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.

DID YOU KNOW...???

Sidewalk snow removal is the responsibility of the resident and/or property owner and must not be shoveled onto the street, except in areas like downtown, where there is no front yard. Sidewalks not cleared within 48 hours of snowfall are subject to fines and if cleaned by the Town, charges will be charged back to property owner.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

8 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Outdoor rink struggles to keep up with warm weather “Most of the challenges we have is you’re cooling from underneath but the heat comes from above.”

Cookies with benefits: Results of Tim Hortons Smile Cookie fundraiser campaign are in with $3,200 going to the Ponoka Youth Centre. Tim Hortons manager Dany Nalewaja, Beth Reitz, of the Ponoka Youth Centre, and owners Darryl and Wayne Marsden pose with a big cheque to the group.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

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Wes Amendt, Director of Community Services

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Warm January weather is causing issues for the Scott Seaman Outdoor Rink’s cooling system, which is struggling to keep the ice cold enough to skate on.

Part of the issue appears to be on the north wall of the popular amenity, explained Wes Amendt, director of community services for the Town of Ponoka. When the sun shines on the north wall it tends to heat up the ice and melt almost down to the concrete.

“Most of the challenges we have is you’re cooling from underneath but the heat comes from above,” said Amendt.

Cooling the ice is a challenge as well for the half-inch lines. The combination of warmer weather and bright sunlight cause the system to work overtime. Compared to the three-quarter inch line in the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex, the lines are quite a bit smaller.

Normal operations and challenges When temperatures are ideal, Amendt says town crews try to flood the ice once a day but their priority is to ensure the arena is taken care of first. When people pay for ice time and rental of the building, they expect a certain level of service, he explained.

Staffing levels have remained the same since the new rink was built a few years ago and Amendt says town planners have had to try and put forward balanced budgets and still maintain some level of service on the popular rink. “I don’t have the manpower to tackle that,” said Amendt.

Hiring more employees means in subsequent years the budget will reflect more money going to operations.

Other communities with outdoor rinks have taken to paying the overtime dollars and flooding at night but Amendt says that is something the town has decided against doing for now. Not only is it costly, but staff have to be willing to work in the night time hours, he explained.

If the demand is there from the community, then Amendt feels the town will have to look at increasing service levels at the outdoor rink.

Another issue employees face is when the snow falls. It takes a few hours to clear the rink and that time increases if there is a large dump of snow. Amendt says it can sometimes take up to six hours to clear.

He recognized the efforts of outdoor rink users who push the snow to the side and suggests if they do, to push it along the north wall. There is a door there for staff to push snow off the outdoor rink.

Under direction from the Recreation Advisory Committee, town staff intend to add a second free-to-skate area just east of the rink but warm weather has delayed its flooding.

The oval area does not have a cooling system but will be similar to an ice pond skating surface.

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PONOKA NEWS 9

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

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10 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Library hosts Internet safety class for newbies

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Anyone interested in avoiding scams on the Internet may be interested in an educational series hosted by Ponoka Jubilee Library.

The first of three classes was held Thursday, Jan. 15 by Sharon MacPherson, a community volunteer advocating knowledge of the Internet. Her first class was called Keep Yourself Safe on the Internet. MacPherson says the first lesson was geared to folks who are unfamiliar with how the Internet works.

She advises doing some research before getting a new computer. “The first step when you’re buying a computer: talk to people you know.”

Tools that help protect someone from spyware or adware programs - software that gets into a computer system - are needed.

MacPherson recommends use of anti-virus software and even encryption systems.

“You stay away from any website where you have to put in your username or password unless you have encryption software,” she explained.

Encryption systems make it difficult for people or software from a hacker computer to see important data.

This can also help prevent issues with ransomware, programs that block important documents unless a person pays a fee to clear them. MacPherson suggests most seniors are prone to these problems as they have little experience with computer equipment as well as little understanding of how the Internet works.

“I think it’s absolutely imperative for seniors going online for the first time to protect themselves,” she stated.

MacPherson is hosting two other classes at the library: Keep Your Kids Safe on the Internet on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. and Setting up a Facebook Account for Jan. 29, also at 6 p.m.

First 2015 baby born happy, healthy

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

Sharon MacPherson shared her knowledge of the Internet and how seniors can keep themselves safe on the Internet at the Ponoka Jubilee Library Thursday, Jan. 15.

Photo submitted

g SALE a T d % e R 20

With each new year, comes the first baby of the new year and at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre the title this year went to Winston Ryker Roasting of the Maskwacis community.

Born just after 7 a.m. Jan. 1, mother Melanie Mackinaw says the birth was a fast one, taking place approximately 10 hours after her first telling pains. “In the evening (Dec. 31) I started having pains,” she explained.

Coming into the world first was a full

head of black hair and the rest of Roasting followed, weighing in at eight and a half pounds.

“He as overdue. He was supposed to be born on Dec. 29,” said Mackinaw.

As the third baby of the family, Roasting is a much loved addition to his older brother, but Mackinaw says, his older sister, at one year old, took a whole longer to warm up to the stranger, but now she, too is happy to have Roasting around.

“He’s very content. He’s a very content baby,” said Mackinaw.

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PONOKA NEWS 11

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Ag Centre finally sees electronic sign

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

The Calnash Ag Event Centre’s electronic sign is in the ground running, with the majority of the project complete.

Project co-coordinator Doug Weir says the sign was originally contemplated with the design of the building, which opened its operations in 2011, but a humidity problem that would cost $100,000 to resolve put it on the back burner.

In the fall of 2013, Weir joined the Ponoka Ag Event Centre Society and began to push the issue. “I suggested we do the sign and the board agreed,” he explained.

Using Led Sign Supply, a company out of Calgary; National Neon Displays Ltd., also from Calgary; and Ponoka’s In Town Electric, the sign was constructed and installed on the west side of the property near Highway 2A. “It’s taken approximately a year to put together,” said Weir.

So far $113,000 has gone into the project. The ag centre’s four partners, the Town of Ponoka, the Ponoka Stampede and Exhibition Association, the Ponoka Agricultural Society and Ponoka County contributed $15,000 each.

The balance was paid by the Calnash Ag Event Centre.

With the board new to the idea of electronic signs, Weir says the project saw its share of challenges, but they were no deterrence. “You just have to swerve around the bumps,” Weir said.

He says the biggest mountain to overcome for himself and co-coordinator Sherry Gummow was to educate themselves on the best option to meet the end goals. “It’s just a different language when you’re talking about electronic signs.”

The sign was primarily put in place to promote the abundance of events that take place at the ag centre.

Advertising will also be sold for display on the sign, but Weir says the board is not at that stage yet, as they need to delve deeper into rates and other factors. “That’s a steep

learning curve.”

The base of the sign still needs work and in conjunction with the project, a fence will be built along the front of

After a year in of planning, funding and construction the Calnash Ag Event Centre can proudly show off its electronic sign.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

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the property, parallel to Highway 2A, as a safety measure for livestock. Weir says there are no cost estimates for the remainder of the work yet.

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12 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Farm workers without mandatory workers compensation

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Alberta remains the only province in Canada that does not have compulsory workers’ compensation coverage for farm workers.

Most farm workers in Alberta have no coverage at all, says a report by the Parkland Institute of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Alberta. It states that politics may be one thing barring farm workers from the provincial workers’ compensation system.

The 75-page report called “A dirt business: The exclusion of Alberta farm workers from injury compensation”, states that working on a farm can sometimes bring hazardous conditions and yet workers must fend for themselves.

Athabasca University associate professor of labour relations Bob Barnetson says in the report that, “there is absolutely no justifiable reason for the ongoing exclusion of farm workers in Alberta from workers’ compensation coverage.”

Since farm workers are not covered by default, they have several options, says Brookes Merritt, spokesperson for Occupational, Health and Safety (OHS).

Those options include having the farm operation voluntarily pay for workers’ compensation and extending that coverage to workers, get private insurance or farm workers can negotiate insurance with their employer.

“The reason is very traditional in Alberta. Farms and ranches are a very unique industry,” said Merritt.

Because of the exclusion, OHS has no jurisdiction on a farm. The agency normally investigates workplace fatalities but if it happens on the farm, they don’t. Merritt says the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, OHS and farm and ranch stakeholders have discussed the issue and they work together to try and have common safety standards.

The report points out that small “ma and pa” farms have decreased over the years but farm operations have increased in size and employment. “In 2011, an average farm was 1,168 acres in size – about the size of 1,000 football fields.”

Making compensation mandatory for farm workers would be a political decision, explained Merritt. OHS’s role is to ensure the policies are followed.

Parkland Institute recommends four strategies to increase interest for those seeking basic farm workers compensation: • Farm workers could sue employers for work-related injuries; • Challenge the constitutionality of the farm worker exclusion; • Farm workers can publicize work conditions through social media; • Exert political pressure by highlighting that farm workers have worse access to compensation coverage than international migrant workers.

The report also questions why MLAs are in favour of giving Alberta firefighters access to workers’ compensation and they don’t support the same access for farm workers.

A combine works the field.

PONOKA MINOR BALL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & EARLY REGISTRATION Tuesday, January 27 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Enjoy a Beef on a Bun! • Season starts early - Sunday March 1, with indoor practices for the girls and the boys • All new equipment • Coaching and umpire courses and training provided • 2015 baseball and softball tournament • Year end and achievement awards

File photo

PONOKA NEWS 13

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Test server crash negatively affects Ponoka students

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE AND AMELIA NAISMITH

An Alberta Education server failure last week affected more than 8,000 students across the province, including Ponoka’s Grade 12s, as technology failed and left many unable to write their diploma exams on time.

Grade 12 student Karley Bodnarchuk, who was set to write the essay portion of her English diploma exam Tuesday, Jan. 13 found out she was unable to log on to the server with a supplied Google Chromebook.

Across the province, the system crashed at 9:01 a.m. In some areas, students were able to log back on before it crashed a second time. Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) superintendent Larry Jacobs says this put the affected students half an hour behind schedule.

“I freaked out a little bit,” said Bodnarchuk. “ I was just trying my best to just get my thoughts together.”

Bodnarchuk sat down to write the exam using the online software QuestA+ but was unable to access it.

“What they’ve (Alberta Education) established over the last few years is a portal,” said Jacobs. ‘That was the genesis of the problem. It’s one portal, one opening.”

The issue came with the system not having enough server capacity to support more than 8,000 students signing on at one time.

With students enrolled in classes months before an exam, Alberta Education knew how many students would be taking the exam. “What really surprised us is they didn’t have a system with enough server capacity already in place,” said Jacobs.

The diploma exam has two parts and is worth 50 per cent of the overall grade. This exam was the first part of the two, the second is in April.

Alberta Education issued an apology to those students affected by the system failure.

Speaking for Alberta Education was Tamara Magnan, who said that rewrite fees were waived to students who wanted to do the exam again.

“For that reason we are allowing students who were impacted by the outage to apply for a partial exemption by speaking to their school principals. The partial exemption will calculate their final course mark based on their school awarded mark and the Part B, or reading, part of the diploma exam,” said Magnan.

Students could have written the exam on Microsoft Word Students could have chosen to write out the essay or type it out on a computer, in this case at PSC they used Google Chromebooks, which are laptop type computers designed to use Internet-based services.

The teacher proctoring the exam tried to give students more time and said not to worry about the time limit and recommended they write it out by hand.

The exam could have

A server crash at Alberta Education created havoc for thousands of students across the province. Karley Bodnarchuk says the crash forced her to seek a rewrite sometime in April.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

been written with a computer or laptop that had Microsoft Word installed but there were none at PSC. She believes a majority of Grade 12 students taking the exam were using a Chromebook. Other schools in the division were able to supply laptops with Word installed.

Bodnarchuk said the experience was disappointing considering Alberta Education knew many months in advance that students had signed up for the exam. She went into the diploma exam expecting to write it that day but must now prepare for it once again.

With new teaching systems across the province, Jacobs says many students are not able to aptly construct using longhand methods. “There are a lot of students in the division who hadn’t used pen and paper in a long time.”

“I banged out half the diploma and I just kind of had that sinking feeling that there was no way that I could get what I wanted to across in the time that I had,” explained Bodnarchuk.

She decided to take the rewrite as she worried her performance was not up to par.

“I did ask for a computer and it was something I was relying on to get that good mark,” Bodnarchuk said.

The next time Bodnarchuk can take the rewrite is in April.

To sign her up for the exam she is getting placed in an after-school English class to ensure she is signed up for the class. Bodnarchuk won’t have to do the work but has a full course load for next semester.

“It’s not confirmed but I might have to write both parts anyway because they don’t know if they can split up the rewrite like that,” said Bodnarchuk.

She will have three diploma exams to write in April instead of two. “I wasn’t expecting it but I’m willing to do it.”

In talking with other students who opted to write out the exam, Bodnarchuk says some of them would have preferred to take the rewrite for the same reason she did.

A member of the school body wishing to remain anonymous said one issue was that students had to get used to using QuestA+ web software this year after using Microsoft Word for much of their education. “It’s just another uncontrolled variable to throw at a student during a diploma (exam).”

They said the school had new computers last year but switched them out with

Chromebooks. Students were given an opportunity to use at the QuestA+ program prior to the exams but the software is not as robust as Word. “It’s almost like bringing up Notepad on your computer.”

While Jacobs feels students within the WCPS division were able to get comfortable with the backup provisions provided it does not erase the damage caused. “Every division in our school was impacted negatively around that.”

Working in a new environment The school body member questions the whole education system and the reasoning behind the tests considering Alberta Education is rolling out 21st century learning.

Despite the new curriculum students are faced with the same method of testing.

“The style of learning they’re teaching now doesn’t apply to a test being given now.”

Bodnarchuk says she feels the new learning has created a mix of writing and using computers to take notes and she suggests this generation of students have had to bear the brunt of the transition.

The open concept system at PSC is now more collaborative but there can be times noise affects learning.

Other issues students face with the new system is with printing documents from a personal device. A student has to send an email to an Internet client, which then sends a confirmation code back to the student who inputs the info to a printer.

“This is another example of the old way doesn’t fit with the new style,” said the school member.

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14 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Packed show for minor hockey fundraiser

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Great day for music: T. Buckley sings some classic tunes to fans at the Drop In Centre Sunday, Jan. 19.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Bridal

Planner 2015

The Ponoka News is publishing an essential guide for wedding preparations in our Bridal Planner 2015 on Wednesday, February 4, 2015. Organizing a wedding can be overwhelming and this publication will take the mystery out of creating your dream wedding.

Presented in full colour, your message in the Bridal Planner 2015 will be delivered to over 6000 homes in Ponoka and area.

Fans of Ponoka Minor Hockey came out in droves to support the association’s fundraising gala Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Stagecoach Saloon.

The evening brought music from the Celtic band St. James Gate and organizers had a fun list of ways to raise money for minor hockey programming in Ponoka, said president Julie Feragan.

“I think it was very well attended. People “We want to be enjoyed themselves from able to have afwhat I understand,” she said. fordable hockey in Last year, the group our community.” raised more than $20,000 Julie Feragan, President, from a fundraiser gala Ponoka Minor Hockey and Feragan said they have high hopes for this year. Money from the fundraiser goes to helping keep the price of hockey down for families as well as pay for equipment such as jerseys and other costs.

“We want to be able to have affordable hockey in our community,” said Feragan.

Participants could bid on a large variety of silent and live auction items with a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins jersey selling at auction for $1,200 said Feragan. She feels the evening would not have been so successful without the families and businesses that supported their efforts.

Players from the Midget A Fountain Tire Wolves were also there selling 50/50 tickets to help pay for the provincials tournament they are hosting in March. Feragan said one player sold 180 50/50 tickets at $5 each. “It went very well for those boys.”

Another big fundraiser that sold out of tickets was a Plinko Board giving hopefuls a chance to win free ice time, an iPad, golf certificates or other prizes.

While final numbers were not in at press time, Feragan feels the evening brought in thousands of dollars.

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PONOKA NEWS 15

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Another year of Hammers’ and Reflections for the Ponoka News, as well as tossing in 25 years of the weekly Hammer’s Column. I sometimes

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Over the past seven years I have written nearly 600 Reflections and Remember When features

mour and subjects, as well as sharing the colorful and proud history of our great community and districts.

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At 72 years of age, I consider myself actively semi-retired but still frisky, and after pounding

MAKE YOUR FIRST PRIORITY A BIG DEAL.

the newspaper and sports beat with the Ponoka Herald and the Ponoka News for close to 40 years, I guess I just don’t want to put down my pen and pad just yet. Thanks to the ongoing support of the super staff at the Ponoka News, I am now able to keep on writing these weekly features as a hobby that I love.

Mike Rainone Hammertime

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All the way back to 1948, I was trying to grow up in Ponoka, and was so very lucky to have spent 55 years in this great community while mainly trying to stay out of trouble, raising a family, and being so very lucky to have met, worked, played and socialized with a whole lot of amazing individuals and characters along the way. With these columns, I can still maintain and re-kindle a lot of those precious friendships as well as being able to continue to mingle with the rambunctious new generations of the 20th century.

Putting all these stories together over the years would never have been possible without the dedicated help of Sandy and Barb and the summer girls at the Fort Ostell Museum, as well as hundreds of other fine individuals, families, clubs, and organizations who have come up with the unique ideas, the pictures, and the information to make it all happen. The magic world of the e-mail and the Internet has also allowed yours truly to reach out and contact so many other sources, as well as to get new inspiration when the old creative mind sometimes goes a little blank. continued on page 18

16 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

A helping hand from Ponoka reaches out to alleviate hunger in the north began her battle by increasing awareness of the issue with the Facebook page Helping Our Inflated food prices and a lack of supporting Northern Neighbours, which was founded Aug. resources are leaving those inhabiting Canada’s 6, 2014. remote north with few options other than going Sponsorship hungry. This situation has prompted a Ponoka Hihn joined the Facebook page and contactwoman to open her heart over the holiday season ed Gwilliam, who has a master list of more than and sponsor a Nunavut family in need.

400 families needing help. She decided to spon“I decided to get involved because nobody sor a family and underwent a 24-hour matching should be going hungry due to unaffordable, riperiod. diculous food prices. We need to step in and help People can choose just to send one box or beand also be writing our MP. This has to stop,” come a sponsor and send four boxes minimum, said Kristen Hihn. annually.

“When I first realized this situation was going “I contacted Jennifer with no real preference on In Canada’s remote north a family . . . some people inflated prices are caus403-783-8881 chose to pick a family simi- ing people to go hungry. cost $14.49. lar to their own as it helps Golden Oreos Submitted photo #3, 5012-48 Ave them feel connected,” said in the Wedin’s Prof. Bldg.

Hihn.

After being matched with a family those in the southern provinces are provided with a list of needs for each family, WEST OF PONOKA NEW LISTING RIVERSIDE including toilet paper and sugar. “All things no one should 52.58 acres located west Large family home with Beautiful bi level ! live without, let alone in Canada.” of Ponoka! Many recent all living space on the D home, many upgrades, L upgrades have been The family Hihn sponsors (which cannot be named due main floor. Large living hardwood floors, SO completed to this 3 bdrm to confidentiality mandates by the program) lives within a room with woodstove, 3 European tile & slate, home including: siding, bdrms + an office, as well village of approximately 1,000 people. Six months out of 4 bdrm, 3 baths, deck, floors, kitchen, water as large family room with the year, there is access by road and the other half of the oversized double system, furnace, appliances, woodburning fireplace. some windows and electrical. year is fly in only. garage/heated, Over 2100 sq.ft. all on an Double detached garage. Just Hihn is a member of the Edmonton chapter, which mature yard, great $399,000 off of pavement. $369,900 location in Red Deer. $229,000 oversized lot. focuses mainly on Kugaarik village, but sponsors can be placed with families from any community in need.

TO VIEW ALL LISTINGS VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.FIRSTCHOICEPONOKA.COM continued on page 17

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

on in Canada my mind was blown. I know that there is poverty. But down here in the south, we have many resources to help, unlike up north,” she added.

After images of grocery prices in provinces such as Nunavut went viral and the knowledge that individuals were scouring waste dumps for their next meal, people in southern Canada began to realize the crisis fellow Canadians faced.

It was from this the grassroots initiative that Helping Our Northern Neighbours was born.

At the helm of the project is humanitarian Jennifer Gwilliam, Shawnigan Lake B.C., who

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PONOKA NEWS 17

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

“Since early December me and the mom have built a strong friendship. We truly appreciate each other and have built something no one else can replace.

It’s hard to explain but it brings so much joy to help someone when they truly need it.”

A helping hand . . . continued from page 16 Many villages in northern Canada are so small they only support one grocery store, which results in extreme food prices.

“Those stores are able to charge $140 for a pot roast or $20 for a jug of milk and sell moldy bread and you have no choice in the matter except to go hungry,” said Hihn.

The north also lacks the resources the rest of Canada is accustomed to. In December, the matriarch of Hihn’s sponsor family helped set up a food bank in her community, a noticeable rarity up there. The community holds bingos and uses the money raised to purchase noodle cups, distributing two cups per family.

“They took the initiative to help themselves and need a helping hand in getting it up on the right foot so please join our group and make a difference,” said Hihn.

“Since early December me and the mom have built a strong friendship. We truly appreciate each other and have built something no one else can replace. It’s hard to explain, but it brings so much joy to help someone when they truly need it,” she added.

Hefty prices In northern Canada, basic groceries are set to break the bank for struggling residents. A prime rib oven roast costs $138.79 (the Ponoka equivalent, $15.05); Golden Oreos, $14.49 ($4.29); Tide laundry pods, $43.99 ($5.49); Minute Maid juice boxes, $19.99 ($4. 59); pre-packaged celery, $13.59 ($2.99); beef tenderloin, $95.36 ($25.32, approximately).

Hihn says residents try to hunt to support themselves between grocery meals but those who live in town do not have many opportunities to travel to hunt, due to gas prices, and animals are not often found near town sites.

Government subsidies vary throughout Canada’s north, but average around $300 per person per month.

“Which does not go very far when your average grocery bill for a week is $900 that doesn’t include the oil to heat your home or the gas to hopefully use your skidoo,” said Hihn.

Kristen Hihn

The initiative is being called a band-aid solution to bring awareness to the issue, but Hihn says those with the means need to step forward and make a difference, including the government. “Maybe instead of government members taking private jets themselves, they can use these private jets to bring food to the starving and do what is right and what every human deserves.”

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A family who has received aid through the Helping Our Northern Neighbours initiative send thanks for the case that was sent to them via the Prince George, BC, chapter.

Photo by Carol Nanauq

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18 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Hammers’ Reflections continued from page 15 My greatest joy of doing all this is to be able to sit down and chat with so many great folks and families from in and around Ponoka, to share their proud memories and stories and to be pampered with coffee, cookies, cake, Bill’s mince-meat tarts and a whole lot of warm and congenial friendship. Yes, I have been scolded several times for missing Gramma and Grandpa’s name in a story, for my bad spelling and other assorted misprints, but I will be the first to admit that I am far from being perfect, and all the countless thank you Mike phone calls, comments, and appreciation have far out-weighed the bad.

Thanks to so many of you, I now have a room full of history books and pictures and hints and nostalgia from which I can hopefully keep generating more tales about our heritage and our bright future.

We are planning to move our next chapter of Reflections and Remember When into the 40s-50s, 60s, and 70’s, and the subjects can range from families and individuals to sports, to history, to special family events, celebrations, accomplishments, milestones from all age groups and on and on. I will, however, always need and appreciate your input and material to keep it all going, and I encourage everyone to please give me a call at 403-341-5750 , email jrainone@telus.net, or just leave your ideas and photos at the office of the Ponoka News on Chipman Avenue. I will always have a bucket list of story ideas that is added to every week, and on the top of that right now is the history of the Ponoka Airport, of which I have made several calls but have received no reply. In the meantime, I will just keep right on writing and sharing as long as I am able, and get a helping hand from our faithful readers.

Just a few funny quickies. *How long is a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door we are on. *I think that having a smoking section in a restaurant is like having a peeing section in a swimming pool. *Don’t argue with an idiot....people watching may not be able to tell the difference. *Many people don’t approve of political jokes because some of them get elected. *Why is that our children can’t read a Bible in school, but they can in prison? *Love your parents. Sometimes we are so busy growing up, we often forget that they are also growing old.

Even though those dreaded income tax envelopes will arrive soon, there is no need to get blue this balmy January, so just go ahead and have a great week, all of you..

15013MF0

PONOKA NEWS 19

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

CFIB vows to fight tax hikes in next Alberta budget The organization challenges Alberta’s taxpayers, entrepreneurs, and business groups to join the cause The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) vowed to fight the introduction of tax hikes in the provincial budget in March, including a new provincial sales tax (PST), and has launched a new campaign to rally Albertans to help defend the Alberta Advantage as the best place in the country to live, work, and run a small business.

“We vow to fight any attempt to hike taxes, and allow the politicians to shift focus away from a more intense review of the spending side of the ledger”, says Richard Truscott, Alberta Director of CFIB in a press release issued on Monday, Jan. 19.

The rallying cry comes amid growing demands by some former politicians, economists, and union bosses for the government to drastically hike taxes in order to balance the provincial budget.

Premier Prentice has also said he is open to the idea of big tax hikes.

Truscott adds: “Those who are calling for new taxes are giving little to no consideration about the short-term and long-term impact it would have on Alberta’s consumers and small businesses. It would siphon billions out of the economy into government coffers. It would also allow politicians to wriggle off the hook and not atone for their past fiscal mismanagement. But most importantly, it would be the end of the Alberta Advantage, once and for all.”

In the lead up to the 2014 budget,

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“We vow to fight any attempt to hike taxes, and allow the politicians to shift focus away from a more intense review of the spending side of the ledger” Richard Truscott, Alberta Director of CFIB CFIB asked 1,000 independent business owners across the province: “Should the Alberta Government introduce a PST?”, 94 per cent said no, 4 per cent responded yes, and 2 per cent were undecided. The CFIB is in the process of surveying its members on the latest tax ideas that have been floated.

“The strategy of using stabilization reserves to smooth out the revenue roller-coaster, instead of new taxes, can absolutely work. But it does mean that politicians must control growth in operating budgets to a sustainability benchmark, like inflation plus population growth, and have an effective strategy in place to save more resource revenue. If they don’t have the fiscal backbone, then maybe we need to give it to them through a new spending restraint law,” says Truscott.

“We invite Albertans to join us in the fight to prevent tax hikes in the next provincial budget”, concludes Truscott.

Traitor Hale deserted his people for Dictator Prentice Dear Editor, “Hello My Friends” by Jason Hale.

With a friend like Hale who needs enemies?

How could you do this to the people who worked so hard to get you elected as a candidate for Wildrose and all the people who voted for you (including myself) in the last election? In a democracy, it is by the people for the people. You truly are a traitor to democracy.

Dictator Prentice wants to spend taxpayers’ dollars for an early election. Why? That is a waste of taxpayers’ dollars as the Conservatives have the majority and if they follow the rules, it is to be held in 2016.

Prentice is trying to con Alber-

tans into believing that oil prices are never again going up. Don’t believe him. This is a good way for him and his chosen few to put in a sales tax that will remain forever no matter how high a barrel of oil will get.

Prentice, I’ll give you a few ideas for you and your Party to reduce the debt that has been made by the Conservative Party over 40-some years: Dictator Prentice takes a pay cut of 20 per cent, all MLA’s take a 10 per cent pay cut, all government employees take a 5 per cent pay cut, eliminate all severance pay for all elected officials, all elected officials fund their own pension plans; last but not least on my list, downsize the government!

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20 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Teeter-totter reporting

Cattle get sold at auction Wednesday, Jan. 14 at VJV Auction. Cattle producers are seeing big prices for their product and many are eager to sell.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Cattle prices on a cyclical high

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Cattle prices are so good right now that sale values are reaching record numbers for Alberta producers.

The last time cattle prices saw such a large jump was in late 1970s, says Brenna Grant, manager of CanFax research services, a marketing division of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. “We’ve never had prices like this.”

“We saw prices in that period (1970s) double and now we’re seeing that again,” she added.

Sale prices at VJV Auction showed large dollar figures as well. On sale day Wednesday, Jan. 14, VJV auction took in 2,329 head of cattle with big sales figures. Good feeder steers over 1,000 pounds sold from $205 to $225 per 100 pounds. On the lighter end, good feeder steers from 300 to 399 pounds sold for $325 to $360 per 100 pounds.

Compared to Jan. 21 in 2004, the difference is almost staggering; good feeder steers over 1,000 pounds sold for $75 to $81 per 100 pounds and good feeder steers between 300 and 399 pounds sold from $110 to $118 per 100 pounds.

Grant says the beef industry usually goes in cycles of 10 to 12 years and there are peaks

and drops in the market during that time. She says that while the market is showing demand in beef, much of it coming from China, producers still have to catch up.

She expects two more years of higher beef production coming down the line. Global demand in beef is even greater. China, which has spent recent years upping its domestic pork and dairy production, cannot keep up with demands for beef and started importing it in 2013.

“Now we’re tight. This is a whole new level of tight supply,” explained Grant.

If producers are in a position to expand, she recommends they consider it but also advises there are inherent risks to expansion.

Labour and feed for cattle are something to be looked at before taking the jump to growth as it will affect cash flow.

Grant did say that recent bumper crops have reduced the cost of grain making it an ideal market to sell beef. That, along with low fuel prices is helping reduce input costs.

“For the beef industry and producers it’s been a long time coming,” said Grant.

She expects prices to stay strong but recommends producers pay close attention to the market. “The big risks for production is the volatility (and) where things are going to shape out for 2015.”

On Monday, January 12th, the harvested acreage of 83.1 million acres.

U.S.D.A. released its January installment Accordingly production was increased by of the W.A.S.D.E report and heading into 11 million bushels to 3.969 billion while the report, most analysts were bearish. The the year-end carryout stayed untouched report ended up showing some increased at 410 million bushels. Most analysts were expecting to exports corn demand compared to the increased thanks to the agDecember report, which is gressive sales so far this year why corn was the only grain but the U.S.D.A. only hiked that was green/higher by the the number by 10 million end of the day. Specifically, bushels to 1.77 billion, sugcorn 2014/15 ending stocks gesting that the government were seen at 1.877 billion agency might be expecting bushels, 121 million bushels more South American busiless than the U.S.D.A.’s foreness. However, the U.S.D.A. casts a month ago. Further, left South American soybean yield was seen at a record of exports unchanged but did 171 bu/ac (but 2.4 less than upgrade Brazil’s crop by 1.5 the December report though) million tonnes to 95.5 miland an official production lion! World soybean ending of 14.2 billion bushels. The BrennanTurner stocks grew by almost one change in carryout was attribFarmlead million tonnes to 90.8 miluted to the decreased yield lion tonnes. Overall, the price and more corn being prodrop in soybean contrasting cessed for ethanol, which is seen as very positive with lower oil prices. the movement in the corn market suggests Globally, corn stocks were dropped three that more corn acres may get put in this million tonnes to 189 million tonnes main- spring than what was being estimated just a few weeks ago. The bearish implication ly thanks to increased domestic feeding.

For wheat, U.S. winter wheat acres fell in soybeans continue to put pressure on more than analysts were expecting, down canola but improving basis levels suggest 1.95 million year-over-year to 40.45 mil- that demand remains relatively strong for lion, the lowest since 2010. Soft red winter the oilseed. That in mind, the board could wheat (that which is traded in Chicago) quickly swing either way if any reports saw its acreage fall by 12 per cent from from Europe suggest a worse or better last year. However, the drop in winter rapeseed crop (although a drop in producwheat acres are completely offset by the tion is likely already priced in).

To growth, bearish implications of the 2014/15 ending Brennan Turner stocks increasing by 33 million bushels President, FarmLead.com to 687 million. Globally, wheat ending Brennan Turner is originally from stocks were raised yet again to 196 million tonnes, suggesting the fundamentals re- Foam Lake, SK, where his family started main bearish but a close eye is being kept farming the land in the 1920s. After comon the Former Soviet Union states winter pleting his degree in economics from Yale University and then playing some pro hockwheat crop.

On the soybean side of the report, a ey, Mr. Turner spent some time working in yield upgrade of 0.3 bushels per acre from finance before starting FarmLead.com, the December report offset a slightly lower a risk-free, transparent online and now mobile grain marketplace (app available for iOS and VJV MARKET REPORT Android). His weekly colMARKET REPORT JANUARY 14, 2015 umn is a summary of his On Wednesday, January 14, 2015 - 2329 head of cattle went through our rings - TOTAL- 2329 free, daily market note, the SLAUGHTER CATTLE FarmLead Breakfast Brief.

D1 - D2 cows 127.00-143.00 Good Bred Cows 1800.00-2500.00 He can be reached via D3 - D4 cows 110.00-122.00 Older Bred Cows NONE email (b.turner@farmlead.

Holstein cows 90.00-127.00 Good Bred Heifers: NONE Heiferettes 125.00-165.00 Cow/calf pairs (younger) 2200.00-2600.00 com) or phone (1-855-332Bologna Bulls 137.00-169.00 Cow/Calf pairs (older) NONE 7653).

Feeder bulls 140.00-170.00 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:

205.00-225.00 220.00-240.00 230.00-250.00 240.00-270.00 265.00-285.00 280.00-310.00 315.00-345.00 325.00-360.00

Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers

Dairy Steers Baby Calves Dairy Type: Baby Calves Beef Type: Hay: Sq Bales Straw: Sq. Bales Greenfeed: Sq. Bales.

NONE 300.00-550.00 150.00-300.00 5.00-7.25 1.25-2.25 NONE

Rd Bales Rd Bales Rd Bales

180.00-200.00 205.00-220.00 214.00-230.00 220.00-242.00 235.00-260.00 255.00-285.00 280.00-315.00 280.00-320.00

55.00-90.00 NONE NONE

REGULAR SALES WEDNESDAY Vold Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd. | Dawson Creek Auction Vold Jones & Vold Co. Ltd. © 2006 4410-Hwy 2A, Ponoka Alberta, Canada, T4J 1J8

PONOKA NEWS 21

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Does Alberta Fiscal situation need a sales tax? poses challenges

Before any new taxes or tax hikes, Albertans need a discussion on how they got here in the first place

By Mark Milke TROY MEDIA COLUMNIST

Here are the hard facts: Back in 1993/94, per person program spending (in real dollars) was $8,978. The Ralph Klein government including then-Finance Minister Jim Dinning cut that back to $6,828 per person by 1996/97.

By 2004/05, per person program spending had risen to $8,965 - back to where it was before the mid-1990s budget cuts.

Even if the province kept spending at these elevated levels, but restrained future increases within the bounds of inflation plus population growth (after 2004/05), the province would have produced surpluses in every year since, including during the recession.

Instead, successive premiers and finance ministers let program spending get away from them. (That included refusing to moderate public sector compensation including pensions, for example.) By 2012/13 Alberta spent $10,672 per person on government programs.

That extra spending, beyond inflation and population growth, meant that the province spent $300 billion on programs between 2005/06 and 2012/13 instead of $259 billion - a $41 billion difference.

Let’s be clear. A consumption tax in Alberta makes sense if it is revenue neutral, where the government receives the same amount of money despite any changes to the tax system.

Absent that critical caveat, higher and newer taxes would simply impede Alberta’s opportunity-based economy and culture. It would also mean that politicians, at this critical moment, chose to avoid the difficult dissection of how the province arrived at its fiscal predicament. The numbers reveal how government spending remains fundamental to any discussion about Alberta’s red ink.

Mark Milke is a Senior Fellow with the Fraser Institute and author of The Rhetoric and the Reality of Alberta’s Deficits in the 1980s, 1990s, and Now.

It’s no secret Alberta is facing serious fiscal challenges with the falling price of oil.

Since last June, we’ve seen world oil prices drop by nearly 50 per cent. With energy contributing so much to Alberta’s economy, exports and revenues, this situation obviously has a major impact on our province’s finances. If low prices continue, we could have a $6 to $7 billion shortfall for Budget 2015.

That’s equivalent to Alberta’s entire annual education budget. It amounts to a huge 15% drop in revenue—and it’s happening while our province is still growing.

In 2014, Alberta’s population grew by more than 100,000 including growing families and new Albertans arriving from across Canada and around the world. Many newcomers contribute to our economic health by spending money, paying taxes and filling jobs. But they, along with the 4 million people already living here, need infrastructure. For example, an increase of 100,000 people a year means Alberta gains 15,000 children, who need 28 new schools—every year.

Dealing with lower revenues and a growing population requires a carefully balanced approach. If government simply cut $6 to $7 billion out of the budget, we would only make a bad situation worse, causing a recession and devastating public services. Plus, Albertans have learned the hard way that when you defer investment in public infrastructure it can take decades—and a lot more money—to catch up.

Alberta has the highestcost public services, along with the lowest taxes, and we

With oil prices plunging and provincial resource revenues expected to drop, there is no doubt that Alberta’s red ink will rise. In response, Premier Jim Prentice has floated the notion of a provincial sales tax and/or hikes in other taxes.

Falling oil prices are one obvious reason for Alberta’s pending red ink. Past spending commitments are another; more on that in a moment. First, let’s consider the sales tax question on its own merits.

Pure consumption taxes such as the GST make more sense by design than business or personal income taxes. (For the record, a sales tax can be a consumption tax but they are not always the same thing. Space does not permit an explanation of the differences, but my analysis is about consumption taxes; think of the GST as one example.)

To understand why taxing consumption is preferable to other types of taxes, consider the alternatives: high business taxes impede investment and job creation (see France over the last several decades); high income taxes harm the ability of people to save and invest in their future (see Quebec and Ontario).

In contrast, if governments can lower and moderate those two taxes through the use of consumption taxes (which can be designed to exempt low-income earners), economies face less distortion. That’s because consumption taxes have a smaller adverse effect on people’s incentive to do economically productive things like work, save, invest, or be entrepreneurial.

Some proponents of a sales tax (or a consumption tax) argue for it with reference to Alberta’s rising budgetary red ink, or the province’s reliance on resource revenues, or the desire to deposit money into the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund.

But that should, first, bring us back to government spending. In his recent state5015 – 46 Avenue ment, Prentice remarked that “I’m not getting into dissectJan 30 - Pot luck & General meeting 5:30pm Minutes from annual meeting in November 2013 need to be reviewed and ing how we ended up where accepted. Bring a dish to share, table service and enjoy good company. we are.”

PONOKA ART CLUB CLASSES Actually, such a dissection 24 Jan Pastel Landscapes Susan Woolgar 31 Jan & 7 Feb “Drawing Realistic Values & Textures” Sandra Bingeman is exactly what’s needed, esClasses held at Drop In Centre - 10am - 4 pm Cost $25.00 paid at class pecially in light of talks about Contact Lyla Lang Langford 403-783-1887 or Bernice Edwards 403-783-6858 a new sales tax - or any other Billiards - Weekdays 1:00pm. Mon through Sat – 50 cents per game. Honour system tax hike.

Monday Bridge 1:00pm The province of Alberta Monday Whist - 1:30pm Monday Yoga - 6:30pm NEW PROGRAM is “dependent” on resource Tuesday Canasta - 1:00pm NEW PROGRAM revenues the way an employTuesday & Thursday Exercise class 9:30am Tuesday Shuffleboard - 7pm. ee with a $60,000 income Wednesday Sewing Guild 9:30am to 4pm is dependent on a one-time Wednesday Cribbage 1:00pm $15,000 Christmas bonus.

Wednesday Yoga - 6:30pm NEW PROGRAM Wednesday Duplicate Bridge 7:00pm Start to incur obligations that Thursday Floor Curling - 1:00pm. presume $15,000 each year Thursday Weaving 1:00pm Welcome to drop-in to see how it’s done and you’re in trouble.

Thursday Bridge 1:00pm Thursday Art Club Drop In Noon to 4pm The province could have Thursday Pickleball - Check for times with co-ordinator Gail 783-2450. better controlled past spendFriday “500” 1:00pm ing but instead, since the Saturday Yoga 9:30am NEW PROGRAM mid-2000s, made the same Memberships available for 2015 - $10.00 per person. To rent our facility contact Dorothy mistake as the employee ex@ 403-783-3027 or George @ 403-783- 3514 or leave a message @ 403-783-5012. Rentals are increasing and we would like to invite our town administration, business groups, and general public (Wedding, funeral, and Birthday groups), to pecting an annual Christmas inquire about rentals services and prices early in their planning. We may fit your bill! bonus.

Ponoka Drop-In Activities

Rod Fox MLA

have been filling the gap with resource revenues. Those are revenues we can’t count on.

So, what to do?

Premier Prentice has established a Budget Committee that is exploring all options including reducing government spending, increasing revenues, and using our $5 billion contingency account to help us move to a long-term sustainable fiscal plan. The Premier has said that he is not embracing a sales tax, nor does he believe Albertans want one. Some Albertans have advocated for a sales tax, and the government is willing to listen to what they have to say.

The Alberta Government has already begun to take action, with a three-point plan to reduce government expenses.

This plan includes:

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• limiting hiring to critical or front line workers; • severely limiting staff travel and training; and • restricting spending on goods and services.

As we approach the next budget, we know we will have to make difficult choices. But we also know that Albertans are resilient, and more than equal to the challenges before us.

With prudence and vision, our government will protect the province’s economic health while delivering on Albertans’ priorities.

We have weathered these storms before and we will once again.

If you would like to discuss these challenges or any other constituency concern, please contact the Lacombe Ponoka Constituency office at #101 4892 46 Street, Lacombe,AB T4L 2B4 or phone 403 782 7725.

Email: Lacombe.ponoka@ assembly.ab.ca

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

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22 PONOKA NEWS

Sports

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

St. Aug JV Kings make it to finals

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

St. Augustine’s junior varsity basketball teams hosted a fun tournament last weekend with the Kings making it to the finals game.

Their second game against the Duffield Sabres showed that the Kings were able to put on the pressure with speed and determination. The Sabres had a tough time competing with their high energy throughout the game, which showed in the

final score of 57-32 for the hosts.

Speaking on behalf of coach Kevin Prediger was Luc Gratton, who was pleased to see their performance. “I would say that our asset as a team is definitely our speed.”

Despite making it to the finals against Sacred Heart out of Wetaskiwin, the Kings lost 39-59. Gratton said he was more pleased to see the Kings improve against Wetaskiwin.

The Kings and Wetaskiwin recently

played an exhibition game and Gratton said the point spread was much larger.

“There was a lot of growth there from the first time we played that team to the Saturday game,” said Gratton.

The Queens did not fare so well, losing all their games buy large margins. Coach Brittany Ouellette said her team is mostly made up of Grade 7 girls, many of whom have never played basketball before.

In their game against the Duffield Sabres, the Queens lost 18-59 and struggled

to keep up with the fast pace the Sabres set. Forced turnovers wreaked havoc on the young team who tried their best to match strong passing and dribbling skills.

If the girls stick together for the next two years of junior varsity basketball, Ouellette feels they will be a much stronger team. Despite losing all their games, she says their spirits stayed strong.

“All of them as a group have an excellent attitude where they are in terms if development,” said Ouellette.

PSC says farewell to athletic director

BY PONOKA NEWS STAFF

The decision by Scott MacGregor, Ponoka Secondary Campus (PSC) athletic director, to go into a different career path has left the school community in shock.

MacGregor first announced his decision to leave to the members of his Broncs football teams in a special meeting before making it public. Principal Ian Rawlinson said the athletic director would be missed but he wished him well. “My hope for Scotty is that he is as happy as he’s found teaching for the last 17 years,” he said.

McGregor for his part only said he felt he needed a new challenge.

Teachers and students were surprised by the decision, said Rawlinson, but he praised MacGregor for his dedication to students. Rawlinson feels the development

of the Broncs football program was definitely a highlight for the school.

“No matter what he was asked to do, he chose to do it 110 per cent,” said Rawlinson.

He says MacGregor would take students to games on Saturdays and would sacrifice his personal family time to help out. MacGregor is probably best known at PSC for jump starting the school’s football program and expanding it to 12-man football and for developing the bantam feeder team.

The program will continue with coaches Cody Baird and Jamie Blinkhorn.

With the announcement of the departure of MacGregor, a second Ponoka team has now lost its head coach in as many weeks after the announcement last week by Ponoka Stampeders to let their head coach Mark Dobler go.

Christian Acosta, of the St. Augustine JV Kings makes a pass under the net during a home tournament Saturday, Jan. 17. The Kings made it to the finals but lost to Wetaskiwin.

Nate Higgins of Stampeders (#19) finds the back of the Lightning net through a very narrow angle just six seconds after the first goal of the Ponoka boys in their away game in Settler on Tuesday, Jan. 13. Please see our story on page 31.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Photo by Mustafa Eric

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PONOKA NEWS 23

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Midget A Wolves take out Red Deer Kings PONOKA NEWS STAFF

A win against the Red Deer King’s Energy improved the Ponoka Midget A Fountain Wolves’ ranking to fifth in the league last week.

The Wolves played the Kings at home Friday, Jan. 16 and won 6-2.

Scorers were Tyson Borg (2), Jordan Wombold, Matthew Klimec, Kellyn Pritchard and Jarrett Henderson.

The Ponoka Midget Tier 4 Wespro Stampeders trounced the Rocky TAQA Renegades 17-1 in Ponoka Jan. 18. Top scorers, three of whom earned a hat trick were Lewis McDowell (5), James Lea (4), Josh Vold (3), Adam Rowland, Tyler Hoar, Liam Buffalo, Kolby Rattray and Rylee DeJonge.

Bantam The Ponoka Bantam Moose had two wins last weekend, with the same resulting score of 8-3 against different teams.

The first game was at home Jan. 17 against Rimbey. Scorers were Sam Neath (2), Cyrus Thompson (2), Driston Louis, Jayden Nokohoo, Cooper Jones and Kaiden Thompson.

The next day the Moose played away against the Sylvan Lake Lakers. Top scorers were Cooper Jones

A Ponoka Fountain Tire Wolves Midget A player gets tripped up by a Red Deer King’s Energy player during a game Friday, Jan. 16. The Wolves won 6-2.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

(2), Cyrus Thompson (2), Sam Neath, Rian van der Westhuizen, Driston Louis and Quinton Adam.

Peewee The Ponoka Peewee McDonalds did not fare so well against the Rocky Co-Op Storm Jan. 17 at home losing 12-1. Ashton Bandet

scored their only goal.

Atom Ponoka Calnash Trucking had a close match against Wainright during an away game Jan. 18. They lost 3-2 with goals from Ezekiel Pambrun and Kevin Kammer.

Lacoka female

The Lacoka Midget female team trounced the Maskwacis Midget Female Hawks during an away game Jan. 17. Lacoka won 20-0 with top scorers Danica Polson (5), Jesse Stretch (3), Alyssa Klinger (3), Robyn Arnold (2), Brynn Braat (2), Kallie Nelson,

Danielle Blacklock, Casandra Hall, Abby Sim and Hannah Allin.

Their next game Jan. 18 was a 2-2 draw against the Stettler Ok Tire Midget Storm. Scorers were Danica Polson and Lindsay Jansen.

Bantam female The Bantam Lacoka Warriors had almost opposite scoring games last weekend.

Their first game was in Leduc against the Ritchie Brothers Roughnecks where they won 8-1.

Top scorers were Rachel Wood (2), Callie Braun, Jaymee Klinger, Kelli Rae Sieben, Paige Polson and Camryn Grant.

The next day they played at home against Stettler and lost 6-1.

Kelli Rae Sieben scored the only goal.

Peewee female The Lacoka Peewee Female lost their home game Jan. 16 against Wainwright 3-6. Scorers were Hailey Huchkowski, Cassandra Klinger and Sarah Barnes.

The next day they played Camrose and lost 9-2. Ivy Woolf scored the two goals of the game.

THANK YOU Ponoka Atom A Quality Paint/McDonalds and Ponoka Atom B Calnash teams would like to thank the following sponsors for very generously contributing to our recent Atom Hockey Tournament.

Without the tremendous support we received from sponsors, our tournament would not be possible. We truly appreciate every donation.

Post-Game Interview Every year, over 70,000 boys and girls play Timbits Hockey, where they learn the skills of the game, and share moments with family and friends. Tim Hortons is proud to support Timbits Hockey in Ponoka. © Tim Hortons, 2008

• Ponoka Fertilizer • Heritage Chrysler • W. Pidhirney Welding • D&M Concrete • South Hill Design • Ponoka Physiotherapy & Accupuncture Clinic • Ponoka Chrysler • Barry Buss Pilot Hauling • Platinum Insurance • Shandall Plumbing • Sylvan Lake Hockey School • Tangles Hair Design • Alberta Flares • Junior Gone Wild Welding • ATB Ponoka • Red Deer Rebels • Ponoka Golf Club • Twisted Label • Hamilton’s IGA • Nalco Champion • The Brick • The Millar family

• Wespro • Oh My Garden • Reflections on 66 • Cindy’s Framing • Heyden-Kaye Photography • Krista SimantonTupperware • No Frills • Julie’s Travel • Strand Media Corp • Mary Kay • McDonalds • Harbin Welding • Hulk Ventures • BTK Motor Sports • Edmonton Oilers • Nabors Production • Big Country • Just My Style • Boston Pizza • Telus • Sundown Drilling • Ponoka News

24 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

JV boys battle their way to second place

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

The Ponoka Secondary Campus JV boys’ team placed second during a Jan. 16 and 17 tournament in Lacombe after beating out a Calgary and Lacombe team for the title.

Submitted photo

CALLING ALL BABIES OF 2014 The PONOKA NEWS presents

After a bit of a rough start to the season, the Ponoka Secondary Campus JV boys’ team won second place in a recent Lacombe tournament.

“It was a huge improvement over some of our other games,” said coach Ryan Newman.

During the small, eight-team tournament, Ponoka played out-of-the-area Calgary and Leduc teams as well as a Lacombe, who they play in regular season.

The first game against Calgary Academy was a back and forth battle for a close win.

“Right within the first minute, they were pressing us hard,” said Newman.

The Ponoka Broncs boys were down in the third quarter by approximately 15 points and Newman says it is a time like that when the boys usually break apart. During the tournament, however, the exact opposite took place.

“I’d say it was the first time in the season they truly worked as a team,” said Newman.

The boys’ second game was another fast-paced challenge against Lacombe. In the end, Ponoka won but the pressure of the game left them a little exhausted.

“That was the game I ended up using all of my time outs just to calm them down,” said Newman.

Even with their newly advanced skills on the court, there was no stopping Leduc and Ponoka lost by approximately 30 points.

“They were bigger than us, stronger than us,” said Newman.

Even with few mistakes on the court, Ponoka was simply outmatched. “It’s good to see what’s out there in terms of competition,” said Newman.

The loss was also a lesson to the boys in how to stay competitive with tougher, more experienced teams, according to coach Newman.

Lacoka Lacrosse Association

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Iff your baby was born in 2014, 4 you don’t want to miss putting their adorable picture in this special keepsake feature!

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All pictures will be published in the Feb. 11, 2015 issue and will be entered to win a prize, compliments of the Ponoka News.

Congratulations Eli Richter he is the Ponoka Mites player of the week.

Eli is 6 years old, his favorite hockey team is the Dallas Stars and his favorite position to play is left wing. When he is not playing hockey he likes to play video games and watch Clone Wars. Eli’s favorite food is pizza and he wants to be a police officer when he grows up. Keep up the hard work and good luck on the rest of your season.

Sponsored by Busat Enterprises Ltd

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

PONOKA NEWS 25

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Obituaries

Obituaries

Buss Minnie Minnie Hilda Buss was born in Bashaw on October 15, 1931 and passed away at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre on January 12, 2015 at the age of 83 years.

Minnie will be lovingly remembered by her family: children Paulette (Henry) Sanders of Edmonton, Susan (Mike) Luchanski of Edmonton, and Brad (Shelley) Buss of Ponoka; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; brother Edward Winter; sister Ruby Gialet; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Minnie was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Erven; seven brothers and five sisters; and parents Rudolph and Holdina Winter. A Funeral Service to celebrate Minnie’s life was held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ponoka at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17th with Pastor Tim Graff officiating. Minnie was laid to rest beside her husband Erven at the Forest Home Cemetery.

Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Canadian Cancer Society (Research) or any charity of your choice. To express condolences to Minnie’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.

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

SCHICKEROWSKI Norman Herbert Nov. 2, 1919 ~ Jan.18, 2015

Norman Schickerowski of Bashaw, AB passed away at Wetaskiwin Long Term Care.

He is survived by his children Beth, Faith, Edward (Gladys); his grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and great-greatgrandchildren; his sister Hazel; his brother Ben; and his sisterin-law Hilda. Norman was predeceased by his wife Cora; his infant son Norman John; his brother Fritz; his sister Betty; and his parents Otto and Olga.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Ponoka, AB (Hwy 53 30 km east of Ponoka) on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Cremation has taken place.

Donations may be made to the Schultz Community Hall or a charity of your choice.

Condolences www.serenity.ca SERENITY FUNERAL SERVICE WETASKIWIN 780-352-5300

In Memoriam

SMITH It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marilyn Smith, January 10, 2015 in Calgary at the age of 80 years. She is lovingly remembered by her family, Mike (Judy) Smith of Calgary, Leanne (Wolfgang) Bohnsack of Airdrie, Kevin (Marj) Smith of Ponoka, 7 grandchildren - Shane (Susan), Melanie (Derek), Cass (Teigan), Megan (Jody), Erinn (Jerad), Kyle (Randi), Taryn (Colin), 9 great grandchildren and one sister Andrea (Brian) Sherwood. Marilyn was predeceased by her husband Earl Smith. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.. #204, 2323-32 Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 6Z3.

Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.myalternatives.ca

SPELREM Alice Lucille Alice Lucille Spelrem of Ponoka passed away on January 18, 2015 at the age of 90 years.

Alice was born on the farm at Eastside on July 5, 1924 and attended school at Eastside and Ponoka. Alice married Lee Spelrem at Creston, BC on December 4, 1947. They made their home on the farm in the Calumet District. Here they remained farming until they sold the farm and moved into the town of Ponoka. Alice is survived by her brother-in-law Roy (Shirley) Spelrem; sister-in-law Opal Spelrem; cousins Irene Paulson and Evelyn Abbott; close friends Adrian and Bert Swanson; as well as many nieces and nephews. Alice was predeceased by her husband Lee Spelrem in 1983; her parents William and Dessie Schierer; brothers Walter, Clarence, and Lawrence; and sisters Blanche Hill, Laura Davies, and Dorothy Ragan. Alice will be missed by numerous friends and relatives. A Funeral Service will be held at the Ponoka United Church at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2015 with the Interment Service following at the Forest Home Cemetery. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Ponoka Wheelchair Van Society. To express condolences to Alice’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.

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

ELSIE SEBRY January 19, 2014 It has been a year, Not a day goes by that we don’t think of you and miss you We were so blessed to have such a loving wife and mother THE FAMILY

Engagements

YES it is official… there will be a wedding down under…

Shelley and Brad Buss of Ponoka, Alberta Canada & Don and Kerryn Gaudion of Tatong, Victoria Australia are pleased to announce Chris Gaudion and Joelle Buss Will tie the knot in Australia December 2015!!

Congratulations!!

Card Of Thanks Another year has gone by and on behalf of those receiving MOWs, I would like to thank FCSS for this program and a special “Thank you” to the many volunteers who no matter what the weather or roads are like, deliver meals to our door.

I would like to wish a Happy & Healthy New Year to all.

Sincerely, Olive Moore

Celebrate Your Marriage With a Milestone Announcement • 1.877.223.3311 Remember to share the news with your friends & family!

26 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Card Of Thanks

Medical

WILLIAMSON The Williamson family wish to extend a sincere thank you to our family members, friends and the community groups for their love and support in the recent loss of our husband and father. To the many of you who took time from your busy schedules to spend time with Alex during his lengthy hospital stay, our love and gratitude.

Our appreciation to Dr. Izak, Greg and the nursing staff for the care and attention to Alex’s needs during his illness. Thanks also to other staff members for their patience and understanding. We are very grateful to Rev. Len Eichler for his time spent with Alex, his visit with the family at the house and especially for conducting the graveside service. Thanks to the members of the Elks Lodge #561 for being pallbearers at the graveside service and for conducting their service of remembrance. Our love to Jayden and Rylan for laying of bouquets at the grave and to all family members who attended. Thanks to Bob Hepp Catering for the luncheon after the service. Thanks also for all the floral tributes. Thank you to Rev. Beatrix Schirner for time spent with the family and for conducting such a beautiful memorial service. Thanks also to soloists Shalaine Hancik and Sheila Van Alstyne for the beautiful singing and to organist Linda McKelvie for the music. We are grateful to the Elks #561 for being the Honor Guard and to the Honorary Pallbearers for being there for us. Our gratitude to all who attended the service and for the many donations to various charities. Our thanks to the United Church ladies for the lovely luncheon. We are very grateful to Marlon, Sheila and staff at Ponoka Funeral Home for being so supportive in getting us through all the details that needed to be taken care of. We shall always remember their friendship and support in our time of need.

Audrey, Wes and Katherine, Sandra and Martyn MacGregor and Aidan.

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

FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF ALCOHOLICS. THURSDAY AA Meetings Tuesdays 8 p.m. at 8:30 p.m. in the Neighborhood Place Catholic Church basement.

5110 - 49 Ave., Ponoka 52 Street & 52 Ave. For more info 403-783-4557 Ponoka.

403-783-4347 Classifieds...costs so little 403-783-3442 Saves you so much!

59

What’s Happening #50 - # 70

Arts & Crafts Shows ..................50 Class Registrations....................51 Coming Events ..........................52 Lost ............................................54 Found ........................................56 Companions ..............................58 Personals...................................60 Bingos........................................64 Fitness & Sports ........................66 Happy Ads .................................70

Coming Events

ALATEEN

Weekly meetings Tuesdays @ 8 p.m.

Neighborhood Place 5110 - 49 Ave. Ponoka For more info.

403-783-4557 or 403-783-8371

52

BIG BROTHERS Meetings AND BIG SISTERS

Personals

60

60

HAVE YOU HAD a spiritual experience?

Discover how the study of past lives, dreams and Soul Travel can help you understand these experiences. For your free Eckankar’s Spiritual Experiences Guidebook visit: www.spiritual experience.org or call 1-800-LOVE GOD.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted program.

Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888-528-0809 to start training for your work-athome career today!

NEW YEAR, New Career!

CanScribe Medical Transcription graduates are in high demand. Enroll today and be working from home in one year; info@canscribe.com.

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

Oilfield

800

You can sell your guitar for a song... or put it in CLASSIFIEDS and we’ll sell it for you!

make a

difference

CAREER FAIR Join our growing team. We have career opporunities available: 12345

52 February 7, 2015 9:00am to 3:00pm 10630-176 Street, Edmonton

• Heavy Equipment Technicians

• Apprentice, Journeyman, Resident Technicians in Bonnyville, Edson, Hinton • Lead Hand

• Customer Support Advisor • Product Specialist - Paving & Asphalt • Heavy and Light Equipment Sales Find out more about our exciting career opportunities at www.brandtjobs.com or by calling 306-791-8923.

Brandt Tractor is the world’s largest privately held John Deere Construction and Forestry Equipment dealer and a Platinum member of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies Program.

Previous janitorial experience and the ability to work as part of a team are considered assets. Salary will be determined by the Terms of Employment.

Successful applicants must be prepared to supply a recent Criminal Record Check, (inclusive of vulnerable sector) and recent Alberta Children’s Services Intervention Record Check. Individuals who are interested should submit a detailed resume and support staff application form in conÀdence showing related training, experience, and references to: Mr. Charlie Bouchard, Assistant Superintendent St. Thomas Aquinas RCSRD No. 38 4906 – 50 Avenue Leduc, AB T9E 6W9 Telephone: (780) 986-2500 Fax: (780) 986-8620 Email: careers@starcatholic.ab.ca

Has Opening for all positions! Immediately.

All applicants must have current H2S, Class 5 with Q Endorsement,and First Aid. We offer competitive wages & excellent benefits.

Please include 2 work reference names and numbers.

Please fax resume to: 403-264-6725 Or email to: tannis@treelinewell.com No phone calls please. www.treelinewell.com

Please quote reference #ÁCUST0115 Support staff application forms can be found on the STAR Catholic Website under “jobs” “support staff” www.starcatholic.ab.ca.

This competition will remain open until 4:00 pm January 28, 2015 or until a suitable candidate is found.

The Successful candidate’s offer of employment will be conditional upon receipt of a satisfactory Criminal Record and Child Welfare Check. Only those applicants short listed for an interview will be contacted.

Medical

790 MASKWACIS HEALTH SERVICES BOX 100 HOBBEMA, ALBERTA T0C 1N0 TELEPHONE (780) 585-3830 FAX (780) 585-2203

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Maskwacis Health Services (MHS), Home Care Department, has a Temporary FullTime position open for a Health Care Aide. If you meet these requirements we encourage you to apply: QUALIFICATIONS

Employment #700 - #920

x x x x x x x

790

Medical

Coming Events

St. Thomas Aquinas RCSRD No. 38 is seeking applicants for a parttime (6 hours per day, afternoon/evening shift, 3:00 PM TO 9:00 PM) custodian based at Father Lacombe Catholic School in Lacombe, Alberta. The position will commence as soon as possible.

Must have valid class 4 drivers licence and must have safety tickets.

Fax resume to 403-746-5131 or email smittysoilfield@gmail.com

MEDICAL BILLING Trainees needed! Learn to process & submit claims for hospitals and doctors!

No experience needed! Local training gets you ready to work! 1-888-627-0297.

Professionals

WITH CLASSIFIEDS 1-877-223-3311

810

For more information call: Leonard 403-588-2834 or Dave 403-783-7572 Visit our website: www.ponokafishandgame.ca

Mentors

PART-TIME (0.75 FTE) CUSTODIAN POSITION – FATHER LACOMBE CATHOLIC SCHOOL, LACOMBE, ALBERTA

LOOKING FOR

TREELINE WELL SERVICES

770

HEALTH CARE AIDE (HCA)

59 PONOKA FISH AND GAME ASSOCIATION

Janitorial

Oilfield Maintenance Operator or Laborer

Is someone’s drinking causing you problems?

AL-ANON 403-346-0320

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND ELECTIONS Thursday, Feb. 5, 7:30 pm At Pofinanga Everyone welcome!

403-783-3112

Personals

790

Professional standards of practice including certification requirements for Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta Minimum 6 months experience in Acute Care A demonstrated interest and experience in Home Care Program delivery & Education Knowledge of computer software and applications Knowledge of the 4 Nations Community an asset Cree language an asset Must have a valid class 5 drivers license

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS REQUIRED x x x x x x

Diplomas & Certificates Criminal Records Check Child Intervention Check Current First Aide & CPR certification Copy of Valid DULYHU¶V License Current 'ULYHU¶V $EVWUDFW

(TYPICAL) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES x

Assists client with home support by: o The provision of personal care in bathing and grooming, mouth/ hair/ skin care o Assist in teaching of personal care tasks to persons who have responsibility for care for client; promotes independence of the clients by teaching either the client or the family in the area of self-care; o Provides attendant services or respite according to the care plan of the client

Salary:

Employment Opportunity Community Peace Officer Lacombe County has a temporary full-time position for an experienced and highly motivated Community Peace Officer (CPO) to join our team.

Providing exceptional customer relations to the citizens of Lacombe County, the CPO will be responsible for the enforcement of County Bylaws and Provincial Statutes. Traffic enforcement experience is an asset.

Based on education & years of experience

CLOSING DATE:

Open until suitable candidate found

Please forward your Resume with supporting documents to: PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT Maskwacis Health Services Box 100 Maskwacis, Alberta T0C 1N0

Phone: (780) 585-3830 ext. 444 Fax: (780) 585-2203 Email: l.ward@maskwacishealth.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Incomplete submissions will be screened out.

This is a temporary, full-time position (40 hours/week, 10 hours per shift). Shift work and stand-by duty are required.

This position is anticipated to start in March of 2015 and end around October of 2016.

Full details of the position may be found under Employment Opportunities on our website at www.lacombecounty.com.

Applications are welcome until February 5, 2015 to: E-mail: hr@lacombecounty.com | Fax: 403.782.3820 On-line: www.lacombecounty.com

@PonokaNews

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Medical

PONOKA NEWS 27

790

Professionals

MASKWACIS HEALTH SERVICES Home Care Department EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY REGISTERED NURSE Maskwacis Health Services (MHS), Home Care Department, is accepting resumes for Registered Nurse (RN) for Full Time employment. If you meet these requirements we encourage you to apply: QUALIFICATIONS x A member in good standing with CARNA x Graduate from a recognized Registered Nursing program x Experience in acute care or long- term care is an asset x Current CPR/First Aid x Knowledge of the Cree Language & Customs is an asset x Knowledge of the 4 Nations Community is an asset TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES x Uses clinical skills and knowledge to provide direct client care x &RQVXOWV ZLWK FOLHQWÂśV SK\VLFLDQ KHDOWK FDUH SURIHVVLRQDOV UHOHYDQW community agencies to provide coordinated client care x Participates as a member of the multidisciplinary team for service planning and delivery SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS REQUIRED x Diplomas & Certificates x Criminal Records Check x Child Intervention Check x Current First Aide & CPR certification x &RS\ RI 9DOLG 'ULYHUÂśV /LFHQVH x 'ULYHUÂśV $EVWUDFW

Northcott Care Center

Part time Staff Educator QualiÂżcations and skills include:

We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Incomplete submissions will be screened out.

“care in the community�

Part-time permanent position.

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

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 starting a new and rewarding career, please fax your resume to (403) 783-6420 or call (403) 783-4764. Email: tserle@northcottcarecentre.com Website: www.qualicarehealthservices.com

TOWN OF PONOKA Employment Opportunity PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN – FULL-TIME The Town of Ponoka is currently seeking applications for the position of Planning & Development Technician. The Planning & Development Technician administers the permit applications and serves as the first point of contact for the planning & development department.

MASKWACIS HEALTH SERVICES

Duties include:

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• Provide Administrative Support to Planning & Development and others as needed • Administering and issuing Building, Plumbing, Gas and Electrical Permits • Issue Business Licenses and maintain business license database • Receive & refer development permits • Respond to general inquiries in person, by email and by telephone

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN) 0DVNZDFLV +HDOWK 6HUYLFHV 0+6 Home Care Department LV DFFHSWLQJ UHVXPHV IRU Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for Full Time employment. ,I \RX PHHW WKHVH UHTXLUHPHQWV ZH HQFRXUDJH \RX WR DSSO\

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SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS REQUIRED x x x x x x

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• Must be a graduate of an accredited nursing program with current CARNA registration. • Experience in the area of nursing administration and long term care 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.

Deadline: Friday, January 30, 2015 at 4:00 p.m.

If you are interested please send your resume and supporting documents to: Phone: (780) 585-3830 ext. 444 Fax: (780) 585-2203 Email: l.ward@maskwacishealth.ca

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820

is currently seeking a caring and motivated

Salary: Based on years of experience and relevant education

PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT Maskwacis Health Services Box 100 Maskwacis, Alberta T0C 1N0

Restaurant/ Hotel

810

PONOKA GOLF CLUB FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANAGER Ponoka Golf club is looking for a Food and Beverage Manager to join our team DUTIES TO INCLUDE: • StafďŹ ng of food and beverage operation Kitchen and servers • Staff scheduling • Responsible for food and labor cost • Inventory control • Assist in menu preparation • Set high customer service standards • Staff training • Be sure club always complies with Health and Alberta Liquor control standards QUALIFICATIONS: • Willing to work as a team player in a fast paced food and beverage operation • Minimum 3 years experience in Food and beverage management • Strong communication and customer service skills a must • Computer data entry skills • Valid drivers license • Ability to work a varied schedule • Applications open until January 30/15 • We offer competitive wages, staff beneďŹ ts include golf, meal discounts, self directed health beneďŹ t plan after 90 days APPLY TO: Rob MacPherson, General Manager Box 4145 Ponoka Golf Club, Ponoka Alberta T4J 1R5 Phone: 403-783-4626 Email: rob@ponokagolf.com

Trades

850

The successful applicant will possess the following skills and abilities: • Post-secondary education in Land Use Planning or related disciplines • or a combination of equivalent education and experience • Administrative Support experience in a municipal environment • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Effectively organize work and establish priorities • Knowledge of Municipal Government Act & Regulations and the Land Use Bylaws is an asset • Work effectively with other staff and/or independently as the situation dictates • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite

Express Lube Manager

Salary: $24.40 to $28.30 per hour, Health & Dental Benefits Hours of Work: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, 37.5 hours per week The Town of Ponoka supports personal and professional development on an ongoing basis.

Applicants are asked to email resumes by February 1st, 2015 to hr@ponoka.org.

Previous automotive experience is preferred but not necessary. We provide an aggressive pay plan with bonuses and an excellent beneďŹ ts plan. If you have a positive attitude and an excellent work ethic we want to hear from you.

The Town of Ponoka thanks all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Ponoka location is looking for a The successful candidate must be able to excel in a fast paced environment, have superior customer satisfaction skills and be able to lead and motivate a team of technicians.

Please drop o resumes to Larry Thompson or email lthompson@adamsgm.com or fax 403-783-8000

Salary: %DVHG RQ HGXFDWLRQ \HDUV RI H[SHULHQFH

CLOSING DATE: Friday, January 30, 2015 @ 4:00 pm

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PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT Phone: (780) 585-3830 ext. 444 Maskwacis Health Services Fax: (780) 585-2203 Box 100 Email: l.ward@maskwacishealth.ca Maskwacis, Alberta T0C 1N0 :H WKDQN DOO DSSOLFDQWV IRU WKHLU LQWHUHVW DQG DGYLVH WKDW RQO\ WKRVH VHOHFWHG IRU LQWHUYLHZV ZLOO EH FRQWDFWHG Incomplete submissions will be screened out.

www.ponokanews.com

Be environmentally friendly RECYCLE YOUR PAPER!

28 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

AG EQUIPMENT

Rimbey Implements Ltd.

Al York

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

Rimbey, AB

Restaurant/ Hotel

820

Cameron Bay Holdings Inc. o/a McDonalds’s in Ponoka and Red Deer (Gasoline Alley East and West) is now hiring full time and part time Food Service Supervisors.

Wages are between $13.75 to $16.00 per hour, depending upon experience and qualifications. Candidates must be able to wok a variety of shifts and have 3 to 5 years previous experience. Must be able to supervisor up to 20 crew.

Part-time applications will be accepted from Canadians and Permanent Residents. Apply in person 4419 Hwy 2A, Ponoka, 37479 Hwy 2, Red Deer, and 37428 Hwy 2, Red Deer or email resume to cbay22@telus.net or fax to 403-783-4251.

Tired of Standing?

Find something to sit on in Classifieds

Fax: (403) 843-3430

ANIMAL SERVICES

Sales & Distributors

THE RUSTY PELICAN is now accepting resumes for F/T Exp’d LINE COOKS at all stations. MUST HAVE:

We are hiring a Parts Manager to for our Parts Department at our Ponoka Location.

Experience is a must. This position requires someone who is very organized, able to multi-task, and has superb customer satisfaction skills.

The Parts Manager is responsible for many things including: • Running a profitable and efficient Parts Department • Accomplishing objectives through the use of proper purchasing procedures • Inventory control • Staff utilization • Pricing • Merchandising • Displaying • Advertising Excellent leadership skills, strong computer skills, and the ability to thrive in a busy work environment are very important.

Truckers/ Drivers

30

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311 AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

A & J AUTOMOTIVE A & J AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR 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

Looking for a place to live?

Take a tour through the CLASSIFIEDS

Sales & Distributors

NORTHERN News Services, a weekly newspaper publisher based in Yellowknife, NT, are looking for sales professionals to join our team. We offer a base salary plus commission and benefit package. Send resume to hr@nnsl.com.

(Forgivable moving allowance offered).

We change daily to serve you better.

Buying or Selling your home?

Check out Homes for Sale in Classifieds

Trades

This space could be yours for $

30

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311

830

850

TRENCHUK CATTLE CO. (in Smoky Lake) is currently hiring General Labourers & a Pen Checker $20-$30/hour depending on experience or ability. Fax resume to 780-656-3962 or call Willy 780-656-0052.

Must be energetic, self-motivated, organized and possess above average communication skills.

Basic computer skills with an understanding of website maintenance and social media are requirements. This is a part time position with flexible hours operating out of the Ponoka United Church Building.

Please submit your resume with references to: blackelk@ telusplanet.net or mail to 5823 61 St. Close, Ponoka, AB T4J 1L3

by February 2, 2015.

Volunteers Wanted

860

890

Class 1 Drivers for Log Haul Processor operators 12345 (Hornet, Waratah, Logmax)

Based out of Drayton Valley Alberta. Competitive wages based on experience, benefits, accommodation, & drives to airport provided. Good equipment.

Also hiring: Contract Log Trucks hauling shortwood Email: info@lydellgroup.ca Fax: 780-542-6739 Alberta Misc.

Help

880

More than a job. Think career. Think ownership.

Switchperson- Edmonton Cando Rail Services provides safe and efficient railcar switching services to a customer site in Edmonton.

The busy switching operation has opportunities available for experienced Switching Conductors and Operators to work full-time.

12345

Top candidates will be experienced in swiching operations and will have the ability to perform yard duties while demonstrating initiative and strong organizational skills. Incumbents are

subject to employment verification checks, criminial record checks and pre-employment medicals including drug and alcohol testing.

To apply please visit our website at www.candoltd.com and/or email John.Quirk@candoltd.com

We want to hear from YOU!

CELEBRATIONS HAPPEN EVERY DAY IN CLASSIFIEDS

SEEKING A CAREER in the Community Newspaper business? Post your resume for FREE right where the publishers are looking. Visit: awna.com/for-job-seekers.

Klaglahachie Fine Arts Society (KFA) has an immediate opening for a person interested in Community Theatre to promote KFA in the community, to develop (event) advertising strategies, fund raising opportunities, and community involvement.

Lydell Group Inc. is currently hiring

Rate is $13.25 - $15./hr.

No benefits.

Location of employment: 4105 2079 - 50 Ave. Red Deer, AB T4R 1Z4 email: bennett.bkkp@xplornet.com or Call 403-347-1414 or Fax to: 403-347-1161 Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

NOW HIRING

2 yrs. min. on-the-job exp., must have completed High School be reliable, self motivated work well under limited supervision.

733644 Ab Ltd. O/A The Rusty Pelican

880

Parts Manager - Ponoka Location

We are looking for someone who can start immediately.

Please send resumes to: curt@adamsgm.com

•

This space could be yours for $

Misc.

Help

830

www.ponokanews.com

Did you know everyday 80 acres, or about 45 soccer fields, of wetlands are lost in Canada.

INTERESTED IN SAVING CANADA’S WETLANDS? THEN VOLUNTEER with the local Ducks Unlimited Chapter to help protect these vital areas across Canada.

Contact Jim Ingoldsby 403-342-1314 (office) or 403-596-5241 (cell) or email j_ingoldsby@ducks.ca

Join the flock today!

Check out our website to see all the projects we do www.ducks.ca Ducks Unlimited – Proudly conserving Canada’s wetlands since 1936

www.ponokanews.com

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Trades

850

PONOKA NEWS 29

Volunteers Wanted

890

RIMBEY & District Victim Services seeking

Dedicated Volunteers

Are you interested in pursuing an exciting career with Petrofield Industries at our Tornado Hydovac Trucks manufacturing production facility?

We are centrally located in the family friendly community of Stettler, AB We currently have an openings for: Service and Parts Manager Finisher Product Testing Assistant Purchaser Industrial Painters/Helpers Welders Helper General Labourers Construction Workers Our Company has a enthusiastic fast paced working environment, with advancement opportunities. Wage would be commensurate with experience/skills.

For more information about these positions and our company, check out our website www. tornadotrucks.com.

Resumes can be emailed to hr@petrofield.com or faxed to 403-742-5544.

Looking for a new pet?

Check out Classifieds to find the purrfect pet.

Business Opportunities

870

GET FREE vending machines. Can earn $100,000. + per year. All cash-retire in just 3 years.

Protected territories. Full details call now 1-866-668-6629. Website: www.tcvend.com.

NEED TO ADVERTISE? Province wide classifieds.

Reach over 1 million readers weekly. Only $269. + GST (based on 25 words or less). Call this newspaper NOW for details or call 1-800-282-6903 ext. 228.

Classifieds Your place to SELL Your place to BUY

THE DISABILITY Tax Credit. $1,500 yearly tax credit. $15,000 lump sum refund (on average). Covers: hip/knee replacements, arthritic joints, COPD. Apply today! 1-844-453-5372.

Misc.

Help

880

Apply now to make a difference.

Do you care about the well-being of others and want to make a difference in your community? The Rimbey & District Victim Services Unit is seeking volunteers to become advocates supporting those impacted by crime and tragedy. You’ll be over 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license and be committed to ongoing training and regular shifts.

You must pass an extensive RCMP security clearance. As a successful applicant, you’ll offer a confidential, compassionate and non-judgmental helping hand to victims and their loved ones, along with providing information and referrals. You’ll have an opportunity to be involved in community education and outreach initiatives. Contact Patricia Jones at 403-843-8494 or patricia.jones@ rcmp-grc.gc.ca to apply.

Something for Everyone Everyday in Classifieds

Business Services #1000 - #1430

Caregivers

1060

Legal Services

1260

CRIMINAL RECORD? Think: Canadian pardon.

U.S. travel waiver.

Divorce? Simple. Fast.

Inexpensive. Debt recovery?

Alberta collection to $25,000. Calgary 403-228-1300/ 1-800-347-2540.

Misc.

Services

1290

STEAM TRUCK & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES • Oilfield • Residential • Agriculture Fully Insured Call Rene 780-312-5767

Would you like to take the GED in your community? • • • • • • • • • •

Red Deer Rocky Mtn. House Rimbey Caroline Castor Sylvan Lake Innisfail Stettler Ponoka Lacombe Gov’t of Alberta Funding may be available.

403-340-1930 www.academicexpress.ca

Celebrate your life with a Classified ANNOUNCEMENT

LOOKING FOR a shop?

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.

Painters/ Decorators

1310

1240

REFORESTATION NURSERY SEEDLINGS of hardy trees, shrubs, & berries for shelterbelts or landscaping. Full boxes as low as $0.99/tree. Free shipping. Replacement guarantee.

1-866-873-3846 or www.treetime.ca.

TOO MUCH STUFF? Let Classifieds help you sell it.

1290

Unplanned pregnancy may be difďŹ cult to face.

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

Personal Services

1315

MYSTICAL VISIONS 4710 - 51 Ave., Red Deer PALM AND TAROT READING Available by appt.

403-304-8235

Pet Services

1318

PLUMBING SHANDALL PLUMBING LTD. JAMES AVERY “Reasonable rates on all your plumbing needs�

Gas Fitting - Home Renovations - Drain Cleaning -24 HOUR SERVICE-

NOW OPEN!

INT • EXT RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL 403-307-4691 Quality First Always • Free Quotes

We change daily to serve you better.

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

BOBCAT SERVICE

Misc.

Services

Misc.

Services

• Snow Removal • Driveways & Parking Lots • Post-Hole Augering - 6, 9, 12, 15 • Corral Cleaning • Gradingor&Cell: Construction Call Jim Ashbough 403-783-2764 403-588-0599

F.J.B. PAINTING fjbpainting@hotmail.com

Misc.

Services

1290

1290

PONOKA PET CENTRAL 5027 – 50th (Chipman) Avenue 403-783-2916

1290

Place your ad in this newspaper and12345 province wide $ with a combined circulation of over 800,000 for only...

LET US WELCOME YOU!

995

5306 - 60 ST, PONOKA, AB T4J 1K7 PH: (403) 783-6372 • FAX (403) 783-6345

BOBCAT SERVICES Sur-B Enterprises Ltd.

Jack 403-783-5283 or Cell: 403-588-0597 Call JimSurbey Ashbough 783-2764 or Cell: 588-0599 Jack Surbey 783-5283 Cell: 588-0597

OVERHEAD DOORS

plus GST/HST

Value Ad Network

Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association toll free 1-800-282-6903 x228 email andrea@awna.com or visit this community newspaper

Our hostess will bring gifts and greetings, along with helpful information about your new community.

Let us amplify your message!

www.doorsondemand.ca

403-963-5000 12345

Reaching 6000 households weekly

Add this feature to your next career ad booking

Call Shirlee at

Landscaping

1315

GET BACK on track!

Bad credit? Bills?

Unemployed? Need money? We lend! If you own your own home you qualify.

Pioneer Acceptance Corp.

Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420; www.pioneerwest.com.

Excellent references Over 35 years experience

403-783-2123

Personal Services

Squeezthee MOST out of your advertising dollars

Call for more details 1-800-282-6903 ext 235

Heather Goodwin 403-704-3647 heathermccg@shaw.ca EVERY WATER WELL on earth should have the patented “Kontinuous Shok�

Chlorinator from Big Iron Drilling! Why? Save thousands of lives every year. www.1-800bigiron.com.

Phone 1-800-BIG-IRON.

Moving & Storage

1300

Moving & Storage

1300

Moving & Storage

1300

Start your career!

See Help Wanted

Misc.

Services

1290

OUR SPECIALITY

Repair of any cooling or refrigeration system as well as large household appliances.

Berni's Refrigeration and Appliance Service

403-783-4880

For just

$30 per week this space could be yours!

403-783-3311 BOTTLE DEPOT

PONOKA BOTTLE DEPOT

Central Alberta’s Largest Car Lot in Classifieds

ADULT EDUCATION AND TRAINING

GED Preparation

1290

Will babysit part-time in my home in Ponoka

Misc.

ACADEMIC Express Services

WINTER START

Misc.

Services

12345

Open Monday - Saturday

Customizable and secure. From storage to workspace.

10 am - 5 pm

Steel containers from 8' - 53'. 20' & 40' skids with optional 4' landings available. Mount with twist locks.

Closed Sundays & Holidays

780 440 4037 | SEACAN.COM

We Now Recycle Milk Cartons for Deposit

Well Drilling

1400

Well Drilling

1400

Well Drilling

1400

RURAL WATER TREATMENT (Province Wide) Tell them Danny Hooper sent you

3, 5520 Hwy 2A (Across from Husky)

403-783-6875 SALES & SERVICE

)RON &ILTERS s 3OFTENERS s $ISTILLERS s 2EVERSE /SMOSIS h+ONTINUOUS 3HOKv #HLORINATOR 0ATENTED 7HOLE (OUSE 2EVERSE /SMOSIS 3YSTEM

12345 7ITHIN MILES OF %DMONTON

7ATER 7ELL $RILLING 2ED $EER #ALGARY .EW 'OVERNMENT WATER WELL GRANT STARTS !PRIL 4IME 0AYMENT 0LAN / ! # FOR WATER WELLS AND WATER TREATMENT

")' )2/.

View our 29 patented and patent pending inventions online at

www.1800bigiron.com

Motorcycles & ATV’s Tues - Fri: 8:30 am-5:30 pm Saturday: 9 am-3 pm

403-783-5185 1-800-662-7135 Fax: 403-783-4635

30 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

DENTISTRY

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 BIRCHLAND DENTAL CLINIC

Pet Services

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

Rental Misc

PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY

4037835225 • 4037835235 5118 - 51 Ave., Ponoka, AB T4J 1R5

DR. HUGH PORTER • DR. RICK BARR DR. JEFF BARR • DR. GREG EDWARDS - General Dentistry - Orthodontics - Cosmetic Dentistry - Bonding - Veneers - Bleaching - White or Gold Fillings - Crown and Bridge - Implant Restorations “WE ENTHUSIASTICALLY WELCOME NEW PATIENTS”

EYE CARE

1318

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 Drs. Heimdahl, ZoBell & Kallal 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

Buying or Selling your home?

Check out Homes for Sale in Classifieds

Auctions

Buy & Sell #1500 - #1990 Aircraft ..............................1510 Antiques & Art ..................1520 Auctions ............................1530 Bicycles ............................1540 Building Supplies ..............1550 Business Machines ..........1560 Cameras & Accessories ..1570 Children’s Items ................1580 Clothing ............................1590 Computers ........................1600 Concert & Event Tickets ..1610 Equipment - Misc. ............1620 Equipment - Heavy ..........1630 Tools ................................1640 Farmers’ Market & Food Basket......................1650 Firewood ..........................1660 Lumber ............................1670 Garden Supplies ..............1680 Lawn Tractors ..................1690 Health, Dietary, Beauty ....1700 Household Appliances......1710 Household Furnishings ....1720 TV’s, Stereos, VCR’s ........1730 Hot Tubs & Accessories ..1740 Jewellery ..........................1750 Kid’s Deals........................1755 Misc. For Sale ..................1760 Musical Instruments..........1770 Music Lessons..................1780 Piano & Organs ................1790 Office Supplies ................1800 Pets & Supplies ................1810 Pet Services ....................1820 Cats ..................................1830 Dogs ................................1840 Sports Cards ....................1850 Sporting Goods ................1860 Collectors’ Items ..............1870 Swap, Barter & Trade ......1880 Travel Packages ..............1900 Wedding Supplies ............1910 Recycled Products............1920 Wanted to Buy ..................1930 Items to Give Away ..........1940

1410

Welding

1410

NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME

OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday

COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION. 9th Annual Red Deer Speed Show & Collector Car Auction.

March 13 - 15, Westerner Park. Special Guests Rick & Kelly Dale - American Restoration. Dan & Laura Dotson - Storage Wars.

Consign today.

1-888-296-0528 ext. 103; egauctions.com.

ESTATE AUCTION. January 31 - Sand Hills Community Hall, 52032 Range Road 270, Spruce Grove. Firearms/militaria; furniture; collectibles; tools; household items. Details at: www. spectrumauctioneering. com. 780-960-3370 / 780-903-9393.

Building Supplies

1550

METAL ROOFING & SIDING. 30+ colours available at over 40 Distributors. 40 year warranty. 48 hour Express Service available at select supporting Distributors.

Call 1-888-263-8254.

1660

DRY SPLIT FIREWOOD 403-748-3611 Delivery avail. Please leave msg.

LOGS

BOBCAT SERVICES

Semi loads of pine, spruce, tamarack, poplar.

Price depends on location.

Lil Mule Logging 403-318-4346

Large & Small Jobs ANYT ANYTHING & EVER EVERYTHING

403-783-0663 HEATING

MAIN: (403) 783-7591 FAX: (403) 783-8178

“Committed to your comfort”

Robin Esau

Ph: 403-782-7722 Fax: 403-782-7499

robin@KlesAir.com www.KlesMechanical.com

Advertise your business in the Business Directory!

Website: www.harbinwelding.com E-mail: bharbin@telus.net

The right place to find the right person for the job.

For Rent #3000 - #3200 Acreages/Farms ..............3010 Houses/Duplexes ............3020 Condos/Townhouses........3030 Manufactured Homes ......3040 Four Plexes/Six Plexes ....3050 Suites ..............................3060 Cottages/Seasonal ..........3070 Roommates Wanted ........3080 Rooms for Rent................3090 Motels/Hotels ..................3100 Offices ..............................3110 Stores/Commercial ..........3120 Industrial ..........................3130 Warehouse Space............3140 Garage Space..................3150 Storage Space ................3160 Land ................................3170 Pasture ............................3180 Mobile Lot ........................3190 Misc. for Rent ..................3200

Wanted to Rent #3250 - #3390 Acreages/Farms ..............3255 Houses/Duplexes ............3260 Suites ..............................3270 Rooms..............................3280 Manufactured Homes ......3290 Housesitting Wanted ........3300 Garage Space..................3310 Storage Space ................3320 Stores/Commercial ..........3330 Office Space ....................3340 Industrial ..........................3350 Warehouse Space............3360 Resorts & Cottages..........3370 Pasture/Land....................3380 Mobile Lot ........................3390

3010

5 ACRES FOR SALE Agricultural #2000 - #2290 Farm Equipment ..............2010 Haying Equipment ............2020 Tractors ............................2030 Combines & Headers ......2040 Fertilizer Equipment..........2050 Misc. Farm Machinery ......2060 Equipment Wanted ..........2070 Farm Custom Work ..........2080 Farm Auctions ..................2090 Livestock ..........................2100 Livestock - Exotic..............2110 Sheep ..............................2120 Poultry ..............................2130 Horses ..............................2140 Horse Boarding ................2150 Riding Supplies ................2160 Horse/Stock Trailers ........2170 Pasture Wanted ................2180 Grain, Feed, Hay ..............2190 Seed Grain ......................2200 Seeding & Tillage ............2210

Horses 403.783.3311

HEATING & EAVESTROUGHING

Commercial - Residential Installations - Repair

3912 - 66 St, Ponoka www.wcmltd.ca

Acreages/ Farms • B-PRESSURE • PIPELINE • OILFIELD • ASME Section VIII Division I VESSEL FABRICATION & PIPING • SHOP/PORTABLE • CNC PLASMA CUTTING • ALUMINUM • SHEARING & FORMING

2190

www.bigstrapperauctions.net

8AM - 12:30PM • 1PM - 5PM

BRUCE’S BOBCAT

Grain, Feed Hay

AUCTION HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or SpringSales Wed. @ 6 pm.

Antique sales 1st. Sun. of thrashed Canola. Buying: the month @ 1 pm. Feb. 1 oats, barley, wheat & peas Moose Hall 2 miles south for feed. Buying damaged of Ponoka on 2A or offgrade grain. “On Farm Pickup” Westcan WE BUY FOR CASH. Feed & Grain, 403-304-4791 1-877-250-5252.

Check website for full listings

Firewood Welding

1530

2140

WE BUY HORSES: broke, un-broke, or unwanted.

Jerry Dodds 403-783-0303

Grain, Feed Hay

2190

HANNAS Seeds seeking distributors for forage, turf, native and reclamation seed. Good commissions.

Contact Esther at 1-800-661-1529 or esther@ hannasseeds.com.

Only 2 miles from Ponoka on paved road Undeveloped Bordered by spruce trees

403.783.3501 wcmltd@telus.net

This space could be yours for $

30

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311 VETERINARY SERVICES

Bovine Veterinary Services On-Farm Mobile Veterinary Services Ultrasound-aided ReproducƟve Programs CETA CerƟĮed Dairy and Beef Embryo Transfer Herd Health

Phone 403-391-1684 ʹͶ

Dr. Bruce Wine

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR JUST

$

30

PER WEEK. REACHING 6000 HOUSEHOLDS PER WEEK.

Call 403-704-5286 Houses/ Duplexes

3020

VETERINARY SERVICES

NEWLY RENOVATED ½ DUPLEX Open concept, 2 bdrm 6 appliances Walking distances to all amenities $1150/mnth includes all utilities Call or text Kurt 403-704-4424

Southwest Industrial Park 4102-64 St., Ponoka 403-783-5200

FOR RENT

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. Jasmine Hardy

403-783-4236

Reaching 6000 households weekly

HOUSE

Attached single garage Near Senior’s Drop In Centre 50+, N/S, N/P, No Children

Condos/ Townhouses

3030

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY

Beautiful 2 bdrm, 1 ½ bath condo. $1200/mo + utilities, 5 appliances. N/S, N/P North of downtown Ponoka Contact 403-485-1773

For just

$30 per week this space could be yours!

403-783-3311

PONOKA NEWS 31

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

4 Plexes/ 6 Plexes

3050

3 BEDROOM IN 4-PLEX, IN PONOKA. 4 appliances. Close to swimming pool & seniors drop-in Centre, no pets, mature tenants only 403-783-5493

Suites

3060

LARGE 2 BEDROOM

BASEMENT SUITE

FOR RENT N/S, N/P

403-704-5556 AVAILABLE FEB 1 1 bdrm furnished bsmt suite $700/mnth plus $300 D.D. Utilities incl

403-783-4628 PONOKA 1 bdrm. clean quiet adult building, no pets $735/mo. plus power avail., heat/water incld.

Feb. 1, 403-348-6594 PONOKA Quiet N/S, non partier, clean, working renter only. * LARGE BACHELOR SUITE *LARGE 2 BDRM. MAIN LEVEL SUITE W/ LARGE COVERED DECK 403-704-1645

* RIVERSIDE APTS. * Newly renovated 1 & 2 bedroom units in Ponoka: 3724-45 Street.

403-357-0287

Business getting nowhere?

ADVERTISE! 403.783.3311

VETERINARY SERVICES

Ponoka Veterinary Clinic Real Estate #4000 - #4190

Realtors & Services..........4010 Houses for Sale................4020 Houses Wanted ................4030 Condos/Townhouses ........4040 Acreages ..........................4050 Acreages Wanted ............4060 Farms/Land ......................4070 Farms/Land Wanted ........4080 Manufactured/ Mobile Homes ..................4090 Income Property ..............4100 Commercial Property ......4110 Industrial Property ............4120 Cottages/Resort Property ..4130 Businesses for Sale..........4140 Buildings for Sale ............4150 Lots for Sale ....................4160 Out of Town Property ......4170 Investment Opportunities ..4180 Mortgages Bought/Sold....4190

4090

Manufactured Homes

2013 SRI HOME 20 X 76: mint condition, 3 bedroom, 2 bath $125,000. 1995 Noble Acceptance 16 X 76: 3 bedroom, 2 bath, available immediately. $49,000. For more information call United Homes Canada 1-800-461-7632 or visit us at www. unitedhomescanada.com.

IMMEDIATE Occupancy available! New 3 bedroom, 1520 square foot modular for sale in Ponoka. Just $918/mth mortgage! Toll free 855.463.0084 or www. jandelhomes.com.

Buildings For Sale

4150

STEEL BUILDINGS/METAL BUILDINGS 60% off!

20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100, sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206; www. crownsteelbuildings.ca.

STEEL BUILDINGS “Really Big Sale!” All steel building models and sizes.

Plus extra savings. Buy now and we will store until spring. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422; www. pioneersteel.ca.

Financial #4400 - #4430

Investments ......................4410 Money Wanted ................4420 Money to Loan ................4430

4430

Money To Loan

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.

Transportation #5000-5300

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

THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS FOR

$30

PER WEEK.

5030 CALL 4037833311

Cars

1999 Open Lincoln to offers Town Car

ONLY 53,600 km

Call after 6 pm

403-783-2380 Misc.

Automotive

5240

AUTO PARTS WANTED. Scrap cars and trucks wanted. Will clean-up all farmyard metal. We pay cash. Call for price.

1-780-914-7560; www.sturgeonbusparts.ca.

PLUMBING

PONOKA PLUMBING & HEATING • JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER REQUIRED We now carry a complete line of Ritchie Stockwater parts 5110 -50 Street Box 4414 Ponoka, Alberta T4J 1R7

Hours of Business: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 5 pm

JESSE ZINTER Office - 403-783-5489

WATER WELL DRILLING SERVICES

Darcy’s Drilling Services Public Notice #6000

Public Notices ..................6010 Special Features ..............6050

• 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 Email: darcysdrillingservices@hotmail.com

Suites

3060

ONLY 1 Available!

Deluxe 2 Bedroom Suite for rent

• Adults only (40+) • $1380/mnth unfurnished • No children, no pets • $1680/mnth furnished • All utilities included except telephone

Call Ernie 780-335-6767 4205 - 64 St., Ponoka, AB

WATER WELL SERVICE

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!

Little playoff hope no deterrent for Stampeders

BY MUSTAFA ERIC

After watching Stampeders’ last two games, many fans might be wondering whether Ponoka boys, who took to the ice every week since the season began with the same enthusiasm and energy, regardless of the losses piled up in previous games, could have done better if they had better coaching and instruction.

It was not a big change when it came to the score, Stampeders lost to Lightning 4-2 on Tuesday, Jan. 13 on the road and to Three Hills 6-4 on Saturday, Jan 17 at home; but the way they continued to fight despite lack of hope of any playoff action just seemed to demonstrate their love of the game, no matter what the outcome may be.

The spectacular comeback effort in Saturday’s game on home ice was truly worthy of a playoff performance. After falling back 4-0 at the end of the first period, Stampeders blew like a hurricane on the rink closing the gap to a single point beginning very early in the second. Just 35 seconds into the period, Travis Woodford scored the first goal, followed by Tye Munro just two and half minutes later. And another two and a half minutes later, Braeden Grant made it three for the hosts, leaving the visitors in shock.

The unexpectedly strong comeback by Stampeders raised not only the stakes, but also the tension on the ice, leading the game to get rougher and rougher with players on both sides being punished for unsportsmanlike conduct alongside the usual interference, slashing and roughing penalties.

Thrashers, however, did manage to pull themselves together in the latter half of the second period and scored once more to keep their cushion at a safe two points to finish at 5-3.

When the third period began, visitors were careful not to allow the hosts the scoring opportunities which Ponoka boys so masterfully exploited in the second. And to secure their position, they made sure to score one more in the first two minutes of the third widening their lead to three points again.

But Ponoka boys did keep on attacking the Thrashers net and were awarded with their fourth point, which came through Kaden Leibel. The third period also had its share of rough conduct, including once leading to a fistfight.

Earlier, in the game against Stettler on Tuesday, Jan. 13, Stampeders began to attack the Lightning net right from the beginning, but the hosts managed to find the holes in the Stampeders defense very quickly and scored two consecutive goals in the first.

When the second period began, Ponoka boys seemed intent on getting on the scoreboard with waves of attacks on the Ligthning net coming one after another, but it was the hosts again finding the first score in this period making it 3-0. But it didn’t make difference for the Ponoka boys; half a minute later, Kwyn Hiebert scored the first goal to be followed only six seconds later by Nate Higgins, making it 3-2.

However, Lightning, also desperately in need of a win on home ice, scored once more before the end of the second.

The third period was almost completely played in the Stampeders’ half of the rink, but a heroic defensive effort, including Eli Falls’ total of 42 saves in the game, his season high, proved impenetrable for the Lightning in the third period and the game ended 4-2 for the hosts.

Stampeders play Red Deer Vipers today, Wednesday, Jan 21 at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex at 7:45 p.m.

32 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

We’re Celebrating a New Year!

F150’s F250’s and F350’s TRUCK CLEARANCE! All must be moved!

$

19,706

2014 FORD F150

SCAB XLT

SE AWD

SAVINGS OF UP TO

0% Financing on 2014 F150’s up to 72 months.

While supplies last.

2014 FORD F150

2014 FORD FIESTA 2015 FORD ESCAPE

with

XLT XTR

T0986

C0656

T0615

MRSP $19,065 ,

MRSP $32,549 $ ,

13,525 OR $91BW

$

2015 FORD F250

2015 FORD F350

XLT 6.7 L DIESEL

XLT DIESEL

MRSP $53,574

41,426 OR $279BW 2014 FORD F150

48,849 OR $329BW

52,950 OR $359BW

51,665 OR $351BW 2015 FORD F350 LARIAT DIESEL

BODY LIFT, UPGRADE WHEELS AND TIRES

MRSP $67,164

54,208 OR $368BW

$

52,745 OR $358BW

$

2015 FORD F350

DUALLY DIESEL LARIAT

T0810

T0695

T0468

MRSP $67,364

MRSP $61,769

$

2014 FORD F350 XLT

T0562

T01017

MRSP $66,889

$

LARIAT LIMITED ECOBOOST

2015 FORD F150

T0640

MRSP $63,683

$

34,950 OR $243BW

$

LARIAT ECOBOOST CREW CAB

T0797

T0845

$

29,975 OR $209BW

$

2015 FORD F250

XLT 6.2 L GAS

MRSP $49,264

MRSP $44,249

29,939 OR $194BW

$

T0570

MRSP $76,629

MRSP $80,154

60,758 OR $413BW

$

63,850 OR $434BW

$

*All pmts at 4.99% OAC All pymts over 84 mths example C0656 2014 Fiesta - total interest over 84 mth term, $2649 total pmts $16711

“Let your Legacy start here.”

www.legacyfordponoka.ca

YOUR LEGACY TEAM

Pat Boardman Trevor Feragen Mark Schreiner Bob Mass Sales Manager Sales Consultant Sales Consultant Sales Consultant