Ponoka News, January 28, 2015

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Vol. 67, No. 5 | WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28, 2015 | 403-783-3311 | EDITORIAL@PONOKANEWS.COM

Stampeders lose in highly aggressive game Story on page 28

1930 Summer Sports Day at Provincial Mental Hospital Story on page 5

Cattle college!

Cattle handler Curt Pate shows farmers and ranchers techniques to wrangling cattle efficiently Tuesday, Jan. 20 at the Calnash Ag Event Centre during the UFA Cattle College. The day also brought presentations on the cattle sales market and dealing with weeds. Please see our story on page 16. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

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2 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

Future of railway spur line remains uncertain

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Before town councillors make any decisions on the railway spur line in the Northeast Industrial Park, they want to speak with affected users.

There are three businesses along the spur line, explained Meghan Jenkins, planning manager for Parkland Community Services. She told council during a committee of the whole meeting Tuesday, Jan. 20 that two of the three businesses use the spur line.

To be able to use that line, which had fallen under disrepair and was not up-to-date on safety standards, the Town of Ponoka has paid almost $230,000 in recent years to make it usable, said Jenkins.

She suggests council has three options: manage it, sell it to

users or get rid of it. If the town managed the line, it would have to take a more involved role in how it is used.

Mayor Rick Bonnett advised against making any firm decisions until administration could speak with the affected businesses. “We definitely have to make some sort of decision but we need to give them some time.”

“It was one of the things they (town council) built in the 1980s and then never looked at again,” Bonnett added.

Annual maintenance costs for the line are estimated at $9,000 for each business if all three accessed it. Expanding the line is also not possible as there are homes, on the Ponoka County side, not much farther past the end of the spur line. On the town property side, there are approximately eight landowners abutting the spur line.

Airport business plan foresees gradual decline in deficits

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Plans for Ponoka’s Industrial Airport are becoming more concrete as consultants keep working on a business plan.

Town council heard from MMM Group, the consulting firm

hired to draft an Airport Business Plan (ABP) that sets the future of the airport. Consultant Philip Van Manen explained how the ABP looks on Tuesday, Jan. 20 during a committee of the whole meeting. continued on page 3

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In order to operate the spur line, the town must have a $5 million insurance policy in place. No decisions were made as committee of the whole meetings are for information purposes only.

Town works with developers at international conference

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

In an effort to drive growth and development in town, Mayor Rick Bonnett has taken five area developers to a large international business conference in Whistler, B.C. Set for Jan. 25 to 27, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) is one of the biggest business conferences in North America, said Bonnett. Developers, contractors, small and large businesses and 45 municipalities — including the cities of Calgary and Edmonton — will be participating at the conference.

Bonnett said the developers are paying for their own accommodations and travel expenses. They will be working closely with him and Stephen Novak, economic development officer for the town, to entice businesses move here.

He said the only thing the town offered to pay for is the $50 membership to ICSC but developers declined that and said their companies will pay for their share.

Bonnett made the suggestion last year after realizing that local developers need to know companies they would like to pair up with in order to bring new businesses to town. “They (developers) actually lined up and said, ‘Absolutely.’. ”explained Bonnett.

“The only thing we did as the town is we arranged everything,” said Bonnett.

He looks forward to bringing companies together in the hopes they will develop in Ponoka.

“This year we’ve got people that can say, ‘I can do that,’” said Bonnett.

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PONOKA NEWS 3

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

Man impersonates brother to avoid arrest, twice

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

A Ponoka man faces jail time and extensive fines after pleading guilty to driving while unauthorized, impersonation and two breaches of a court order, following sentencing in Ponoka provincial court on Friday Jan. 23.

Kenton Wood, 21, was observed on July 15, 2014, driving approximately 122 km/h in a 110 km/h zone along Highway 2A in a Pontiac.

During the traffic stop, it was discovered the driver did not have his licence on him but informed the officer his name was Kyle Wood and provided the correct information to convince the officer.

In the following days, a man visited the Ponoka RCMP detachment after having issues registering his new truck; it was Kyle Wood. He told the RCMP he had never driven the Pontiac that had been pulled over.

After this turn of events, the Pontiac was seized and Kenton turned himself in.

On Sept. 4, 2014, Rimbey RCMP officers stopped a vehicle for speeding. Kenton, the now suspended driver, told them his name was Kyle Wood to avoid arrest. In subsequent days Kyle was once again forced to visit the RCMP.

The breaches took place between Nov. 27 and Dec. 23, 2014, as he was found living in an unapproved residence, which is a stipulation of his court order.

Kenton has a previous criminal record with several similar charges.

Judge W. Andreassen sentenced Kenton to 90 days in custody. He had been in custody since Dec. 27 and crediting him at a day and half that leaves 49 days. Another default day was added for traffic offences.

Kenton also received a $400 fine.

Gas card fraud A 38-year-old man has been sentenced $520 in fines after pleading guilty to fraud with a gas card.

On July 12, 2013 Three Hills RCMP received a complaint of a wallet theft. A card from the wallet was later used at a gas station in Ponoka and surveillance pointed to Kristopher Rowe, who made a $20.83 purchase.

Numerous firearm and weapon charges On Friday, Jan. 23 Mathew Blenkhorn elected to be tried by a Queens Court judge without a jury and has requested a preliminary hearing.

The hearing has been set for April 17 at 1:30.

. . . plan foresees decline continued from page 2 What the MMM Group have been looking at is drafting land-use bylaws for the airport, an area structure plan and related bylaws.

Since the land sits on Ponoka County property, the two municipalities are working together on the project.

Van Manen looked at four considerations: • There is some demand for hangar spaces.

• Adding mixed aircraft is limited by narrow taxiways.

• Short runway limits aircraft size.

• Land is available for short-term development but not long-term.

The ABP sets out how expansion and improvements will look like in the next 25 to 30 years.

Van Manen says there also appears to be demand for a helicopter landing pad. There is space for take off and landing, but there is a power pole nearby, which is a safety concern.

Dave McPhee, director of operations and property services for the Town of Ponoka, said he had offered to buy the pole from Fortis so that

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he could put the power line underground.

The ABP provides for a more robust set of plans to see the airport grow and start to come out of deficit operations gradually. The 2015 interim budget forecasts revenues at $23,700 and expenses of $32,500 with a deficit of $8,800.

Managing the airport Council will have to consider whether to operate the airport with or without a manager.

Van Manen says part of the ABP will outline governance and operations of the airport, which will help define how to manage it. He says there is potential for the airport to make money through fees and services. “We do agree that this is a long-term development.”

McPhee suggests a full time position is not needed to manage the airport.

Council approved one of three options presented by MMM Group at its regular public meeting Nov. 25 during a Power Point presentation, but it has not been made available to the public. Administration stated it was still a draft plan to help set the ABP. PHONE: 403-783-4911 FAX: 403-783-5222

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Blenkhorn faces a multitude of charges stemming from an Oct. 24, 2014 incident including possession of a loaded prohibited firearm without lawful excuse, transport of a prohibited firearm in a careless manner without lawful excuse, transport of prohibited weapon (brass knuckles) in a careless manner and possession of a controlled substance.

Prohibited brass knuckles lead to sentencing A man has pled guilty to no insurance and weapons charges and has received heavy fines for his offences.

Jody Szoke, 28, was stopped by police on

Oct. 16, 2014, because his plates had expired.

The court was told a nervous Szoke exited the vehicle and seemed to not want the constable approach the front of his vehicle.

Cannabis could be smelled from inside the vehicle and a search turned up two sets of homemade brass knuckles.

The court was told his insurance had expired three days before being caught and that he had simply lost track of time to renew it. A fine of $2,875 was given.

Szoke received another fine of $780 for the possession of brass knuckles.

Distracted driver on cell phone while feeding kids

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Calls of an erratic driver on Highway 2 resulted in tickets for a Pincher Creek woman.

Police were informed that the driver of a 2013 silver Mazda 5 almost hit the ditch twice on Tuesday, Jan. 20. Police stopped the car and found out that the 30-year-old woman was on her cell phone and feeding her two young children while driving.

She received a ticket for distracted driving.

Speedster with marijuana Speeding and being in possession of marijuana proved to be a bad combination for a Sylvan Lake woman.

Police stopped the 26-year-old woman travelling at a speed of 152 km/h on Highway 2 Jan. 22 at 5:45 p.m. She admitted to having

a small bag of marijuana and handed it over to police.

A subsequent search of the vehicle found two more bags of marijuana and a pipe. She was charged with possession of a controlled substance and received a speeding ticket.

Man admits to theft of Listerine Police charged a 57-year-old Maskwacis man with theft last week after he attempted to steal Listerine from a drug store.

The man was stopped by police Jan. 19 at 1:15 p.m. where one bottle was found in his possession. He admitted to taking bottles on four other occasions.

Ponoka RCMP and the Integrated Traffic Unit took 62 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.

4 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

Overcoming divisions through belief in Christ 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)

As I write this, we are in the middle of our annual week of prayer for the community. The idea came from the Canadian Council of Church’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

To be honest, I like both ideas and try to combine them in the lunch held on Thursday hosted jointly by our congregation and St Augustine Parish.

I don’t think it takes much to recognize how divided our world is. I can see it in just about every institution there is. Can you?

The United Nations is divided, the opinion on the best course for peace to happen in the Middle East, divided.

The best use of foreign aid, the best use of government spending either from Ottawa, Edmonton or Town Hall here in Ponoka also divided. There is division and conflict in clubs and volunteer groups, sports teams and their governing bodies. The same goes for churches and families. Too often marriages end in divorce; that is division that has run its ultimate and often ugly course.

So an attempt to remind all of us to give unity a chance is, in my opinion, always timely. Of course, I am not suggesting uniformity. There will always be division and conflict in our world. And this can be a very good thing. Differences of opinion and alternative ways of seeing solutions to common problems should push us together. What one perspective lacks, another can address and together pro-

duce something sound, divide. workable, beneficial to The same can be the whole. But I think we said of our community. know it often – usually – As we gather each day, doesn’t go that way. there is a chance to think The problems reguabout and pray for evlarly start when one ery way this community person or group decides is supported, governed that their particular way and nurtured by educais the best at the expense tors, police, emergency of all others; disregardservices, medical staff, ing and disrespecting public employees and – defaming others; letelected officials; people ting division, hostility William Delleman doing service to people. and resentment reign.

I hope we never forget Sonrise Christian It both grieves me that.

Reformed Church and motivates me when I cannot address what I think of these things. motivates each individuI recognize that divial, but I do know what motivates me sion, conflict and suffering are a part to write this: to work toward unity, to of things because I’m just as stubborn and flawed and self-centered as hold out a vision of a better, less dithe next person. I really don’t blame vided . . . ?

You fill in the blank. others for that or God. And because I It’s what I consider a Truth and it accept my responsibility, I am motigoes like this: “For God was pleased vated to seek something better. I look for common ground, for what might to have all his fullness dwell in Jesus hold people together when the im- the Christ, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether pulse is to react and recoil instead.

Ultimately, this is why I am eager things on earth or things in heaven, by and excited to participate in a week of making peace through his blood, shed demonstrated solidarity. The church on the cross.”

Because of and in Christ I believe has a long history of throwing stones at those within our tribe and those in the reality of diversity in unity, without. This week keeps us honest reconciliation rather than division. and that’s a good thing. What brings Ponoka, we know the problems, it’s us together is absolutely more power- for all of us to become a part of the ful than the differences we allow to solution.

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

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

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

Rebuttal to “I am not Charlie” Dear Editor, Those who plead their cause in the absence of an opponent can invent to their heart’s content, can pontificate without taking into account the opposite point of view and keep the best arguments for themselves, for aggressors are always quick to attack those who have no means of defence. People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character. After reading “I am not Charlie”, I must admit, I see little more than the demonstration of sincere ignorance.

Although generally I don’t take the time to acknowledge, yet alone, offer a response to this variation of “word salad” but the misleading dishonesty within the rant begs to be addressed.

As an example, I do agree that many scientists were Christians during the enlightenment; men such as Galileo Galilee, who discovered the planets revolved around the sun. I’d fully concur that visionary individuals like this should and do deserve our gratitude. However, like with Galileo, when the leaders who represent a faith charge a member for hearsay for his discovery, it’s hard to give credit to the organization’s tolerance of science.

How anyone could infer that this authority of the time that convicted their own scientist, and placed him on house arrest till the end of his days was a developer of scientific inquiry is beyond a coherent thought.

I think the view of the religious leaders in that era is best summed up by Cardinal Bellarmine (when he said) “to assert that the earth revolves around the sun is as erroneous as to claim that Jesus was not born of a virgin.” Doesn’t sound very pro-science to me, but at least they offered their apologies for

Clarification The name of the author of the letter to the editor titled “I am not Charlie” published on this page in last week’s edition was erroneously omitted.

The letter was written by Timothy Nelson.

We apologize for the omission.

doing this 359 years late.

I guess it’s the thought that counts. Many great scientists did carry beliefs, Christian, non-Christian or otherwise, and some paid severe costs for what they shared with mankind. The religions they kept, however, did little to advance as much as a hindrance progression as religious leaders felt it challenged dogma and doctrine.

Science, however, is not what peaked my annoyance, what did was the back-handed view of secularism. No one can deny that secularist and religious people commit atrocities, as recorded throughout human history. The motive to commit these atrocities, on the other hand, you will find, is not what the author mislead the readers to believe.

Let’s face facts, it is true that, millions and millions of people died in Russia and China under communist governments and those governments were both secular and atheistic. So weren’t all of those people killed because of atheism even in the name of atheism and secularism? No, that conclusion does not follow. Atheism itself isn’t a principle, cause, philosophy or belief system, which people fight, die, or kill for. Being killed by an atheist is no more being killed in the name of atheism than being killed by a tall person is being killed in the name of tallness.

I challenge the author to name one life taken in the name secularism; just one will suffice; a solitary case, where a life was taken for the singular reason being a lack of belief in a god(s). The world hasn’t revealed one yet, so don’t be too hard on yourself when you fail. Now, I will refrain from being too tongue in cheek and ask the author to name an instance where a life was taken in the name of a god(s), but I assure you the list builds quickly. In the words of Steven Weinberg, “With or without religion, you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion”.

To the author, next time you shamelessly exploit the loss of 12 people to perpetuate this type of propaganda, keep this in mind: Propaganda, to be effective, must be believed; to be believed, it must be credible; to be credible, it must be true. Honesty is the first chapter in the book wisdom.

Sam Hitchens

PONOKA NEWS 5

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

Reflections of Ponoka The early sports and activity scene at the Ponoka Hospital

BY MIKE RAINONE FOR THE NEWS

As a young lad living with my folks and little brother Peter on the grounds of the Alberta Hospital, I will never forget all the many fun activities and events that were available year round for the enjoyment of the patients, staff and families. If we followed the rules and behaved, we were usually invited to join in, encouraged to cheer for the efforts of the participants, and there always seemed to be lots of treats to share.

My dad , Michael Sr., Bill Savage, Millie Holman and staff worked at the Recreation Hall for many years starting in the 1950s, and some of the many daily activities for the 1400 plus patients included movies, dances, exercise sessions, volleyball, floor hockey, basketball and special entertainment and concerts by local and visiting cultural and musical groups. If the patients could not come down to the Rec Hall, movies, games, music and special guests were taken to the wards. He was always pleased to tell us about the many talented patients who came down to the Recreation Hall on a daily basis, including a gentleman who could sit down at the piano and play many great songs and classics without a note of music in front of him. One day, the staff was busy out on the floor and they heard some great saxophone music coming from the back, and thinking that someone had left the record player on, they quickly discovered that an older man had picked up an old saxophone from the instrument cupboard and started to play. It turned out that he had been a featured artist for Freddy Gardner’s orchestra in the United States many years before, and would quickly accept the invitation to join the hospital band.

Right from the beginning, the Provincial Mental Hospital became very well known for its staff soccer team, which

Photo courtesy of Fort Ostell Museum

A 1930 Summer Sports Day at the Provincial Mental Hospital (Centennial Centre) as always attracted huge crowds of patients, staff and special guests to the football field for all sorts of games and treats.

played in a league with other talented clubs from Wood River, Red Deer, Wetaskiwin, Edmonton and Penhold, and along the way would win many league and provincial championships. The big football pitch on the grounds was always lined with crowds watching those games, while the patients, staff and families were always welcome to have a ‘kick-around’ when they wished. Next to that field was the age-old softball diamonds, which featured daily games for men and women between the wards, a staff league as well as guest teams coming up from Ponoka and districts.

Just around the corner, next to the big and little water towers was the hospital curling rink, which, as well as hosting league games for the patients and staff and Saturday morning lessons for the kids, also welcomed teams from near and far to play their bonspiels on the two sheets of always straight and very keen ice.

One of the favourite winter pastimes for patients, staff, families and guests was skating for countless hours on the hospital rink next to the curling rink, where we could also play a game of shinny hockey, or frolic around late at night under the lights.

For all of us kids on the grounds, and those who came up to visit from down town, we spent many hours at a game of tennis Photo courtesy of Fort Ostell Museum on the fine shale courts, The summer sports days at the Provincial Mental Hospital were a fun on the bowling green, as tradition for many decades, and always involved events and games well as wandering around for hundreds of patients, as well as staff, and their families. In this 1963 the nearby community golf photo, a young lad patiently waits as Dave Campbell prepares some course, where the patients sizzling hot-dogs on the portable barbecue, while in the distance and staff were also allowed horseback rides are enjoyed by everyone. to enjoy a whack and a

Remember When...

walk. One of the traditional events that the Recreation Hall staff and volunteers looked forward to hosting each summer was the Sports Day out on the football field. The men’s’ and women’s’ wards came out for the exciting opportunity of being able to compete against each other in fun games of tug-a-war, jumping and all sorts of races, with everyone getting a prize, lots of treats, and the team bragging rights until next year. Another super attraction at the hospital over the years was the library and the canteen, with all funds raised used to buy books and special amenities for the wards. During Stampede week, everyone looked forward to a congenial visit from the queens, cowboys, officials and some of the horses taking part in the rodeo, with the courtyard behind the new laundry hosting a gala and rollicking afternoon of barbecue and games.

In the spring and summer many of the wards and their staff got together with nature at the hospital’s magnificent Camp Eden on the shores of Chain Lakes. As well as overnight stays, there were countless wiener roasts and delightful activities, as well as an exciting opportunity to catch a fish, go for a boat ride or hike through the wilderness. Doreen Scott, a long-time member of the P.M.H. nursing staff tells a delightful story about the many bus excursions that the patients and staff were encouraged to take, which often included a casual visit down town for shopping or bowling or to the many great recreation areas throughout Central Alberta. On several occasions, as many as 30 patients were accompanied on an amazing trip across the majestic Rocky Mountains across Alberta and British Columbia and on the ferry to Vancouver Island, where they stayed for a few days as the guests of another psychiatric hospital.

Another milestone of the internationally recognized Provincial Mental Hospital at Ponoka was the opening of the Occupational Therapy Workshop, where patients from all the wards were allowed to do wood work, ceramics and all sorts of other programs of crafts, while others also worked out in the gardens or various other hospital departments.

Amazing skills were discovered, with many of the completed items displayed and utilized throughout the hospital, as well as sold in an annual fundraising auction to hundreds of guests and visitors. Later, a shop was opened in the old laundry building where items of furniture were fashioned by patients and staff, and were also sold to the public, or used to assist patients moving into the community. All of these extra activities and many more were the busy and ongoing social aspect of the first class day to day treatment and programs that thousands of patients have received for over 100 years, and carry on to this day at the Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury.

6 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

Opinion

Glaring signals of early elections Wow! Alberta politics suddenly heated up drastically in 24 hours, broadly confirming suspicions that the newly installed Premier Jim Prentice is likely to take the province to early elections soon, maybe in a matter of months.

Just a look at the list of events from Sunday Jan. 25 to Monday Jan. 26 late afternoon is enough to confirm to any doubter that at least something is in the making: On Sunday morning, PC Alberta organization announced that nominations for MLA seats in ten ridings were open; Monday morning, Derek Fildebrandt, former outspoken Alberta Director for Canadian Taxpayers Federation issued a statement saying that he would seek not only a nomination by, but also the leadership of the Wildrose Party, whose previous leader defected to PCs late last year; later, former Wildrose and then independent MLA Joe Anglin announced he was seeking to be elected again, only this time with a nomination from PC (an exemplary show of dedication (!!) to political principles, before Wildrose he was a member of the Green Party); Battle

River-Wainwright MLA As a species, politicians Doug Griffiths announced live for power and to cling to that he was leaving the Legisthat power, almost anything lature; and then the provincial is acceptable. Never mind Liberal leader Raj Sherman the lofty statements of servannounced that he was reing the nation/constituents, signing as party leader with being the voice of the people immediate effect and that he and working tirelessly for would not seek reelection at the benefit of the communithe end of his term (possibly ties etc.; for a politician, the with some instruction from primary objective is to first Mustafa Eric the national Liberal leadersurvive and then to thrive as Editor ship to boost the chances of a politician. an improved performance Mr. Prentice, in order to with a fresh face as the new justify his move to bring the provincial leader). provincial elections forward, will probably Closer to home, Peter DeWit, a La- say that in this time of hardship (low oil combe businessman has announced his prices), he will need a new mandate from intention to run in the Lacombe-Ponoka the electorate and that he would want their riding as PC candidate against Rod Fox, consent for new policies (understand new who was within the group that crossed floor or increased taxes), but in reality what the to join the PC caucus several weeks ago. premier is seeking is an extended lease of Now, it is probably clear that a lot of life for his tenure, which could very well be people are jockeying for position before in jeopardy if another year of low oil prices balloting day comes so that they can catch continues to deprive the provincial coffers an opportunity to a seat of power. of bitumen royalties.

Judy Dick Manager

Mustafa Eric Regional Editor

Jeff Heyden-Kaye Reporter

We can ask a few simple questions: Why does the premier need a new mandate? Currently, he still has more than 20 months and an ample number of MLAs to support whatever he decides to do until the next scheduled provincial election and this should be enough time for a capable leader to put the ducks in order.

Will an early provincial election bring about increased oil revenues? Will early elections reduce or enlarge the projected budget deficit? How will an early election help Mr. Prentice other than filling more legislative seats with men and women who will accept his instructions without resistance?

We can be certain that if and when Mr. Prentice announces the date for the early election, it will be a blow for our provincial democracy, a typical case of a tool for democracy being used to stifle democracy.

But the premier should be reminded that the ballot box could also turn out to be a double edged sword, in particular if one factors in the possibility of the anger against mass Wildrose defection turning into a reaction vote.

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. 28, 2015

Now what is a vote worth?

Dear Editor, Thanks for printing Eileen Walker’s letter on page 19, Jan. 21 issue of the Ponoka News.

We have had over a month’s silence from press since the nine Wildrose MLAs dared to throw away every Wildrose vote from the last election in the Province of Alberta.

What did they get from the Conservatives? If they had respected their mandate from their voters, if the infighting was too bad, they could have gone independent and still served their communities. Why should party caucuses be given power to kill the most effective dissent Albertans have had in over 40 years?

Without opposition MLAs in the legislature, we never have a healthy voice of dissent, which is critical to good and effective democratic governance.

No system of checks and balances now exists. The result of Wildrose defection is a conservative dictator premiere, and buddies, who hop-scotched by-elections after he took power to become elected. When the whole province’s opposition vote is legislatively disregarded, the result is an outright dictatorship or “coup”, no matter how one

colours it; or how technically correct it now appears.

So why would there be talk of a spring election? Prentice fixed the need for the cost of an election when he co-opted the Wildrose MLAs. We do not need an election to rubber stamp a dirty conservative stunt against an electorate who dared to have a legal vote of dissent at the polls. Now what is a vote at the polls worth?

Our vote is what put the Wildrose MLAs in a position of trust and responsibility in our elected government.

When the MLAs crossed the floor en masse, they ignored the legal mandate of the voters and should lose their seats or jobs in the legislature permanently.

When an oilfield worker walks without notice to an adjoining rig to work for a better boss, he thinks he will not necessarily be welcomed at either place. Company loyalty does count for something.

Too bad the other voters who did vote Conservative were not given another line on the ballot: None of the above.

Stella Friedel Ponoka

. . . your source for

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS, SPORTS & EVENTS

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.

KEEP IN CONTACT: Is everyone you know on Facebook except you? Want to keep up to date on the lives of your friends & family? Then come to Ponoka Jubilee Library on Thursday January 29, 2015 from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm to learn about Setting Up a Facebook Account. Set up an account and learn about privacy issues. You must have a working email address PRIOR to the event. Class is free of charge, but space is limited, so please stop by Ponoka Jubilee Library at 5110 48 Avenue to sign up, or call 403-783-3843.

3rd ANNUAL DINNER AT THE LIBRARY: Ponoka Jubilee Library is hosting its 3rd Annual Dinner at the Library on Thursday February 26th from 6:00-8:00. It’s a POTLUCK, so we ask everyone who attends to bring one item; the Library will provide beverages, buns, plates & cutlery. Please sign up at the Library with your dish of choice.

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: Shandra Campbell Positive Connections Improving students· stude relationships with teachers has important, positive and longlasting implications for students· academic and social development. If a student feels a personal connection to a teacher, experiences frequent communication with a teacher, and receives more guidance and praise than criticism from the teacher, then the student is likely to become more trustful of that teacher, show more engagement in the academic content presented, display better classroom behavior, and achieve at higher levels academically. Teachers who foster positive relationships with their students create classroom environments more conducive to learning and meet students· developmental, emotional and academic needs.

Here at PSC the teachers take pride in the relationship that they develop over time with the student throughout their high school career, after asking many students that have graduated they all told me at least one teacher here has left an everlasting impression on them and they still try and always keep contact with them, they often come and visit them when they aren·t pursuing their career Alberta wide. I am honored to have built some very strong and inӿuential relationships with Mr. Newman, Mr. Haines, and Mrs. Jacobson, as well as many more wonderful teachers throughout my high school years.

Thankyou for the everlasting encouragement and support in and outside of PSC!

This Week At PSC January 28 - February 3 Jan 28, 29 – Grad pictures, Highschool exams Jan 28 – Chem 30 Diploma Jan 29 – Science 30 Diploma Jan 30 – Semester break, PD Day, Sr. Girls Home Tourney Please visit our website for all upcoming events and exciting news!

www.psc@wolfcreek.ab.ca

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 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 Meeting February 10, 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...???

Starting to cook more comfort food in the oven? Remember. no peeking! Every time you open the oven door the temperature can drop by as much as 24 °C or 75°F. Bringing the oven back to its original temperature wastes a lot of energy.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. ~ Jimmy Dean

8 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

Ponoka loses prominent resident in medical tragedy

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

The death of mother and businesswoman Elaine Finkbeiner in an Edmonton hospital Thursday, Jan. 22 has left many in shock.

Finkbeiner (51) was exercising at a downtown gym on Wednesday, Jan 21 when she suffered a major brain aneurysm.

She was instantly provided with CPR intervention by her trainer before being transported by EMS to Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre, where her heart stopped, but her heartbeat was later restored.

Ponoka hospital staff worked intensely for about 30 minutes to get Elaine’s Finkbeiner’s heart pumping again, explained Elaine’s husband Jim. Their efforts succeeded in reviving her heartbeat, but her condition required surgery. She was then transported by STARS Air Ambulance to the University of Alberta Hospital.

Jim said if it wasn’t for her trainer Brett McCaughey, who performed CPR on Finkbeiner at the time of the aneurysm, the story would have been different. He says the entire family owes her a debt of gratitude for giving them a chance to say a proper farewell.

Although she was on life-support and could not respond, everyone close to her, including their dog, Cinch, was able to see Finkbeiner in her Edmonton hospital room during her last hours. There were 30 friends and family at the hospital when Finkbeiner passed.

“She was gone by Thursday night,” said Jim. “We had to let her go.”

Elaine Finkbeiner Finkbeiner was only alive with the help of life-support but doctors said there was no activity in her brain. Jim said he spoke with daughter Dusty and son Wacey about Finkbeiner’s chance of survival and they all

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agreed she would not want to live that way.

“Outside of a miracle, I knew the path we were taking,” Jim said.

“For me to say, ‘It’s time,’ will be 10 times the toughest thing I had to do,” he explained. “It’s not a decision that could even compare.”

“Mom was so full of life and full of energy that to live in the state she was in, she would never want that. She looked so beautiful and at peace that we totally were on the same page,” added Dusty.

The circumstances of her passing are something the family will always remember. Just before Jim asked the nurse to start removing Finkbeiner’s life support, a person in an adjoining room started singing and playing guitar. He asked this individual to play Sweet Caroline, by Neil Diamond.

“It was like we had our own, beautiful service right there,” said Jim. At the moment the last note was played, the nurse pointed out to Jim that Finkbeiner’s heart stopped beating at the same exact moment.

Cinch, the family dog was also able to say goodbye. Jim brought Cinch to the hospital in Edmonton and into Finkbeiner’s

room. “He was dragging me,” said Jim. “He jumps up on the bed and started inching his way up . . . and gave her one little bump to the chin with his nose and he just laid back,” said Jim. Doctors pulled life support in the late afternoon of Jan. 22. “It was her favourite time of day,” said Dusty.

“Although it was the worst day of our lives, it couldn’t have gone more beautifully,” she added.

Honouring Finkbeiner’s life Despite the shock and sadness, the family has decided to take a positive view of Finkbeiner’s death. Dusty said that they want to celebrate her life as best they can.

Jim is grateful he and his wife were in a positive place in their lives and that no words of anger were uttered before she died.

“She taught me to be strong and be positive,” added Dusty.

Son Wacey said what he would remember the most strongly about Finkbeiner was how driven she was to succeed. She always had a positive outlook on life, he added.

Finkbeiner also supported him with his bullriding career.

She taught him “If you put your mind to it, anything is possible.”

“She was the most honest, loyal, beautiful individual you could ever meet,” said her best friend of 39 years, Vicky Robinson.

Ponoka has always been her home.

Finkbeiner schooled at Mecca Glen School PCHS and had a successful retail business in town with some other business partners.

Jim said Finkbeiner kept busy with several projects, including their ranch, which has seen steady growth over the years.

The biggest lesson Jim had from this experience: “Tell your loved ones you love them everyday because it can be so quick.”

“She was definitely the backbone of our family,” said Jim. The only thing he and his children are saddened about is that Finkbeiner will not be able to see her grandchildren.

“Mom would be the coolest grandma in the world,” said Dusty.

Friends, family, business owners and more have been in contact with the family to show their love of Finkbeiner and the family is very grateful. Jim said the support has been overwhelming. The family anticipates many people will want to attend her service, which is planned for Saturday, Jan. 31 starting at 4 p.m. at the Calnash Ag Event Centre.

Monetary donations in memory of Elaine can be made to STARS Air Ambulance.

PONOKA NEWS 9

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

A night on the town with Ponoka RCMP

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Const. Justin Auld calibrates the Ponoka RCMP It was bring-a-reporterdetachment’s roadside blood-alcohol testers to-work day for Ponoka before setting out on patrol. Using a special RCMP Friday, Jan. 23 where alcohol solution the tester must be at a specific Ponoka News was given actemperature to simulate body temperatures. cess to what a typical Friday Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye night looks like for police.

For almost the entire 10hour shift, which started at 6 p.m., Ponoka News followed Const. Justin Auld around town to get a taste of what it’s like to work as a police officer. While there were no major incidents, the evening helped shed light on what it takes to keep the citizens of Ponoka safe.

Auld’s first order of business was to check the roadside breath tests that determine if a person is impaired. This happened to be the day those devices needed calibrating.

Every 28 days, these machines are checked and rendered ready for testing someone’s blood alcohol levels. If they are not done right, a case could get thrown out of court, explained Auld.

After that he took some time to check emails and get some paperwork done. Auld says he tries to balance out his paperwork and also be on the road. Not two to a car,” said Auld. “You need to have long after, we were on the road with Auld that ability to send multiple cars to a call deconducting patrols. pending on what it is.”

The first call of the night was over a Auld suggests alcohol abuse can cause a manic individual who had walked out of the variety of issues such as domestic abuse, vioCentennial Centre for Mental Health and lence and vandalism.

Brain Injury. The person had left the hospital That was evident after he stopped one without permission and officers on duty had person who was walking down the street with to try and locate him. a pitcher of beer taken from a downtown bar.

About 45 minutes later, the man was The man was somewhat belligerent and found at a local gas station. He was dis- unhappy seeing his beer poured out and betraught and angry at having to return to the came angry at Auld and started swearing. hospital. After some discussion, the man re- When asked to stay in front of the police alized he had no choice but to be taken back cruiser the man ignored him and walked up by police cruiser. There was little trouble to the driver’s side door. from the man.

Auld said the man’s actions showed he Auld was not reticent to stop a vehicle was drunk enough that he was making bad if it was driven erratically or had a burnt out personal decisions, which was also a cause light. He said there are times he will stop a for concern of his own safety. He says speakdriver to inform them of an issue only to find ing directly but respectfully is something that they are impaired. helps get his point across.

“As soon as something is out of place, “You have to tell them that their behavyou just stop it and check it out,” said Auld. iour is unacceptable,” he said.

At one stop, Auld could smell alcohol He was going to give the man a verbal emanating from the vehicle. He asked the warning but after his somewhat aggressive driver to get out of the vehicle in order to actions, Auld arrested the man and produced determine smells. Once he found out this a citation for drinking in public. person was the designated driver and not imIn between patrols, officers also visited paired, Auld let them go on their way. local bars to check for underage drinkers He was pleased to see these people try- and also went to the Ponoka Culture and ing to obey the law and keep other motorists Recreation Complex during a Fountain Tire safe. One motorist was stopped and thanked Wolves Midget A hockey game. him for the stop. Auld received a quick “God Sometimes just being visible and around bless” and he was able to move on his way. helps people realize police are on duty. Auld While there were three officers and one says just being present and walking around auxiliary on duty through the night, they makes a big difference. There were other inwere for the most part by themselves. Police cidents over the evening including pulling a are expected to be self-motivated and to take person over travelling too fast and arresting care of what needs doing. Paperwork or traf- an individual with outstanding warrants for fic stops all come from personal initiative. In his detention. bigger centres, police usually run with a partDespite no major events such as police ner, which is different for rural police. chases with sirens blaring such as in the “There aren’t enough resources to run movies, it was clear that police keep busy.

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10 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

RCMP officers face many challenges in keeping people safe

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

The recent shooting of Const. David Wynn in St. Albert sheds some light on some of the dangers RCMP officers face.

The ride along with Ponoka RCMP (see page 9) gave Ponoka News a chance to ask questions regarding personal safety and what it means to work in a small town such as Ponoka.

There were no restrictions from police except to give Const. Justin Auld space to conduct his work.

There is not enough space to put everything to a story but here are some of the highlights of the night.

Officers’ safety Police have to constantly evaluate their personal safety.

On this ride along with Ponoka RCMP, there were three RCMP officers on duty and one auxiliary officer taking calls. Most of them worked alone.

Wynn’s death is a cause for concern for police and Auld said he does not like to think about it much. He suggests with any job there are risks. “Any day could be your day,” he said.

He hopes with extreme cases there are some lessons to be learned but sometimes it is difficult to know what a person is thinking or concealing. “The hands are what’s going to hurt you.”

Auld says there are times he takes calls alone because has no choice. If the situation is dangerous though, he will call for backup but he also wants to do his job.

“You can’t be afraid of your own shadow,” said Auld.

He says doing a risk assessment of a situation is an important aspect of the job.

“There’s all these flags that a person is going to act erratic. The thing is you can’t be afraid of your job.” continued on page 14

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PONOKA NEWS 11

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

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Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

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PONOKA NEWS 13

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

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14 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

Officers face many challenges...

RCMP have appealed to the public for information about the individual pictured here because of being considered a person of interest in shoplifting and theft investigations.

Anyone with relevant information is requested to contact Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4472 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

SEE NEWS HAPPENING? Send us your photos!

Email us at: editorial@ponokanews.com

continued from page 10 “You can’t walk around thinking that everyone is going to kill you. Most people are generally co-operative with the police,” explained Auld.

Dealing with naked people Some of the strangest experiences Auld has had are having to deal with half naked people.

He says most people would be surprised at how many times that has happened. “Lots of people feel like they don’t need to wear pants.”

“There’s a lot more nudity than you think,” he added.

Some of those cases are from people who are so intoxicated they cannot control themselves.

Alcohol related crime Alcohol abuse can also cause a variety of issues such as domestic abuse, violence and vandalism.

Auld says serious issues he deals with generally involve alcohol.

Being in a small town poses other challenges. Auld has come across individuals he has arrested over the years. It is an awkward experience but he does not let it affect how he behaves.

“I make a point to treat everyone one with respect,” said Auld. “People remember that.”

“My first pursuit was with an impaired driver,” said Auld.

The chase did not last long however, as the driver was so impaired he crashed into

a ditch shortly after. “He was so drunk he couldn’t operate a vehicle at that speed and keep it on the road.”

Of the more serious side of investigations, Auld has had a few pursuits and has also had to deal with serious assaults or sexual assaults.

Dealing with adrenaline When Auld first started as an RCMP officer he would get a little nervous taking calls but with experience a lot of those cases became routine.

He tends not to get as excited as he used to, but in high-risk situations such as serious offences or if someone has weapons on them, adrenaline and training does kick in.

“You have to think more tactically about what you’re going to do,” said Auld.

“A lot of times we don’t have a lot of information. A lot of the times you’re going in blind and you have to figure out the information as we get there or on the way,” said Auld.

“Depending on what’s happening it might take all of us to do it,” he added.

There are a handful of times that Auld says someone tried to fight him and that adrenaline and his training has been an asset. “You don’t lose control. You don’t panic.”

Emergencies don’t have a set schedule.

Auld says busy can be hit or miss and for this Friday night, it was not the busiest.

There are some nights officers cannot keep up with the calls and they have to split up to handle emergencies.

PONOKA FISH & GAME ASSOCIATION

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Stagecoach Saloon Tickets Cocktails - 5:00pm Dinner - 6:00pm $25 Awards - 7:30pm

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

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PONOKA NEWS 15

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

Co-ordinator connects First Nations youths with elders

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Restorative Justice co-ordinator Vanessa Omeasoo, with the Ermineskin Cree Nation, is finding different ways to connect youths to their elders using modern technology.

Last May, Omeasoo was honoured to receive the Solicitor General Alberta Community Justice award for her work with First Nations youths in Maskwacis. She uses justice circles to help young offenders understand the effects of their actions and the importance of not breaching court conditions charged with an offence.

Since then she was awarded $20,000 by a commercial bank to develop a website where First Nations youths can interview their elders and gain their knowledge.

Omeasoo wants youths to have a better understanding of their culture, which she feels will help them deal with challenge they face. “They’re not learning from our culture.

They don’t have a sense of identity,” Omeasoo says in justifying her project.

She uses iMovie to produce the short videos and has a goal to upload one video per week. The website, called

Michelle Louis (left), radio host with Hawk Radio, poses with Vanessa Omeasoo, restorative justice co-ordinator with the Ermineskin Nation recently. Omeasoo was the recipient of the Solicitor General Alberta Community Justice award for her work to better her community.

Photo submitted

new to town?

Look to us for all your weekly news and upcoming events

www.neyaskweyahk-acimowina.com already features four videos.

For her it is important to interview as many elders as possible because they hold the knowledge of the Cree culture. “With them goes our knowledge,” she says.

“They’re not learning from our culture. They don’t have a sense of identity.”

Vanessa Omeasoo, Restorative Justice Co-ordinator

She feels all four nations in Maskwacis are in a crisis with regard to mental health. In 2014, there were 13 confirmed suicides with ages ranging from 12 to 50.

With only a few weeks into 2015, Omeasoo said another two suicides had been confirmed. “They don’t know how to ask for help,” she explained.

While Omeasoo’s job is to help with restorative justice, she is finding ways to connect with the community and to

help those struggling with other challenges. She does all of this while being considered legally blind.

Omeasoo was diagnosed at a young age with an incurable condition called Stargardt’s disease, which causes progressive vision loss. Despite only being able to see general shapes rather than details, Omeasoo’s goal is to better the entire Maskwacis community.

She says in some ways it helps her connect with those individuals who need help.

Nominations being accepted for 2015 award Receiving the Solicitor General Alberta Community Justice award is something Omeasoo feels has helped her expand on her work. “I hope I can inspire people to nominate other innovative ‘doers’ for the award. They, too, deserve the recognition. Receiving this award sure boosted my efforts knowing that my efforts are being recognized.”

Nominations have opened for the community justice award and forms can be found on the Alberta Justice and Solicitor General website.

Click on the Building Safe Communities tab and then the Alberta Community Justice Awards below it.

16 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

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Ranchers in the area got some tips during a UFA Cattle College that might just make their work a little easier.

The event was held Tuesday, Jan. 20 at the Calnash Ag Event Centre, where three experts gave tips on the industry: livestock analyst Anne Wasko spoke on cattle sales, stockman Curt Pate showed farmers how to wrangle cattle efficiently and weed control expert Kelly Cooley shared his

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knowledge of dealing with weeds in a pasture.

Jeff Rucci, agrologist with UFA said this was their first time presenting at the ag event centre and the purpose of the Cattle College is “focusing on helping provide different ideas for ranchers to think about.”

Anne Wasko on the livestock market Producers should expect to see production of pork and poultry to increase in Canada, explained Wasko. She feels that while the cattle market is doing quite well she is unsure what 2015 will bring.

“It all depends on the consumer,” she said in an interview.

She advised producers looking to expand their business should also do their best to prepare for fluctuations in the market. “Do your homework.”

The upward trend in cattle prices does show positive signs for producers though, she added.

Curt Pate shows how to move cattle with little stress Ranchers received some professional tips from Pate on effective cattle handling. He used live heifers to demonstrate moving cattle from one gate to another or to a cattle trailer.

He showed how cattle react when a person comes close to them and handily separated individual heifers from the herd.

Quick, yet unthreatening movements was one technique Pate demonstrated. He gave his audience a chance to understand the different cattle behaviors that could work in a rancher’s favour when corralling them.

Kelly Cooley elaborates on pastures and weed control Due to the nature of plants and their life cycles, Cooley advocates farmers get to know types of plants in their pastures, especially if they intend to keep them in use for livestock.

He says most weeds on Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s noxious weed list will outperform native or new plants in a pasture. Knowledge of a weed’s lifecycle is something Cooley feels is imperative to proper weed control.

“One-size doesn’t fit all,” stated Cooley in an interview regarding weed control products.

The Cattle College is in its fourth year of operations and Rucci said it is an ideal way to reach out to customers, members and producers to give them tools that make their jobs easier.

He said this is the third year they have brought livestock into the cattle handling presentation.

All Sale Items Are In Stock Items Only.

Some Acceptions Do Apply

PONOKA NEWS 17

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

Directors with the Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce pose after their annual general meeting Tuesday, Jan. 20 at the Kinsmen Community Centre. (From left) Angie Lewis, Danielle Cardinal, president Jim Hamilton, treasurer Pam Baron, Kori Hart, pastpresident Greg Braat, Julie Evans, Colin MacKenzie, Judy Dick, vice-president Andrew Middleton and Inger Laing. Missing in the photo are Doug Brown, Susan Bussiere, Melodie Helm, Dan Lea, and Theresa Turner.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

2015

Full roster for Chamber board of directors

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Members of the Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce had much to celebrate during their annual general meeting Tuesday, Jan. 20 at the Kinsmen Community Centre.

Hosting a small presentation from Wetaskiwin MP Blaine Calkins, the chamber elected its board of directors and for the first time in many years, it has a full roster.

Jim Hamilton has stepped up as the chamber president for a third year saying he feels they are doing positive things for the community. “We’re doing some good things. Obviously, if we have more people wanting to join the board of directors, we’re going in the right direction,” he said.

He has spent some time with executive manager Les Jaster in recent months reviewing outdated chamber bylaws, which is another reason he wants to stay on. Hamilton said he hoped to fully update those bylaws in March.

Chamber initiatives appear to be going well and Hamilton said he doesn’t expect there to be major changes for 2015. Events such as the popular trade fair and Almost Midnight Madness continue to grow.

“We’re going to continue to try to raise the profile of the chamber and continue to try to improve the town’s business community,” said Hamilton.

One highlight for Jaster was when he and Hamilton travelled to Fort McMurray

for the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) resolutions meeting. During the visit, a member of the ACC pointed to Ponoka’s chamber as a source of good information for hosting trade fairs.

Financially, Jaster is pleased with how the chamber did. The trade fair grossed $48,000 in 2014, up from $45,400 in 2013.

Costs for the trade fair did increase in 2014 at $37,700 in 2014 compared to $31,500 in 2013.

The business awards saw some growth with gross revenue at $20,900 in 2014 compared to $19,500 in 2013.

Overall the chamber’s total revenue was $130,000 in 2014 with $129,200 in expenses. Net income was $738.

The chamber was also able to find corporate sponsorship for the Almost Midnight Madness fireworks, which helped reduce those costs.

“We came out well, a little bit of a bottom line. That’s what I like to go for,” said Jaster of the finances.

For 2015, Jaster said he looks forward to expanding on the trade fair and bring more members to the association.

“There are reasons to be a member, there’s no reason not to be a member,” said Jaster.

He looks forward to this year’s trade fair, themed The World of Super Heroes, which is set for April 17 and 18.

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18 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

Ghost students may address WCPS funding concerns There are three or four schools in the division in need; ghost students would guarantee money for proper staffing or programming.

“My large schools have efficiency built in,” said Jacobs.

Not just an issue in WCPS previously, small high schools across the province have faced mounting funding challenges over the last decade.

“It’s because the demographics are changing,” said Jacobs.

He is in preliminary discussions with smaller schools to grant a flat rate in funding once the populations hit a concerning low.

“Without that, these schools are really at the mercy of the demographics,” said Jacobs.

The decision will come from the WCPS board of trustees and a large deciding factor will be the provincial funding for the division, which will be announced at the end of February or early March, says Jacobs.

RECYCLE

In another effort to combat rural school divisions’ ongoing struggle with student population numbers and funding, Wolf Creek Public Schools (WSPS) is in the beginning stages of pondering a “ghost student” strategy.

“If you’re looking to support schools, you can do a number of things,” said WCPS superintendent Larry Jacobs.

In the division, smaller high schools are typically allowed to run at a deficit but with ghost students, schools would be able to operate on a flat rate given by the division. With the idea of ghost students, numbers are incorporated into the flat rate, but are not actually presented at the school.

With smaller rural schools, as family farms become less and less popular, the student body shrinks, says Jacobs.

Since funding is based on a per capita system, the money the students bring to the school leaves with them, affecting programming at the small schools, such as options and career and technology courses (CTS).

With sparse programming, more students leave for bigger schools and better opportunities, leaving the rural schools at the mercy of a vicious cycle.

There are three or four schools in the division in need; ghost students would guarantee money for proper staffing or programming.

YOUR PAPER!

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

More concerns over appointed WCPS trustee

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

Partly due to the lack of communication among the Four Bands of the Maskwacis community and the Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) board of trustees, the trustees are leaning toward delaying their decision to accept an appointed First Nation board member until the next election.

It was late last year that Maskwacis contacted the Alberta Government requesting an appointed member to sit on the board. Since then, WCPS has yet to be contacted by anyone from Maskwacis on the matter. Superintendent Larry Jacobs only recently heard from the government.

He was told the board would be looking at an agreement that focuses on the role of the appointed member and term length. “They’re treated just like every other trustee,” Jacobs said.

However, with an appointed trustee, the division will not see additional provincial funding for the extra position.

Trustee Bob Huffs feels it is wisest for the board to wait until the next election at the end of term, possibly excluding a probationary period.

“This is not an easy fix, once you have it, it’s here,” said Huff.

He feels funding could be a challenge as another position could hold a $30,000 annual cost.

“It has to be done right, because if it’s not, the backlash is going to be tremendous,” said Huff. He told his fellow trustees he has already had people contacting him who are overtly opposed to the addition.

“Maybe it’s going to be at the expense of other kids in the division,” said Huff.

“When a new trustee comes in, the chemistry of the board changes.”

Trustee Donna Peterson also agreed the best course of action would be to wait for an election.

She feels the division is already moving in the right direction when it comes to supporting First Nation students with FNMI student success co-ordinator Shelia Hagemann and the Wisdom and Guidance Committee.

There are approximately 400 First Nation students in the division with the majority attending Ponoka Secondary Campus.

The school division in Wetaskiwin has had an appointed First Nations member for several years and Jacobs says there has been no hard improvements with students in that time.

However, he says “soft indicators” such as enrollment has increased.

Huff is also concerned the action could set a precedent for other types of appointed trustees, such as towns with larger growing student populations wanting more representation on the board.

“That’s where this becomes murky . . . and I say ‘hey, let’s be fair to all.’”

Board chair Trudy Bratland spoke directly about the band’s silence to WCPS. “That puts a whole new light on the situation I think.”

“We haven’t been directly contacted, so I think we’re doing our due diligence,” she added.

Trustee Pam Hansen feels when it comes time to make a decision, the board will be left out in the cold while the province dictates to them what will happen.

“My honest opinion is, it’s not going to matter what we want or need,” she said.

Literary awareness raised in creative contest

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

Come spring, Wolf Creek Public Schools is launching a creative contest focused on building literacy awareness among students

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of all ages.

Cheryl Gascoyne, learning supports co-ordinator, gave a presentation to the board of trustees at its Tuesday, Jan. 20 meeting, outlining the idea of the contest and the need it derives from.

It is yet to be known what the contest will require the students to do.

She told the trustees the last year of education heavily focused on literacy. “And most of this is awareness.

The next step is talking about a culture of literacy.”

That’s where the contest

comes into play. “It’s just to get the students excited and aware of it,” said Gascoyne.

With a hope the trustees will help judge, the contest should begin in March with results announced in May. To illustrate her point, Gascoyne showed the trustees a YouTube video post called All About Those Books, a music video parody from the wildly popular Meghan Trainor hit All About That Bass.

During the meeting no other decisions regarding the contest were made.

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PONOKA NEWS 19

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

WCPS and ATA doesn’t see eye to eye on classroom technology

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

Only days after a province-wide system crash as thousands of students across the province attempted to write their English diploma exams on Jan. 13, the Alberta Teachers Association (ATA) released a statement on Jan. 19 expressing their displeasure with some of the technology being used in classrooms.

A portion of the release read “Digital reporting tools are not seen to improve student instruction or assessment but have had a significant negative impact on teacher work, according to teachers and principals surveyed in a new Alberta study.”

The release says researchers from the University of Alberta and the ATA surveyed more than 1,000 teachers across the province and nearly two-thirds responded that digital reporting tools such as PowerSchool and TeacherLogic have not improved instruction in the classroom.

“Teachers are concerned about the amount of time and energy that has to be invested into these tools that deliver little improvement to learning or communications.

“Their efforts would be better focused on professional work, like student conferencing, that does have value in improving learning,” said ATA president Mark Ramsankar in the release.

“There’s no question the use of technology has to be supported by the person using it,” said Wolf Creek Public Schools superintendent Larry Jacobs, in an interview with Ponoka News.

He feels teachers have to not only be able to use the technology but effectively wield it in a classroom setting in order for both teachers and students to benefit.

This goal is where divisions across the province are seeing a slowing pace.

“A lot of our teachers trained in a world 10 to 15 years (ago),” said Jacobs.

“Teachers are concerned about the amount of time and energy that has to be invested into these tools that deliver little improvement to learning or communications. Their efforts would be better focused on professional work,” Mark Ramsankar ATA President

As technology used in the classroom evolves, Jacobs says it is up to the divisions to provide staff with opportunities to continually upgrade their skills.

He feels students are open to the idea of learning with technology. “There’s something intrinsically motivating

about technology . . . it’s fun.”

With students also being encouraged to bring their own technology — such as cellphones — to learn in class, there was a fear students would become easily distracted from the curriculum material.

“And yet a cellphone is an extremely powerful digital device,” said Jacobs.

“It’s not the problem some people suspected it would be,” he added.

Jacobs says some of the issues teachers face with technology in the classroom stems from a discontented Alberta Education, as it keeps pushing different initiatives. “There are reports coming back from the schools ‘you need to think it through’,” said Jacobs.

Ponoka Secondary Campus administration or teachers did not want to comment on the ATA release.

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TO VIEW A COMPLETE LIST OF OUR PROPERTIES AND VIRTUAL TOURS PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT

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20 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

PONOKA NEWS 21

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

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*O.A.C. SALE PRICE UNITS ARE PLUS TAX AND APPLICABLE FEES. **2013 OR NEWER MODELS ARE CALCULATED ON 84 MONTH PAYMENTS AT 5.99%. 2011/2012 MODELS ARE CALCULATED ON 72 MONTH PAYMENTS AT 6.99%. 2008-2010 MODELS ARE CALCULATE ON 60 MONTH PAYMENTS AT 7.90%. ALL PAYMENTS ARE WITH 0 DOWN PAYMENT, AND ALL TAXES ARE INCLUDED. DOC FEE OF $199 IS INCLUDED, AS WELL AT ETCH FEE OF $170, ALONG WITH A $6.25 AMVIC FEE,. COST OF BORROWING #15CK7146A 2009 JEEP COMPASS, PURCHASE FOR $13,900 MAKE $130 BI-WEEKLY PAYMENTS OF $139 TOTAL REPAID IS $18,070. COST OF BORROWING $4,170. #SL6914 2015 CHRYSLER 200, PURCHASE FOR $24,200 MAKE $182 BI-WEEKLY PAYMENTS OF $174, TOTAL REPAID IS $31,668. COST OF BORROWING IS $7,468. PAYMENTS CAN BE INCREASED IN FREQUENCY TO LOWER COST OF BORROWING, AND LOANS CAN BE PAID OUT AT ANY TIME WITH NO PENALTY. Vehicles may not be exactly as shown - See dealer for full details.

6510 - 39 Avenue, Hwy 2AS • Ponoka, AB

1.888.454.8712 www.ponokachrysler.com

6510 - 39 Avenue, Hwy 2AS • Ponoka, AB

1.888.454.8712 www.ponokachrysler.com

• ALL WITH $0 DOWN

ALL WITH $0 DOWN

Ponoka Motors Dealer Rater

2012 JOURNEY R/T AWD

$

*

*

2015 GRAND CARAVAN SXT PLUS

#15GC14614

ALL WITH $0 DOWN

• ALL WITH $0 DOWN

Visit LEATHER, ONLY 32,422KMS!

#15RQ4438

#15CK3987

TRAILER TOW GROUP IV, 8 SPEED AUTO, 3.6L VVT V6, UCONNECT 8.4A B/T!

BUCKET SEATS, CLIMATE GROUP, UCONNECT GROUP, SXT PLUS GROUP, DVD ENT. GROUP, POWER 8 WAY DRIVERS SEAT, 29 G PACKAGE!

COLD WEATHER GROUP, PREM. SEATS, COMFORT/ CONVENIENCE GROUP, TRAILER TOW GROUP, 9 SPD AUTO, 3.2L V6 VVT, UCONNECT 8.4A B/T, PARK VIEW BACK UP CAMERA!

20 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

PONOKA NEWS 21

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

!

W O N N O T N E V E E C N A R JANUARY CLEA Ends February 28th

SUN/SOUND GROUP, TRAILER TOW PREP., NORTH ALL SEASON GRP.,AUTO., 2.4L DOHC!

2015 JEEP PATRIOT SPORT 4X4

25,893

$

*

#15JP7738

$0 DOWN 219 BW $

OR

*

2015 JEEP CHEROKEE NORTH 4X4

36,240

$

*

OR

$0 DOWN 213 BW $

LUXURY GROUP, PROTECTION GROUP, 8 SPEED AUTO, ANTI SPIN REAR DIFF, 5.7L HEMI, FOG LAMPS, 121L TANK, CLASS IV HITCH!

2015 RAM 1500 SLT QUAD 4X4

35,677

$

*

$0 DOWN 211 BW $

OR

#14JW4564A

23,200* OR $181 BW

**

4 DOOR 4X4 SPORT AUTO, ONLY 725 KMS!

SOLD

COMPLETELY LOADED DEMO, ONLY 7,900KMS! ##13DT7586A

LEATHER BEAUTY, ONLY 13,494KMS!

$

$

**

19,900

$

*

OR

$0 DOWN 173 BW $

OR

#15GV3756

$0 DOWN 119 BW $

*

*

2015 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO 4X4

41,897*

$

OR

$0 DOWN $247 BW

TRAILER TOW GROUP, AUTOMATIC, 3.73 REAR AXLE RATIO, 3.6L VVT V6, BLACK TOP HARD TOP!

SXT APPEARANCE GROUP, 6 SPD AUTO, 5.7L HEMI, CLASS IV HITCH!

#15JW0977

15RQ1636

2015 JEEP WRANGLER 4 DOOR SPORT 4X4

2015 RAM 1500 SXT QUAD CAB 4X4

$

$

30,938*

OR

*

$0 DOWN $183 BW

*

30,327

*

OR

$0 DOWN 179 BW $

*

to see what our customers have to say about us! #SL3325

**

2012 FORD F150 SUPERCREW LARIAT

2011 FORD EXPLORER LTD.

2014 TOWN & COUNTRY

2009 JEEP COMPASS NORTH 4X4

2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO 4X4

ECOBOOST, ONLY 78,202KMS!

LEATHER, NAV., SUNROOF, ONLY 55,553KMS! #15CK2697A

LOADED, ONLY 14,790KMS!

ONLY 109,124KMS!

ONLY 97,522KMS!

#SL9172

19,400* OR $141 BW

**

#14RQ2660A

31,700* OR $239 BW

$

**

2012 VW PASSAT

2013 CHRYSLER 200 S

2013 DODGE DART LIMITED

19,395* OR $141 BW

2015 GRAND CARAVAN

28,900* OR $219 BW

$

*

CANADA VALU PACKAGE, 6 SPD AUTO, 3.6L V6 VVT, FLEX FUEL!

2014 JEEP WRANGLER

SOLD

29,449

$

#15GV1689

DIESEL, LEATHER, ONLY 51,024KMS!

$

#15RCC1896A

21,200* OR $177 BW

**

31,900* OR $265 BW

$

**

#SL5220

34,900* OR $260 BW

$

**

$

#15CK7146A

13,900* OR $139 BW

**

$

#15GC1959A

16,900* OR $169 BW

**

2010 RAM 1500 CREW CAB SPORT

2015 CHRYSLER 200 AWD

2014 DODGE JOURNEY R/T AWD

2014 RAM 1500 CREW OUTDOORSMAN

HEMI, 4X4!

RARE CAR!

LEATHER, ONLY 5,213KMS!

ONLY 28,589KMS!

$

#15RCC7466A

23,900* OR $239 BW

**

#SL6914

24,200* OR $174 BW

$

**

$

#SL9854

26,900* OR $193 BW

**

$

#14RCC6887A

32,900* OR $235 BW

**

*O.A.C. SALE PRICE UNITS ARE PLUS TAX AND APPLICABLE FEES. **2013 OR NEWER MODELS ARE CALCULATED ON 84 MONTH PAYMENTS AT 5.99%. 2011/2012 MODELS ARE CALCULATED ON 72 MONTH PAYMENTS AT 6.99%. 2008-2010 MODELS ARE CALCULATE ON 60 MONTH PAYMENTS AT 7.90%. ALL PAYMENTS ARE WITH 0 DOWN PAYMENT, AND ALL TAXES ARE INCLUDED. DOC FEE OF $199 IS INCLUDED, AS WELL AT ETCH FEE OF $170, ALONG WITH A $6.25 AMVIC FEE,. COST OF BORROWING #15CK7146A 2009 JEEP COMPASS, PURCHASE FOR $13,900 MAKE $130 BI-WEEKLY PAYMENTS OF $139 TOTAL REPAID IS $18,070. COST OF BORROWING $4,170. #SL6914 2015 CHRYSLER 200, PURCHASE FOR $24,200 MAKE $182 BI-WEEKLY PAYMENTS OF $174, TOTAL REPAID IS $31,668. COST OF BORROWING IS $7,468. PAYMENTS CAN BE INCREASED IN FREQUENCY TO LOWER COST OF BORROWING, AND LOANS CAN BE PAID OUT AT ANY TIME WITH NO PENALTY. Vehicles may not be exactly as shown - See dealer for full details.

6510 - 39 Avenue, Hwy 2AS • Ponoka, AB

1.888.454.8712 www.ponokachrysler.com

6510 - 39 Avenue, Hwy 2AS • Ponoka, AB

1.888.454.8712 www.ponokachrysler.com

• ALL WITH $0 DOWN

ALL WITH $0 DOWN

Ponoka Motors Dealer Rater

2012 JOURNEY R/T AWD

$

*

*

2015 GRAND CARAVAN SXT PLUS

#15GC14614

ALL WITH $0 DOWN

• ALL WITH $0 DOWN

Visit LEATHER, ONLY 32,422KMS!

#15RQ4438

#15CK3987

TRAILER TOW GROUP IV, 8 SPEED AUTO, 3.6L VVT V6, UCONNECT 8.4A B/T!

BUCKET SEATS, CLIMATE GROUP, UCONNECT GROUP, SXT PLUS GROUP, DVD ENT. GROUP, POWER 8 WAY DRIVERS SEAT, 29 G PACKAGE!

COLD WEATHER GROUP, PREM. SEATS, COMFORT/ CONVENIENCE GROUP, TRAILER TOW GROUP, 9 SPD AUTO, 3.2L V6 VVT, UCONNECT 8.4A B/T, PARK VIEW BACK UP CAMERA!

22 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

Snowmobilers advised to watch for pressure ridges

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Frozen lakes tend to develop pressure ridges when temperatures fluctuate. This ridge at Gull Lake by Raymond Shores goes right across the north end of the lake.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Temperature fluctuations in the winter not only wreak havoc for motorists with melting and freezing snow also for those who enjoy going out on frozen lakes.

When the temperature shifts rapidly, ruptures, called pressure ridges, can occur on frozen lakes. Usually these ridges can be found near the shore but one ridge at the north end of Gull Lake at Raymond Shores goes all the way across the northern part of the lake.

These ridges can be unstable and people who enjoy ice fishing or snowmobiling on the ice are encouraged to avoid those areas. The Alberta Snowmobile Association advises staying off the ice altogether, explained executive director Chris Brookes. “These ridges can be very dangerous.”

He suggests snowmobilers should stay on specified trails and always confirm they have permission to be there. “If you’re going to go out on the ice make sure you know the area you’re going on,” he said.

JOHN W. LOW Agencies Inc. 5118 - 50th Street, Ponoka 1-800-392-8658

REDUCED PRICE - GET READY FOR SPRING!

LARGE BUNGALOW WITH LOFT

7 acreages available.

Beautiful building sites just a short drive south of Ponoka in Jada Estates.

Building restrictions make this property an exclusive area for upscale homes.

Upscale Executive Home, one owner, Lucas Heights, finished basement with fireplace. Fireplace extends to main floor as well as loft overlooking living room. One of a kind home, to many features to list.

A MUST SEE!

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

COMMERCIAL

PRICE REDUCED OWNER MOTIVATED

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

Great location on main street of Ponoka. Total space 2750 sq. ft building and lot only. $139,000

VACANT LOT Great opportunity to build your dream home or duplex in north end of town. Mature neighbourhood. Priced to sell at

$69,000

403-783-5512

NEW LISTING

5 acres located north of Ponoka with 2000 16 X 80 manufactured home. Ideal country setting. Asking price $269,000 Call Brian 403-704-7018

daily!

rs e h s a w f o s e iz 3s s r e y r d f o s e 2 siz

WEST OF PONOKA

Productive 1/4 section.

Call Brian 403-704-7018

TOTAL COUNTRY

A variety of building lots available from treed open to walk-outs. Located 1.5 miles from Ponoka. Range from 2 – 3.5 acres. Beautiful country setting.

Call Brian 403-704-7018

RIVERSIDE

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

BRIGHT & CLEApNm OPEN 6am-11

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

Comfortable sitting area with tv

Call Brian 403-704-7018

4205 64 ST., Ponoka • 403-783-8382 WAYNE McGARVEY

BRIAN HATALA

ANNETTE DODDS

SHAWNA LOW Broker

PROFESSIONAL REALTORS OF JOHN W. LOW AGENCIES INC.

Ponoka • Wetaskiwin • Leduc

PONOKA NEWS 23

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

I have adjusted...but occasionally I wander down memory lane Remember when the doctor used to be the family friend, and didn’t need insurance or a lawyer to defend?

Even though I have been around and survived over 72 years of change, I really love living in this new and exciting era, have become un-stubborn, and have very little problem adjusting to all those fancy new electronic gizmos and perks. I don’t even get frustrated any more when something doesn’t work right, that is, as long as my siblings are on hand to bail me out of ditz in la-la land. I must admit that I often enjoy taking a little trip down memory lane, where I am going this week, especially for those of us who have been there.

Wasn’t this us?

A little house with three bedrooms, one bathroom, and one car on the street.

And there was once a lawn mower that you had to push to make the grass look neat.

In the kitchen on the wall, we had only one phone and no need for recording things, because someone was always Mike Rainone home.

Hammertime We only had a living room where we would congregate, unless it was mealtime, then it was in the kitchen where we had to eat.

We had no need for family rooms or extra rooms to dine, when meeting as a family, those two rooms would work out fine.

We had only one TV set and channels maybe two, but always there was one of them with something worth the view.

For snacks, we had potato chips that tasted like a chip, and if you wanted flavor, there was Lipton’s onion dip.

Store-store bought snacks were rare because my mother liked to cook, and nothing can compare to those recipes in Betty Crocker’s book.

Weekends were for family trips or staying home to play, we all did things together, even go to church to pray.

When we did our weekend trips depending on the weather, no one every whined and stayed at home because we just liked to be together.

Sometimes we would separate to do things on our own, but we always knew where the others were without our own cell phone.

Then there were the movies with your favourite movie star, and nothing can compare with watching movies in your car.

And then there were the picnics at the peak of the summer season, where we packed a lunch and found some trees and never needed a reason.

Get a baseball game together with all the friends you knew, had real action playing ball, no matter who won, we needed no game video.

Remember when the doctor used to be the family friend, and didn’t need insurance or a lawyer to defend?

The way he took care of you or what he had to do, because he took an oath and strived to do the best for you.

Remember going to the store and shopping casu-

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @PonokaNews

ally, and when you went to pay for it, you used your we were striving to find a better way. own money?

Oh, the simple life we lived still seems like so much Nothing that we had to swipe or punch in some fun, and how can you explain a game as simple as kickamount, and can we still remember when the cashier ing a ball and running? person really had to count?

Any why would boys put baseball cards between The milkman used to go door to door, and it was bicycle spokes, and for just a nickel those bright red just a few cents more than going to the store. machines had little bottled Cokes.

There was a time when mailed letters came right to That life seemed so much easier and slower in some our door, and came without a lot of junk mail ads sent ways, and while I love the new technology I quite often out by every store. miss those more blissful and uncomplicated days.

That friendly mailman knew each house by name So time moves on and so do we and nothing stays and knew where it was sent, and there were never loads the same, but we all love to reminisce and take an ocof mail addressed to the ‘present occupant.’ casional walk down memory lane.

There was a time when just one glance was all that With all of today’s technology and frills, we grant it would take, and you would know the kind of car, the that the 20th century is a real plus, but it’s real fun to sit down with our grandchildren and old friends, then model, and the make.

They didn’t look like turtles trying to squeeze out look way back and proudly say, Hey look guys, THAT every mile; ours were streamlined, with white walls, WAS US..

No matter what age or era you have come from, fins, and really had some style.

One time the music that you played whenever you please live life to the fullest with those who are closest would jive, was coming from a big holed black record to your heart, and have a great week, all of you.. called a 45.

Our record player had a post to keep them all in 5015 – 46 Avenue line, and then the records would drop down and Jan 30 - Pot luck & General meeting 5:30pm Minutes from annual meeting in November 2013 need to be reviewed and accepted. Bring a play just one at a time. dish to share, table service and enjoy good company.

Feb 15 - Gospel Concert 7:00pm music by Strings and Things Oh sure, we had our Regular Jam Session every Saturday at 1:00pm problems then, just like PONOKA ART CLUB CLASSES we do today, and always 31 Jan & 7 Feb “Drawing Realistic Values & Textures” Sandra Bingeman

Ponoka Drop-In Activities

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

PLAYING

Jan. 30 - Feb. 5

SCREEN #1

American Sniper 132 min 2:00 PM Sat & Sun 8:00 PM Daily Rated 14A

SCREEN #2

Project Almanac

107 min 2:00 PM Sat & Sun 7:00 PM Daily Rated PG General Admission Decreased to $9.00 AGES 1264 $9.00 AGES 211 & SENIORS $7.00 TUESDAYS & MATINEES $6.00 3D $3 EXTRA

14 Feb Watercolor “Waterscapes” Sonja Zacharis Classes held at Drop In Centre - 10am - 4 pm Cost $25.00 paid at class Contact Lyla Lang Langford 403-783-1887 or Bernice Edwards 403-783-6858 Billiards - Weekdays 1:00pm. Mon through Sat – 50 cents per game. Honour system Monday Bridge 1:00pm Monday Whist - 1:30pm Monday Yoga - 6:30pm NEW PROGRAM Tuesday Canasta - 1:00pm NEW PROGRAM Tuesday & Thursday Exercise class 9:30am Tuesday Shuffleboard - 7pm.

Wednesday Sewing Guild 9:30am to 4pm Wednesday Cribbage 1:00pm Wednesday Yoga - 6:30pm NEW PROGRAM Wednesday Duplicate Bridge 7:00pm Thursday Floor Curling - 1:00pm.

Thursday Weaving 1:00pm Welcome to drop-in to see how it’s done Thursday Bridge 1:00pm Thursday Art Club Drop In Noon to 4pm Thursday Pickleball - Check for times with co-ordinator Gail 783-2450.

Friday “500” 1:00pm Saturday Yoga 9:30am NEW PROGRAM Memberships available for 2015 - $10.00 per person. To rent our facility contact Dorothy @ 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 inquire about rentals services and prices early in their planning. We may fit your bill!

24 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

SALUTE TO PONOKA MINOR MIGHTY MITES - Tim Ho Hortons ortons

MITES - Tim Hortons Horto

FRONT ROW: Gavin McLaren, Brock Dubitz, Kahl Mclean, Tia Saddleback, Finn Kelly, Mason Gratrix, Grady Griffiths BACK ROW: Teddi Saddleback (General Manager), Diarmuid Kelly (Assistant Coach), Scott Dubitz (Coach)

FRONT ROW: Mason Wagner, Mahikan Osborne, Dennis Willis, Andrew Brackenbury, Nikalus Palechek, Cole Palechek, Gavin Quine, Doc Wiancko MIDDLE ROW: Reed Sutley, Eli Richter, Ethan Malterer, Kaydence Schmidt, Lucas Busat BACK ROW: Mark Richter, Layne Sweet, Koman Busat

* THIS SPACE PROVIDED BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY-MINDED ORGANIZATION *

* THIS SPACE PROVIDED BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY-MINDED BUSINESS *

Ponoka Kinsmen Club

4502 50 Street, 403-783-5568

NOVICE - Wedin’s Team & Corporate

NOVICE - Big Country Energy Services

FRONT ROW: Spencer Loree, Rylan Owen, Carson McInnes, Jestin Jacklin, Matias Czapp, Finn Nelson MIDDLE ROW: Carsen Richter, Daylan Owen, Trace Tonneson, Carter Karwandy, Carter Blanchard BACK ROW: Jagger Chalmers (Assistant Coach), John Owen (Assistant Coach), Mark Richter (Head Coach), Tade Tonneson (Trainer) MISSING: Brad Blanchard (Assistant Coach)

FRONT ROW: Carter McDowell, Jackson Badry, Eric Shin, Declan McLaughlin, McKalum Senft, Daclan Heinz, Devin Peterson MIDDLE ROW: Sean MacLaren, Hudson Cutarm, Nathan Parker, Reece Holt, Lennon Buffalo, Kian McLean BACK ROW: Darren McDowell (Assistant Coach), Gary MacLaren (Coach), Tracy Badry (Manager)

* THIS SPACE PROVIDED BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY-MINDED BUSINESS *

* THIS SPACE PROVIDED BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY-MINDED BUSINESS *

TEAM & CORPORATE

5012 - 48 Ave. 403-783-3654

6709-44 Ave, Ponoka 403-783-4660

PONOKA NEWS 25

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

SALUTE TO PONOKA MINOR ATOM A - Quality Paint & McDonalds

ATOM B - Calnash Trucking (South) Ltd

FRONT ROW: Shane Dyrland, Tyler Shoemaker, Liam Bishop, Josh David, Adam Hoag, Braedan Brouilette, Alex Tatlow MIDDLE ROW: Kael Street, Wyatt Avery, Luke Simanton, Levi Harbin, Parker Rice, Jaiden Bandet, Sam Evans, Austin Griffiths BACK ROW: Cal David (Trainer), Harley Shoemaker (Assistant Coach), Geoff Tatlow (Head Coach), Brent Evans (Assistant Coach) MISSING: Steve Street (Assistant Coach)

FRONT ROW: Cali Gulka, Raiden Rabbit, Kobe Schmidt, Alexander Raby, Nevin Thompson, Brock Auclair, Seth McLaren MIDDLE ROW: Blake Harris, Jakub Palechek, Logan Heidt, Kevin Kammer, Chris Palechek (Coach), Ezekiel Pambrun, Duston Louis, Dylan Jones BACK ROW: Ryan Heidt (Assistant Coach), Curtis Gulka (Assistant Coach)

* THIS SPACE PROVIDED BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY-MINDED BUSINESS *

* THIS SPACE PROVIDED BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY-MINDED BUSINESS *

4419 - Hwy 2A, Ponoka 403-783-8927

CALNASH TRUCKING SOUTH LTD. 403-783-8866 • 6526 – 44 Ave., Ponoka

PEEWEE A - B.P.O. Elks

PEEWEE B - McDonalds

FRONT ROW: Tade Tonneson, Maison Senft, Alex Brackenbury, Cody Fox, Colter Bresee, Kyden Busat BACK ROW: Scott Bresee (Assistant Coach), Connor Hoag, Cyle Laing, Joel Hollingsworth, Jeff Jones (Assistant Coach), Jake Simanton, Braedan Toporowski, Levi Busat, Lorne McClaflin (Head Coach) MISSING: Richard Ursulak (Assistant Coach)

FRONT ROW: Jace Jacklin, Ethan Little, Zachary Zelinski, Wyatt Wiancko, Zachary Rausch, Ethan Sharp MIDDLE ROW: Gavin Allen-Prefontaine, Daniel Aitken, Jakob Cucheran, Ashton Bandet, Liam Holtz, Zachary Little, Max Underhill BACK ROW: Layne Sweet (Assistant Coach), Ryan Bandet (Assistant Coach), Mark Prefontaine (Coach), Carlin Cire (Assistant Coach)

* THIS SPACE PROVIDED BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY-MINDED ORGANIZATION *

Ponoka B.P.O.E.

“The club that gives from the heart”

* THIS SPACE PROVIDED BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY-MINDED BUSINESS *

4419 - Hwy 2A, Ponoka 403-783-8927

26 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

SALUTE TO PONOKA MINOR BANTAM A - Loyal Order of Moose

PONOKA MINOR HOCKEY MISSION STATEMENT To develop young people’s physical fitness and minds to be the best they can be for the rest of their lives.

Purpose and Objectives • To give every child an opportunity to participate on an equal basis • To teach good sportsmanship (to have fun – win or lose) • To develop hockey skills in a planned sequence • To develop self confidence and pride in individual and team achievements • To teach responsibility and respect to self, team officials, on ice and off ice officials • To maintain the quality of on ice officials

EXECUTIVE FRONT ROW: Madison McLaren, Jason Neath (Assistant Coach), Brenden Patterson, Thomas Chesterman, Kaiden Thomson, Ryan Raugust (Assistant Coach), Cole MacCallum MIDDLE ROW: Jayden Nokohoo, Quinton Adam, Driston Louis, Dwayne Raush (Coach), Travis Hyink, Hunter Busat, Seth Gratrix BACK ROW: Sean Rowland, Jared Rice, Cyrus Thompson, Cooper Jones, Rian vanDerWesthuizen, Cooper Rice, Sam Neath MISSING: Justin Kelly (Assistant Coach) * THIS SPACE PROVIDED BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY-MINDED ORGANIZATION *

Ponoka Loyal Order of Moose #1633

Hwy 2A Ponoka Phone 403-783-4700

for bookings

Julie Feragan – president Chad Cissel – past president Geoff Tatlow – vice-president Michelle Dejonge – secretary Tim Rowland – treasurer Michael Schmidt - equipment

Cal David - registrar Shannon Allin – assistant registrar Tim Falkiner – tournament/discipline Scott Bresee – referee director Harley Shoemaker – assistant

director

Pete Hall – evaluation director Mark Richter – public relations/website

Nicola Hoag – ice scheduler

referee director

COACHING DIRECTORS Arlene Busat – atom, midget Steve Street – mighty mites, mites,

Brent Evans – peewee, bantam Laurie Jensen – female

novice

MIDGET A - Fountain Tire

MIDGET B - Wespro

FRONT ROW: Aaron Lamb, Tyson Borg, D.J. Horne, Kellyn Pritchard, Matthew Klimec, Alex Mercer SECOND ROW: Jarret Henderson, Ian Ferguson, Shawn Wilton, Jordan Wombold, Justin Hall, Robert Wareham, Pierce Clemmer THIRD ROW: James Jansen, Daniel Bergsma, Riley Workman, Tyson Matejka BACK ROW: Marc Kallal (Assistant Coach), Ryan Koehli (Coach), Chase Staldecker (Assistant Coach), Jayden Hagemann (Trainer), Marlon Wombold (Assistant Coach)

FRONT ROW: Ashton Sandin, Jordan Feldberg, James Lea, Braeden Korchinski, Tyler Hoar, Justin Hyink MIDDLE ROW: Trent Dupont, Daniel Huchkowski, Josh Vold, Levi Robinson, Kolby Rattray, Lewis McDowell, Rylee DeJonge, Adam Rowland BACK ROW: Brian Korchinski (Coach), Leeland Averill (Assistant Coach), Regan Hunks (Assistant Coach), Curtis Huchkowski (Assistant Coach) MISSING: Brady Haarstad, Noah Spelrem, Liam Buffalo, Rodger Rowland (Assistant Coach)

* THIS SPACE PROVIDED BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY-MINDED BUSINESS

* THIS SPACE PROVIDED BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY-MINDED BUSINESS *

6505 - 46 Ave - Ponoka

403-783-3411

Wespro Production Testing Ltd. 6605 – 46th Ave • Ph 403-783-8857

PONOKA NEWS 27

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

SALUTE TO PONOKA MINOR LACOKA ATOM GIRLS - Legacy Ford Ponoka

LACOKA PEEWEE GIRLS - Dynamite Oilfield Services

FRONT ROW: Reannah Wood, Karlee Feragen, Kate Hollingsworth, Emma O’Brien, Cassandra Grabo, Kenadee Pimm, Aliya Klassen MIDDLE ROW: Chloe Wilton, Olivia Willier, Tori Christiansen, Coralee Haarstad BACK ROW: Vern McLeod (Assistant Coach), Justin Grabo (Assistant Coach), Trevor Feragen (Head Coach), Lindsay Jansen (Assistant Coach) MISSING: Jason Neath (Assistant Coach)

FRONT ROW: Cassandra Klinger, Kirsten Krzywy, Tenial Hunt, Sarah Barnes, Hailey Huchkowski and Amanda Huchkowski MIDDLE ROW: Reagan Kelly, Cheyenne Avery, Macy Auclair and Camryn Willer BACK ROW: Kim Krzywy, Shane Avery, Ron Klinger, Alyssa Klinger, Tom Barnes and Curtis Huchkowski

* THIS SPACE PROVIDED BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY-MINDED BUSINESS *

* THIS SPACE PROVIDED BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY-MINDED BUSINESS *

6305 - 42 Avenue Ponoka, AB T4J 1J8 Ph: 403-783-5501 | Fax: 403-783-5504

3407 – 52 Ave. Lacombe, Ab. 403-782-9709

LACOKA BANTAM GIRLS - Battle River Insurance

LACOKA MIDGET GIRLS - Gish Law Office

FRONT ROW: Tim Falkiner (Assistant Coach), Mark Sieben (Coach), Heather Schellenberg, Carly French (Assistant Coach), Doug Crawford (Assistant Coach), Clara McDowell BACK ROW: Callie Braun, Racheal Wood, Jaymee Klinger, Camryn Fodor, Megan Bailey, Camryn Grant, Zoe Lorenz-Boser, Meg Crawford, Carmen Vogel, Kelli Rai Sieben, Katrina Fisher MISSING: Paige Poulson

FRONT ROW: Danielle Blacklock, Danica Polson, Kallie Nelson, Torrie Craig, Jesse Stretch, Brynn Bratt MIDDLE ROW: Amanda Burt, Lindsay Jansen, Hannah Allin, Renee Guimond, Cassandra Hail, Hannah Stretch, Robyn Arnold, Abby Sim, Brooke McBurney BACK ROW: Brittany Paulsen (Assistant Coach), Peter Hall (Assistant Coach), Denver Polson (Assistant Coach), Randy Burt (Coach)

* THIS SPACE PROVIDED BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY-MINDED BUSINESS *

* THIS SPACE PROVIDED BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY-MINDED ORGANIZATION *

Battle River Insurance Ltd. representing

Bay 3, 5103 - 48 Avenue 403-783-3987

PONOKA MINOR HOCKEY

28 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

Sports

Stampeders lose in highly aggressive game

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

It was an explosion of energy as the Ponoka Junior B Stampeders hit the ice on Wednesday, Jan. 21 for a home game against the Red Deer Vipers. But solid passing by Red Deer and some issues with their own defence ultimately led to defeat of the hosts.

The final score was 9-4 after Red Deer pulled ahead 4-0 in the first period and set the stage to win.

“I think our offence was fine, but when you give up nine, it’s hard to win,” said team captain Cody Lemon.

He feels a team scoring four goals in a game should be able to come out a winner.

“Defense positioning is what it comes down to,” said Lemon. Red Deer dominated Ponoka’s zone with superb puck control and teamwork.

They forced the Stampeders to chase them around rather that hold their positions.

“I though our effort was lacking in some situations,” Lemon added.

Adding to challenges on the ice was the aggressiveness of the game. By the end of the third period, the Stampeders had racked up 32 penalty minutes for offences such as unsportsmanlike conduct, roughing, slashing and misconduct.

Between the two teams, the game ended with 56 penalty minutes on the board.

“We’ve always had bad blood between the two (teams),” said Lemon. The game was also an emotional retaliation following a previous combative game between the two.

“I don’t think it’s a bad thing. It kind of brings a team together,” said Lemon.

Ponoka did not score until late in the second period, at which time it scored twice in a row, the goals where by Kwyn Hiebert and Nate Higgins.

Tye Munro also scored early in the third period and the team’s last goal of the game came from Chandler Knibb, on a power play.

Tyson Crampain sweeps in to gain control of the puck and protect the goalie during the team’s Wednesday Jan. 21 home game.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

Proud of his team for the four goals it was able to score, Lemon says the remaining games of the season are a fresh start for the team after head coach Mark Dobler was fired on Jan. 11. “I think we’re a lot more positive now,” he said “With a coaching change, it brings a fresher start, lets us get away from what’s happened,” he added.

At the end of the Jan. 21 game, Lemon said the Stampeders had six games left in the season. The boys played again on Saturday, Jan. 24 with a 5-4 loss to the Cochrane Generals and a Sunday, Jan. 25 loss to the Mountainview Colts, 4-3.

Against the Generals, Kwyn Hiebert, Cody Lemon and Justin McKenzie all scored in the second period. Nate Higgins scored the team’s final goal at 5:54 in the third period on a power play, pushing the game to a 4-4 tie. Cochrane scored again in overtime for the win.

During the Jan. 25 game Nate Higgins, Chase Staldeker and Tye

Munro scored Ponoka’s three points.

Since the beginning of the season, the Stampeders have played 34 games with two wins. Lemon feels the scoreboard does not always reflect the amount of effort the boys put into a game, causing the team to lose confidence in themselves. “For the last at least four games, we’ve been putting in some pretty good effort.”

“I think we’re playing for next year. We’re trying to bring some confidence back,” he added.

Looking back over the season, Lemon does not see just losses.

“We’ve come together as a team more than anything. We’re trying not to focus on the losses. Right now we’re trying to stay positive.”

“The main thing is right now we have people who want to be there and want to play,” he added.

The Stampeders’ next home game, and last game of the season, is Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2:30 p.m. against Airdrie.

Many wins for Ponoka hockey teams

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

Ponoka Quality Paint/McDonalds Atom team defeated the Maskwacis Atom A Hawks 8-2 during a Saturday, Jan. 24 home game.

Ponoka dominated the first and second period in goals, as well as scoring twice in the third period. Josh David managed a hat trick while Luke Simanton, Wyatt Avery, Austin Griffiths, Tyler Shoemaker and Kael Street all scored once.

On the Maskwacis side, Alysik Buffalo and Dayzel Bull each scored once.

The following day Maskwacis lost 9-6 to Lacombe in a

home game.

Alysik Buffalo scored three times. Dayzel Bull, Klan Littlechild and Caleb Littlechild each earned one goal.

Ponoka Peewee Elks trumped the Innisfail BP Flyers 6-2 during their Jan. 24 away game.

Braeden Toporoski scored three times, Joel Hollingswoth scored twice and Cyle Laing brought the number to six.

The following day Ponoka narrowly lost to Wainwright, 4-3.

Colter Bresee scored twice and Levi Busat earned one goal.

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Maskwacis Peewee A Hawks beat Red Deer 6-5 during a Friday, Jan. 23 away game.

Jace Littlechild, Anika Deschamps, Ethan Smallboy, Nashlund Ermineskin, Jason Jr. Makinaw and Kaedin Laroque-Wolfe all scored once each.

Ponoka Bantam Moose dominated the Maskwacis Bantam A Hawks Jan. 24, 13-5.Rian vanDerWesthuizen scored four times, Travis Hyink, Cooper Jones and Cyrus Thompson scored twice, and Seth Gatrix, Sam Neath and Jayden Nokohoo scored once. continued on page 29

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PONOKA NEWS 29

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

JV Broncs deflate in second half against the Lakers

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

The junior varsity (JV) Broncs basketball team looked like a strong contender to beat the Sylvan Lake Lakers Monday, Jan. 19 but trouble in the second half brought a tough to swallow loss.

The Broncs lost 65-42, partly due to ineffective team communication.

The first half of the game went well for the Broncs, who finished ahead 22-21. Players had no trouble passing in the key to distract the Lakers’ defense. That confusion and sinking baskets helped them stay ahead for most of the first half.

Everything changed in the second half.

Wave after wave of Lakers’ offense proved too much for the Broncs, who seemed to have lost all the chemistry they had in the first half. Their biggest issue was team disunity.

Disarray in the team was evident on the court with failed passes and offensive plays. The Lakers anticipated almost every move and took advantage of the Broncs’ mistakes.

Coach Ryan Newman said communication issues and a couple of bad passes in the first half of the game helped create a negative cycle and the team lost traction. “They had a few guys bickering with each other and it just started from there.”

The Lakers took advantage of the confused hosts and forced consecutive turnovers that hurt the Broncs’ chances of a win. With 3:29 left in the third quarter, Newman called a time out for his team who were now behind 25-39.

“I basically tried to get them calmed down and tried to get them thinking quarter by quarter,” said Newman.

He said the JV Broncs’ biggest challenge is getting over mistakes made on the court. Team captains Blake Waldron and Garrick Hindley tried to rally the boys and at times it worked, the Broncs scored another 17 points, but it was not enough to narrow the gap.

Newman’s focus in the next few weeks is going to be on working as a team. “Talk about individual team versus a ‘team’ team.”

Bantam Moose player Travis Hyink tries to get a loose puck against the Maskwacis Hawks Saturday, Jan. 23.

Ponoka won 13-5.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Ponoka hockey teams continued from page 28 For Maskwacis Tyshawn Raine and Carson Bear both scored twice. Isaiah Deschamps-Cross brought the number to five.

The following day Maskwacis tied 6-6 with Sylvan Lake Bantam A Lakers in a hoem game.

Carson Bear and Aiden Whitebear both scored twice. Nolan Twins and Isaiah Deschamps-Cross scored once each.

Ponoka won its Jan. 25 game 7-5 against Rocky Mountain House.

Cyrus Thompson scored once, Sam Neath brought in two goals and Cooper Jones scored four times.

Ponoka Foutnain Tire Wolves Midget team narrowly lost on Jan. 23 2-1 in a home game.

Tyson Matejka scored the sole goal for Ponoka side.

On Jan. 25 the team was defeated by Stettler 10-2.

Kellyn Pritchard and Shawn Wilton both scored once.

Maskwacis Midget A Hawks lost 12-5 to the 3 C’s Midget A team in a home game in Jan. 23.

Ignatius Cattleman and Trentin Wolfe each scored once. Bryton Buffalo scored once.

The following day Maskwacis lost 10-3 to the Thunderstars Midget team.

Ignatius Cattleman, Trentin Wolfe and Tyrone Jr. Potts all scored once.

On Jan. 25 the team was defeated 6-4 by Sylvan Lake.

Jacobi Omeasoo and Tyrone Jr. Potts both scored twice.

Maskwacis Peewee Female Hawks faced an 8-0 shutout on Jan. 24 while playing Whitecourt at home.

Lacoka Warriors Bantam team beat Warburg, 14-1, on Jan. 23.

Paige Poison scored five times, Zoe Lorenz-Boser scored four times, Callie Braun and Racheal Wood scored twice, and Meg Crawford scored once.

The team also beat the Maskwacis Female Bantam Hawks 1-0 during a Jan. 24 home game.

On Jan. 25 Lacoka lost to Stettler 8-2.

Katrina Fisher and Kelli-Rai Sieben both scored once.

Maskwacis Female Bantam Hawks narrowly lost 1-0 for the Rimbey Renegades on Jan. 23.

Maskwacis Female Midget Hawks were soundly defeated

by Stettler on Jan. 24 with a final tally of 27-1.

Summer Lightning scored approximately halfway through the last period.

PONOKA TIM HORTON’S MITE Iggy Cattleman, of the JV Broncs boys’ team, takes a layup against the Sylvan Lake Lakers Monday, Jan. 19 at home. The Broncs lost 65-42.

PLAYEROF THE WEEK

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Ponoka wins in overtime during initiation tournament

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Ponoka Minor Hockey’s initiation team had a fun tournament over the weekend defeating Blackfalds Team 1 by 7-6 in overtime.

Ponoka Mites coach Koman Busat said the game was a barnburner game with relatively few points scored — for the age group — on either side. He said Ponoka was up 6-5 at the end of the third period and expected to win but Blackfalds tied it up with seconds left in regular time.

“It was good. The crowds were just crazy,” said Busat.

The Mites took on Blackfalds in overtime and just over a minute in Ponoka scored, securing the tournament win.

“They had a blast,” said Busat of the weekend.

He said the goal of the tournament is to give the players a fun weekend and to continue to develop their skills. While coaches work on improving their skating, they are also showing them the value of teamwork and passing to players.

There are 13 kids on the Ponoka Mites team who played against seven other teams. Ponoka remained undefeated beating Lacombe White 9-5 on Saturday, Jan. 24 and winning 9-7 the next day against Blackfalds Team 2.

Congratulations Lucas Busat he is the Ponoka Mites player of the week.

Lucas is 6 years old, his favorite hockey team is the Buffalo Sabers and his favorite position to play is center. When he is not playing hockey he likes to go hunting and his favorite TV show is Meat Eater. Lucas’s favorite food is deer steak, he wants to be a professional hunter when he grows up and his one wish is to have his own rifle. Keep up the hard work and good luck on the rest of your season.

Sponsored by Busat Enterprises Ltd

30 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

FCSS prepares for sun Winter Walk Day

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Albertans plan on enjoying a fun Winter Walk Day on Feb. 4 and Ponoka’s Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) hopes to take advantage of the event.

Starting at 10:30 a.m., seniors and family members will be able to enjoy a fun walk through the Rimoka Lodge Legacy Place, explained Shelly Van Eaton, program coordinator with FCSS. She says the day is meant to promote health and wellness as well as bringing members of the community together.

Working with FCSS is the Calnash Ag Event Centre, which will open its Heritage Barn to people from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. who want to enjoy a good walk but stay off of snow and elements. Its length is ideal for a fun walk.

During the week, the barn is also available for walkers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but on Winter Walk Day coffee and hot chocolate will be available for those who want to warm up.

Van Eaton says seniors who need transportation to get to the Heritage Barn should contact her at

the FCSS office to organize a pick up. Call 403-783-4462 for more information.

Last year, more than 141,000 Albertans stepped out for Winter Walk Day. It is an annual event encouraging Albertans to walk outdoors for a minimum of 15 minutes.

Last year , 393 schools, 112 workplaces and 114 community groups throughout Alberta stepped up for Winter Walk Day, with some groups issuing challenges to encourage others to get active.

Visit winterwalkday.com for more information on the provincewide initiative.

Ponoka FCSS is taking part in the province-wide Winter Walk Day on Feb. 4. The walk starts at Legacy Place and will also be held in the Heritage Barn at the Calnash Ag Event Centre.

File photo

Kayley Blair and Lickety compete in the third jackpot of the Don Laing Trailer Barrel Racing Series, Wednesday Jan. 21 at the Calnash Ag Event Centre.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

PONOKA NEWS 31

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

Diverging pictures

Brennan Turner

Farm Lead Grain prices continued to slide on the futures boards thru the middle of January as the complex continues to sort the supply and demand tables, the former being more plentiful at this point in time. Canola is the hypocrite of the complex, staying elevated around $450 per metric tonne ($10.20 per bushel) thanks to a suppressed Canadian Loonie but moving basis levels are the biggest thing that are creating opportunities to make sales if you still have some of the oilseed in the bin. Grain markets are feeling the effects of a strong U.S. strong dollar, while other currencies are suffering thanks to the lower oil prices and geopolitical risk negatively affecting economies. This is why prices for grain in other countries are higher than a year ago when priced in their own currency.

Thus, with strong export markets suggesting world demand is available, the picture of less global wheat acres in 2015/16 isn’t entirely accurate despite them being lower in the U.S. Speaking of exports, Canadian grain movement continues to look positive though as marketing-year-to-date (thru January 15), total exports have been 18.33 million tonnes, or 13.6 per cent higher over the same period last year. Comparably though, Russian grain exports over the same period totaled 21.6 million tonnes, including 16.85 million tonnes of wheat. We’ve only seen a bit of the same ridiculous cold temperatures we did last year, but it looks like the railroads do have a better handle on movement thus far, despite getting fined by the government ($100,000 for C.N., $50,000 for C.P.) for not meeting weekly mandates.

Drew Lerner of World Weather says that more recent data suggests the likelihood of an El Nino weather event happening in early 2015 is declining by the day. This is why “we’ve already seen a couple shots of cold that have been fairly potent” and will probably “continue to see as we move forward through the balance of winter”, according to the Kansas City-based meteorologist. That being said however, Mr. Lerner does say that what happens six months from now could be completely

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opposite of what is being predicted today as the weather industry doesn’t actually “understand what drives El Nino”.

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Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

Direct to Smelter -Precious Metals Roadshow Coming to Ponoka Black Diamond TC Precious Metals, Gold, Silver & Coin will on be in Ponoka Black Diamond Jan. 31st & Feb. 1st.1st.

Oct. 31th & Nov. You can bring your gold, silver & coins between 10am and 6pm each day.

No appointment is required. Terry Burrill is a precious metals buyer and President of TC Precious Metals Gold, Silver & Coin. TC Precious Metals hails from Airdrie Ab, but Terry has his

TW

O

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roots in Saskatoon Sk. TC Precious Metals has the unique advantage of dealingdirect with a smelter� said Burrill. “That allows us to cut out one or even two middlemen. TC Precious Metals purchases gold and silver from other gold buyers, pawn shops, jewelers and jewelry makers as well as from the general public.� Recent price increases

of precious metals have created lots of “gold buyers� including mail in companies. Many of those buyers offer pennies on the dollar to unsuspecting customers and are limited to what they buy, choosing to ignore silver and coins and only purchase gold. “Better Business Bureau complaints about mail in gold companies are extremely high, but it is

hard to regulate. My advice is that you do NOT mail your precious metals to anyone you haven’t met or spoken with at length� says Burrill.

TC Precious Metals analyzes your gold, silver and coins while you watch, with the process explained to you in detail.

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‘melt’ value. Silver items such as jewelry, flatware and serving trays will be analyzed for hallmark identification. Items thought to contain gold or platinum will also be analyzed for hallmarks, and then confirmed using precise testing that is done while you watch.

Then a cash offer is made and you decide to sell or not.

Terry started his first coin collection in Boy Scouts And has been involved with precious metals ever since. Now he concentrates on building the wholesale business with jewelers and brokers while taking the roadshow out one or two times a month across Western Canada. “People bring in all kinds of interesting items, but for the most part it is a broken or old chain, unloved jewelry, a single earring, and out of fashion items like charm bracelets. We also accept dental gold but it should be clean. These days I see more and more sterling silver flatware sets, but before you bring those in please make sure it says “Sterling� on the handles.

There is a lot of silver plated flatware and serving trays that we can’t buy due to the low silver content� says Burrill.

Another valuable item is coins with silver content.

Dimes, Quarters, Half Dollars and Dollars from Canada and America can be sorted and the silver content determined in no time at all.

People are encouraged to bring in any and all coins for assessment.

TC Precious Metals also assesses and purchases Canadian and Dominion of Canada Paper Money.

TC Precious Metals has extensive experience and working with coin collections, estate sales, executors, widows and widowers in a respectful and caring manner. No appointment necessary.

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

PONOKA NEWS 33

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Obituaries

CHESTERMAN George On January19, 2015 Mr. George Lovell Chesterman of Ponoka passed away at the Northcott Care Centre at the age of 80 years. George is survived by his best friend and wife of 27 years, Joyce Chesterman; children Nicole (Cecil) Becker, Tom, Jim (Shirley), and Glen (Dawn); step-children Sherry (Keith) Pyzda, Jerry (Jennifer) Stec, Gene (Theresa) Stec, and Darlene (Marshall) Weremey; fifteen grandchildren Bonnie, Jacky, Crystal, Treanna, Kailee, Courtney, Thomas, Garlyn, Caitlyn, Michelle, Kristian, Joel, Sondra, Kristin, and Kyle; eleven great-grandchildren; brothers Jim (Helen) and Thomas; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Blanche Chesterman; his first wife Mariette (nee Leduc); and his brother Arthur. A Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24 at St. Thomas Anglican Church in Wainwright with the Interment of Ashes following at the Wainwright Cemetery.

Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to S.T.A.R.S. Air Ambulance or any charity of your choice. To express condolences to George’s family, please visit www. womboldfuneralhomes.com.

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

Births

Helen Smith With a huge sense of loss but gratefulness for her beautiful life, the family of Helen Smith announce her peaceful passing away on January 21st, at the age of 82 years.

Helen was born March 25th, 1932 in Rockglen Saskatchewan, the youngest of eight children. She married Norman Smith in 1951, and shortly after settled in Ponoka where she has lived for 60 years. With her warm generous personality and gift of hospitality, she amassed a very large network of friends which she maintained with much attentiveness and devotion. She worked at the CIBC in Ponoka, and following the adoption of their two children, Helen took on a new career at Riverside School, as Secretary, Librarian, and General Mother Hen. Having grown up in a very close family, her extended and immediate family remained top priority in her heart and life. Helen lived life with great enthusiasm, always cheering loudest at parades and bringing humor and mischief to any setting she was in. She adored her children, nieces and nephews, and was an especially proud grandma and great-grandma.

She spent her life on the many people she loved, advocating for the “underdog” or anyone in need; caring for many sick and elderly friends, and luring friends to her home with fresh baking. For the last year and a half of her life, she was a bright light amongst the residents of Sunrise Village, a community she loved and appreciated. Once faced with the challenges of cancer, she spent the last two months of her life first in the Red Deer Hospital and then Ponoka General Hospital. We cannot say enough about the compassionate, excellent care and attention given to Mom by all of the medical staff.

Special thanks to Dr. Halse and Dr. Chan; and to Ivan, Donna, Krista, Kim, and all of the wonderful nurses on the Goal Unit. The closer she approached the end of her earthly life, the closer she drew to God, and it was with profound peace and a great sense of blessedness that she spent her last few weeks, surrounded by loved ones, continuing to inspire those around her with her loving spirit. Helen will be deeply missed by a large community of people whose lives she touched, especially her family: son Robb Smith of Victoria; daughter Margo and son-in-law Duane Stretch of Ponoka; grandchildren Geoffrey (Chantalle), Blair (Carissa-Lynn), Joel and fiancé Randi, and Rebekah; greatgrandchildren Lucas, Arie, and Selah; acquired daughter Leslie (Mark) Crowley of Edmonton; grandchildren Simon, Kate (Matt), and Jesse (Katie), and great-grandchildren Jack, Joey, and Oren. A Funeral Service for Helen will be held at Ponoka First Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31st with Pastor Paul Spate and Pastor Blair Stretch officiating. To express condolences to Helen’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com

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

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34 PONOKA NEWS

Meetings

59

AL-ANON WEEKLY MEETING FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF ALCOHOLICS. Tuesdays 8 p.m.

Neighborhood Place 5110 - 49 Ave., Ponoka For more info 403-783-4557

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403-783-4557 or 403-783-8371 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Monday night meetings at the Anglican Church Ponoka 8:30 p.m. Phone 403-783-0719 for info.

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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!

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.

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

Oilfield

800

Medical

790

Medical

MASKWACIS HEALTH SERVICES

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.

Looking for a place to live?

Take a tour through the CLASSIFIEDS

790

Wetaskiwin Value Drug Mart is looking for a

Certified Pharmacy Technician Required Qualifications: Experience as a Pharmacy Technician or certification from an accredited Pharmacy Technician program; excellent organizational skills and detail orientation; strong communication skills; demonstrated customer service experience; strong motivation to succeed; proficient computer/data/entry skills. We are a busy pharmacy and you will work in a highly efficient team environment that uses cutting edge technology to best serve their patients.

Please forward your resume to Wetaskiwin Value Drug Mart: 5215A-50 Ave., Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 0S7

wetaskiwin@valuedrugmart.com

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

HEALTH CARE AIDE (HCA)

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN)

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:

x x x x x x x

Professional standards of practice including certification requirements for Health Licensed Care Aides in Alberta 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 DULYHUÂśV License Current 'ULYHUÂśV $EVWUDFW

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

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.

Medical

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Based on education & years of experience

CLOSING DATE:

QUALIFICATIONS

(TYPICAL) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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:

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\

QUALIFICATIONS

x

Buying or Selling your home?

Check out Homes for Sale in Classifieds

MASKWACIS HEALTH SERVICES

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

(TYPICAL) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

TANKMASTER RENTALS req’s Exp’d Class 1 Fluid Haulers for Central Alberta. Oilfield tickets req’d. Competitive salary and job bonuses. Resume to terry@tankmaster.ca or fax 403-340-8818

790

790

x x x x x x

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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.

Professionals

810

MASKWACIS HEALTH SERVICES Home Care Department

TOWN OF PONOKA Employment Opportunity

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN – FULL-TIME

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

Duties include:

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 Salary: Based on years of experience and relevant education Deadline: Friday, January 30, 2015 at 4:00 p.m.

If you are interested please send your resume and 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.

LIKE US ON TWITTER!

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. • 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 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 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.

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

@PonokaNews

#local

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

Professionals

PONOKA NEWS 35

Restaurant/ Hotel

810

Restaurant/ Hotel

820

820

AG EQUIPMENT

Northcott Care Center

is currently seeking a caring and motivated

Part time Staff Educator

THE RUSTY PELICAN is now accepting resumes for 4 F/T Exp’d LINE COOKS at all stations. MUST HAVE:

Quali¿cations and skills include: • 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.

• “care in the community”

Part-time permanent position.

Competitive wage, health and dental bene¿ts, 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

Trades

Ponoka has immediate openings for

Team Members Daytime & Nights Apply online at timhortonsponoka@hotmail.com fax 403.783.5595 or drop off resume

Sales & Distributors

830

Truck / Trailer Mechanic Night Shift working 4 - 10 hr shifts.

is hiring a

Full-Time Sales Representative

If you are self-motivated with excellent communication skills, then we want to hear from you!

Experience in the auto industry is an asset but we will train the right individual.

Home Hardware, a part of Canada for over 40 years and now with over 1,000 stores across Canada. We offer long term secure employment with competitive wages, bonuses, medical and dental coverage, and a company pension.

We offer paid training, benefits, and a flexible work schedule.

Please submit your resume today for immediate consideration to: hr@adamsgm.com

Cars Cost Less... in Wetaskiwin we are looking for

hrwetaskiwin@homehardware.ca Our Wetaskiwin Distribution Centre currently has the following opportunity...

Leadhand HD Mechanic Night Shift working 4 - 10 hr shifts.

Come be a part of the nations most visible and safest fleet in Canada.

Home Hardware, a part of Canada for over 40 years and now with over 1,000 stores across Canada. We offer long term secure employment with competitive wages, bonuses, medical and dental coverage, and a company pension.

If you are interested in becoming part of the great team at Home Hardware, drop off an application to 6410 - 36 Street, Wetaskiwin or email resume to: hrwetaskiwin@homehardware.ca

hrwetaskiwin@homehardware.ca

Rimbey Implements Ltd.

733644 Ab Ltd. O/A The Rusty Pelican Location of employment: 4105 2079 - 50 Ave. Red Deer, AB T4R 1Z4 email: bennett2014.bkkp@ gmail.com or Call 403-347-1414 or Fax to: 403-347-1161 Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Trades

Al York

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

Rimbey, AB

Fax: (403) 843-3430

ANIMAL SERVICES

850

The successful candidate will assist our customers in the selection of new GM and PreOwned Vehicles, with an emphasis on customer satisfaction.

Come be a part of the nations most visible and safest fleet in Canada.

If you are interested in becoming part of the great team at Home Hardware, drop off an application to 6410 - 36 Street, Wetaskiwin or email resume to: hrwetaskiwin@homehardware.ca

Salary is $14 - $18./hr. 40 hr. wk. dependant on exp.

Looking for a new pet?

Check out Classifieds to find the purrfect pet.

850

Our Wetaskiwin Distribution Centre currently has the following opportunity...

2 yrs. relevant exp., completion of High School, be reliable, self motivated, work well under limited supervision in fast paced environment.

Men & Women to join our Fantastic Team of Professionals ✓ We offer great work environment ✓ Flexible hours (No evenings or Sundays) ✓ Excellent Pay Plan with Bonus incentives & benefit plan ✓ Teamwork atmosphere ✓ Over 25 years of loyal customer base.

Make a career change for the better.

Apply to the sales manager in person Today or email your resume rkendall@pioneerchrysler.com

On the automile Wetaskiwin

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

403.783.3311

ARE you interested in pursuing an exciting career with Petrofield Industries at our Tornado Hydrovac Trucks’ manufacturing production facility? We are centrally located in the family-friendly community of Stettler, Alberta.

We currently have an opening for:

Service and Parts Manager Our Company has an enthusiastic, fast-paced working environment, with advancement opportunities. Wage would be commensurate with experience/skills. For more information about this position and our company, check out our website www.tornadotrucks.com.

Resumés can be emailed to hr@petrofield.com or faxed to 403-742-1905.

CERTIFIED HD Mechanics, Truck Coach Mechanics, 3-4 year HD/TC Apprentices.

Ontario-based projects in Northern Ontario and Canada. Work/travel schedules vary. Security clearances, substance screening and medicals may be required. See our hot jobs page www.tramin.ca.

Send resume to: Chris@tramin.ca.

FULL-TIME AUTOMOTIVE Technician. Must be a proven producer, good attitude, quality workmanship. Excellent wage and benefit package. Email resume: brandon@ brabymotors.com. Fax 1-250-832-4545, Braby Motors, Salmon Arm, BC. INTERESTED IN the Community Newspaper business? Alberta’s weekly newspapers are looking for people like you. Post your resume online. FREE. Visit: awna.com/for-job-seekers.

Tired of Standing?

Find something to sit on in Classifieds

This space could be yours for $

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

This space could be yours for $

30

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311

36 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

PLUMBING

Business Opportunities

850

Trades

SHANDALL PLUMBING LTD. JAMES AVERY “Reasonable rates on all your plumbing needs” Gas Fitting - Home Renovations - Drain Cleaning -24 HOUR SERVICE5306 - 60 ST, PONOKA, AB T4J 1K7 PH: (403) 783-6372 • FAX (403) 783-6345

BOBCAT SERVICES Sur-B Enterprises Ltd.

BOBCAT SERVICE • 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

Ponoka location is looking for a

Express Lube Manager 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.

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

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

850

Trades

OVERHEAD DOORS Is looking for a LICENSED AUTOMOTIVE TECH The successful candidate must be able to excel in a fast paced environment.

403-963-5000 Reaching 6000 households weekly

For just

$30 per week

In addition to a full tire shop our mechanical services include: brakes, wheel alignments, suspensions, air conditioning and full maintenance packages.

If you have a positive attitude and an excellent work ethic we want to hear from you Please email resumes to JWitvoet@integradtire.com Or fax ATTN: J. Witvoet 403-783-4975 Or drop off at 6220 48 Ave, Ponoka ATTN: J. Witvoet

Truckers/ Drivers

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.

Misc.

Help

880

Sunterra Meats in Trochu, 45 minutes South East of Red Deer is looking for enthusiastic, hard working individuals to join their team at their processing plant. Experience in the meat industry a definite asset. Training provided.

Starting wage $14.00 per hour, increases based on skill and experience.

Benefit package, travel allowance and a signing bonus. For more information, contact Trish at 403-442-4202 or trish.hyshka@sunterra.ca

880

ACADEMIC Express ADULT EDUCATION AND TRAINING

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

• • • • • • • • • •

Red Deer Rocky Mtn. House Rimbey Caroline Castor Sylvan Lake Innisfail Stettler Ponoka Lacombe

3, 5520 Hwy 2A (Across from Husky)

403-783-6875 SALES & SERVICE

Business getting nowhere?

ADVERTISE! 403.783.3311

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

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.

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.

Volunteers Wanted

It’s time to call your Welcome Wagon hostess.

She will bring congratulations and gifts for the family and the NEW BABY!

Heather Goodwin 403-704-3647 heathermccg@shaw.ca CELEBRATIONS HAPPEN EVERY DAY IN CLASSIFIEDS TOO MUCH STUFF? Let Classifieds help you sell it.

890

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

Grader Operator (Permanent, Full-Time)

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

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

Misc.

Help

Misc.

Help

880

More than a job. Think career. Think ownership.

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

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

1240

. . . at your house?

Employment Opportunity

Switchperson- Edmonton

Motorcycles & ATV’s

Landscaping

900

Apply via e-mail to: hr@lacombecounty.com or via fax to: 403.782.3820.

10 am - 5 pm

Call Shirlee at

403-783-2123

INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT Operator School. In-the-seat training. No simulators. Real world tasks. Weekly start dates. Funding options.

Weekly job board! Sign up online! iheschool.com.

1-866-399-3853.

We Now Recycle Milk Cartons for Deposit

Open Monday - Saturday

A Population Explosion

1060

Excellent references Over 35 years experience

403-340-1930 www.academicexpress.ca

Employment Training

Caregivers

1290

Will babysit part-time in my home in Ponoka

Gov’t of Alberta Funding may be available.

Closed Sundays & Holidays

PONOKA BOTTLE DEPOT

Business Services #1000 - #1430

WINTER START

Our Operations department is seeking an experienced, permanent, full-time Grader Operator. Responsibilities include: maintaining roads in a safe and logical order to maximize efficiency, summer gravel road maintenance and dust control applications. Winter road maintenance includes snow removal on paved and gravel roads. x Applicants must be dependable, willing to work 10-hour days (additional overtime may be required) & have a valid class 3 operator’s license with air endorsement. x Bring your experience, strong work ethic, positive attitude, and strong mechanical aptitude and join our team.

BOTTLE DEPOT

Misc.

Services

860

this space could be yours!

403-783-3311

ALBERTA LIQUOR STORE, restaurant with outdoor patio, bar with 10 V.L.T’s. Residential properties included. High Prairie has dynamic industrial growth, with 130 million in permits sold over two years; josephine .ms.chow@gmail.com or 1-780-507-7999.

THE DISABILITY Tax Credit. $1,500 yearly tax credit. $15,000 lump sum refund (on average). Covers: hip/knee replacements, back conditions & restrictions in walking and dressing 1-844-453-5372.

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

www.doorsondemand.ca

870

Misc.

Help

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

Ducks Unlimited – Proudly conserving Canada’s wetlands since 1936

880 VANCOUVER ISLAND JOB OPPORTUNITIES • Sawmill & Production Superintendents • Maintenance Superintendents • Quality Control Supervisor • Maintenance12345 Supervisors • Maintenance Planners

Complete job details can be viewed at: http://www.westernforest.com/building-value/ our-people-employment/careers/ Western Forest Products Inc. is a margin focused integrated company safely producing lumber from coastal forests. If you believe that you have the skills and qualifications that we are looking for, please reply in confidence: Human Resource Department Facsimile: 1.866.840.9611 • Email: resumes@westernforest.com Please visit us at www.westernforest.com

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

Misc.

Help

PONOKA NEWS 37

Painters/ Decorators

880

1310

F.J.B. PAINTING

INT • EXT RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL 403-307-4691

CANADIAN PACIFIC (CP) CONDUCTORS RED DEER REQUISITION # 35945

fjbpainting@hotmail.com

Misc.

Services

1290

Misc.

Services

DENTISTRY

1290

RIMBEYDENTALCARE

Attention: Farmers

DR. STEVE CALDER BS C DDS

We can deal with your refrigeration problems quickly, efficiently and reasonably

Family Friendly Dentistry

Quality First Always • Free Quotes

Tired of the same old thing?

At CP you can be part of something historic. You have a chance to make a difference, to see Canada, and build a future.

Personal Services

CP is one of Canada’s most iconic companies. We move the goods that keep the world turning, and we’re on our way to doing it better than anyone else.

To get there, CP is looking for some adaptable, hardworking, safety-conscious, and results-driven people to join our force of conductors.

Unplanned pregnancy may be difďŹ cult to face.

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

You don’t need: Railroading experience Connections

BANK SAID NO? Bank on us! Equity Mortgages for purchases, debt consolidation, foreclosures, renovations.

Bruised credit, self-employed, unemployed ok. Dave Fitzpatrick: www.albertalending.ca.

587-437-8437, Belmor Mortgage.

You do need: Great attitude Willingness to learn To work in and around Red Deer 15014MC3

For additional information on Canadian Pacific and this career opportunity, visit us online at www.cpr.ca.

Only those candidates contacted will be considered.

All communication will be directed to the email address you use on your online application form. Â The journey has begun but is far from over.

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

Classifieds Your place to SELL Your place to BUY

1315

Berni's

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.

Misc.

Services

1290

BIRCHLAND DENTAL CLINIC PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY

and Appliance Service

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

783-4880 1410

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

1410

Welding

“WE ENTHUSIASTICALLY WELCOME NEW PATIENTS�

EYE CARE

DEBT CONSOLIDATION Program. Helping Canadians repay debt, reduce or eliminate interest regardless of credit!

Qualify now to be debt free. 1-877-220-3328.

Government approved, BBB accredited.

DISABILITY BENEFIT GROUP. Suffering from a disability? The Canadian Government wants to give you up to $40,000. For details check out our website: www.disabilitygroupcanada.com or call us today toll free 1-888-875-4787.

DENTAL CARE

Refrigeration

Welding

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

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

-

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

MAIN: (403) 783-7591 FAX: (403) 783-8178 Website: www.harbinwelding.com E-mail: bharbin@telus.net

Misc.

Services

1290

Misc.

Services

1290

e Squeezthe MOST out of your advertising dollars

•

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

NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME

OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday 8AM - 12:30PM • 1PM - 5PM

BOBCAT SERVICES

BRUCE’S BOBCAT Large & Small Jobs ANYTHING ANYT & EVER EVERYTHING

403-783-0663 HEATING

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

Misc.

Services

1290

Misc.

Services

1290

Misc.

Services

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

Let us amplify your message!

Well Drilling

1400

12345

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

www.ponokanews.com

plus GST/HST

Value Ad Network

1290

Add this feature to your next career ad booking

995

Well Drilling

1400

Well Drilling

1400

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

)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

“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!

38 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

HEATING & EAVESTROUGHING

Pet Services

1318

CLINKERS KENNELS Commercial - Residential Installations - Repair

3912 - 66 St, Ponoka www.wcmltd.ca

403.783.3501 wcmltd@telus.net

* 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

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

Rental Misc

1350

Need RV or Self Storage?

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

Also RV storage.

Secure compound.

Call Keith at

First Call Towing

783-3636 Celebrate your life with a Classified ANNOUNCEMENT

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

1530

N IQUE ALE Sunday, Feb. 1, 1 pm Moose Hall, Ponoka

S

• Coins • Jewelery • Lamps • China Cupboards • Oak Dresser • Hoosier • Furniture • Glassware & more!

Presented by

BIG STRAPPER AUCTIONS Linda Dunbrack 403-304-4791 (cell) To view items: www.bigstrapperauctions.net Lunch will be available

AUCTION Sales Wed. @ 6 pm.

Antique sales 1st. Sun. of the month @ 1 pm. Feb. 1 Moose Hall 2 miles south of Ponoka on 2A WE BUY FOR CASH. 403-304-4791 Check website for full listings

Auctions

1530

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.

We change daily to serve you better.

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.

Start your career!

See Help Wanted

www.bigstrapperauctions.net

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

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.

Central Alberta’s Largest Car Lot in Classifieds

Firewood

1660

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

LOGS Semi loads of pine, spruce, tamarack, poplar.

Price depends on location.

Lil Mule Logging 403-318-4346 Something for Everyone Everyday in Classifieds

Phone 403-391-1684 ʹͶ

Dr. Bruce Wine

Health & Beauty

1700

WHAT ARE THEY GOOD FOR? ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING.

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR JUST

$

30

PER WEEK.

12345 Customizable and secure. From storage to workspace.

Steel containers from 8' to 53'.

20' & 40' skids with optional 4' landings available. Mount with twist locks.

780 440 4037 | SEACAN.COM

REACHING 6000 HOUSEHOLDS PER WEEK.

VETERINARY SERVICES

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

new to town?

Look to us for all of your weeklys news and upcoming events.

Reaching 6000 households weekly

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

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

Grain, Feed Hay

2190

FOR SALE: Alfalfas, Clovers, Grasses plus Hay, Pasture, Reclamation and Lawn Mixtures. Early order discount - Book now!

No charge custom blending. Call 1-800-661-1529 or esther@ hannasseeds.com.

HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola. Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged or offgrade grain. “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-250-5252.

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

403-357-0287

Pasture/ Land

3380

Want to rent summer pasture for cow/calf pairs Call Jerry Dodds 403-783-0303

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

Houses/ Duplexes

3020

Open concept, 2 bdrm 6 appliances Walking distances to all amenities $1150/mnth plus power Call or text Kurt 403-704-4424

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

Houses For Sale

4020

3 BDMR. 2 storey, downtown Stettler, close to schools & shopping. Avail.

Feb. 1. $900. + utils.

403-742-2871 evenings.

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

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

Acreages/ Farms

A lifestyle you have more than earned Stunning new Laebon home in the Timbers-Red Deer 1426 sq.ft. 3 bdrms/2baths, large private master suite $499,900 Call Samantha 403.392.6261

Amazing new Laebon Home 1452 sq.ft. modified bi-level with large private master suite 3 bdrms/2baths $394,599 Call Jocelyn 403.302.9612

This paper is

100%

le Recyclab

3010

GREAT NEW 1612 sq ft CAPE COD

ROUND hay bales. Cheap Free delivery. Self unloading. No Sunday calls 403-843-6380 403-704-3509

For just

$30 per week this space could be yours!

403-783-3311

* RIVERSIDE APTS. *

NEWLY RENOVATED ½ DUPLEX

Herd Health

3060

Suites

403.783.3311

Main floor master bedroom. Gas fireplace, hardwood floors. Many extras & upgrades. Low maintenance exterior. Treed lot with a nice view. Only 1 ½ miles from town. Save thousands on utilities and taxes.

For viewing and more info call 403-302-4653 or 403-782-2294

PONOKA NEWS 39

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

Houses For Sale

4020

Drive a little save a lot Brand new 2135 sq.ft.

Laebon home 3 bdrms/2.5 baths $431,599 Call Jocelyn 403.302.9612

Huge pie shaped lot in Red Deer New 2bdrm/2bath Laebon home in Timberstone $347,900 call Aaron 403.396.4016

Acreages

4050

5 ACRES FOR SALE Only 2 miles from Ponoka on paved road Undeveloped Bordered by spruce trees

Call 403-704-5286 You can sell your guitar for a song... or put it in CLASSIFIEDS and we’ll sell it for you!

Public Notices

4090

VETERINARY SERVICES

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.

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.

Financial #4400 - #4430

Ponoka Veterinary Clinic Transportation #5000-5300

5030

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.

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

Money To Loan

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.

CALL 4037833311 PLUMBING

4430

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.

Dr. Murray Jacobson Dr. Clayton West Dr. Ashley Shannon

PONOKA PLUMBING & HEATING Public Notice #6000

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

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

6010

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

JESSE ZINTER Office - 403-783-5489

Ponoka County PUBLIC NOTICE Amendment to Land Use By-Law 7-08-LU The Council of Ponoka County has been asked by John Casper to amend Land Use By-Law 7-08-LU as follows: Reclassify part of the SW 15-43-26-W4 (approximately 12 acres) from Agricultural District to Country Residential District to allow for future subdivision of the rezoned area into four 3-acre parcels.

Before considering the by-law, Council will hold a Public Hearing at which any person claiming to be affected may ask questions or make comments. This hearing is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 in the Council Chambers of the County Administration Building.

A copy of the proposed bylaw may be inspected at the County Administration Building, Ponoka, Alberta during regular office hours.

Charlie B. Cutforth Chief Administrative Officer Ponoka County 4205 - Highway #2A PONOKA, Alberta T4J 1V9 Phone: 783-3333 Fax: 783-6965 e-mail: PonokaCounty@PonokaCounty.com

www.ponokanews.com

WATER WELL DRILLING SERVICES

Darcy’s Drilling Services • 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

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!

Premier Prentice is wrong about Alberta’s single tax

By Mark Milke TROY MEDIA COLUMNIST

After governments abandon fiscal prudence, they will soon search for any and all ways to tax people more.

This is the reality playing out in Alberta, where Premier Jim Prentice has floated multiple tax increase trial balloons.

The premier, new to the office, is not responsible for jacking up program spending beyond what inflation and population growth would warrant over the past decade. Former premiers Ed Stelmach and Alison Redford must share that crown.

But Prentice is responsible if he now spends above what Albertans can afford and taxes them more to pay for it (rather than chop expenses, including the $22.5 billion in public sector compensation, which equates to nearly half of Alberta’s total expenditures).

For example, the premier has attacked Alberta’s 10 per cent single personal income tax rate, and hinted at new and higher tax brackets.

In a recent interview, he claimed that “as you study the Alberta tax system, it’s quite clear that for people who are the working poor, it is a system which bites them pretty hard, compared to the rest of the country.”

Actually, the premier is flatout wrong - the exact opposite is true. Other provinces tax the poor more than Alberta, partly because of Alberta’s rather generous basic exemption.

In Alberta, someone who earns less than $17,787 pays no provincial personal income tax.

And the 10 per cent tax rate applies only to income above that level.

In contrast, the poor in other provinces start paying provincial income tax after $7,708 in Prince Edward Island (the tiniest exemption) and after $15,378 in Saskatchewan (the next most generous province after Alberta). Other provinces are sandwiched in between.

The $17,787 Alberta exemption also means that critics who claim Alberta’s single tax is not progressive - that everyone, poor or wealthy, all pay the same proportion of their income in provincial income tax - are mistaken.

Let’s look at some simplified examples, which do not account for tax credits or deductions, but illustrate the point.

Earn $17,787 in Alberta and you’ll pay nothing in provincial

income tax. Earn $50,000 and 6.4 per cent of your income is tax ($50,000 minus the $17,787 exemption; the 10 per cent tax is paid on the remaining $32,213).

Earn $100,000 and 8.2 per cent of your income is tax. There’s a word for such sliding proportions of tax paid: progressive.

Or consider another analysis measuring the total provincial tax burden paid by the bottom 25 per cent of income earners.

They provide 4.8 per cent of all taxes collected in Saskatchewan, 5.8 per cent in Ontario, and 5.9 per cent in British Columbia.

In Alberta, by comparison, the taxes paid by that bottom 25 per cent account for just 2.9 per cent of the province’s total tax revenues.

According to the author of this analysis, there are two ways to ensure poor Canadians pay a smaller proportion of their income (or of total taxes collected) than do wealthier taxpayers.

One way: multiple rates that tax high-income earners at higher levels. However, the author warns that this “may discourage high-income, highly skilled workers from moving to Alberta or staying here.”

Or the second way, what Alberta does: a high basic personal exemption from income tax.

Insofar as the argument is about the progressivity of Alberta’s system, the author of this analysis of Alberta’s single-rate system is correct.

And where does this laudable analysis come from? The provincial government’s very own Budget 2014. The provincial tax comparisons and discussion of progressivity can be found on page 120, in a section entitled “Alberta’s Progressive Tax System.”

Alberta’s Budget 2014 sums up Alberta’s progressive singlerate tax system this way: “When all taxes are considered, Alberta has a very progressive tax system that compares well with other provinces.”

Indeed. And Alberta Finance is correct and the Premier is mistaken. Alberta’s single-rate system serves Albertans well including the very poor.

Mark Milke is a Senior Fellow at the Fraser Institute. He was author of a 1998 report to the Alberta Income Tax Review Committee calling for a single income tax rate.

40 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015

OPEN

10 AM - 11 PM 7 Days A Week

Hammy’s SPIRITS APOTHIC RED OR WHITE

PHILLIPS BUTTER RIPPLE SCHNAPPS

750 ml.

2/ 20 $

OR

750 ML

1799

00

$

EACH

1049

$

EACH

MOTT’S CLAMATO CAESAR ORIGINAL OR EXTRA SPICY 341 ML 6 PACK CAN

$

49 11 OR

LAPHROAIG QUARTER CASK SINGLE MALT SCOTCH

EACH

MCWILLIAMS HANWOOD ASSORTED VARIETIES

355 ML 4 PACK BOTTLE

8

$ 49 EACH

750 ml.

JIM BEAM KENTUCKY BOURBON 750 ML

2199 $ 99 32 $

4199

$

2/ 20 $

OR

$

750 ML

00

1049

EACH

EACH

EACH

1.14 L

EACH

BODACIOUS SHIRAZ OR PINOT GRIGIO 750 ML

2/15

MILLER GENUINE DRAFT

00

355 ML 18 BOTTLE

$

99 or 7 EACH

750 ml.

CAPTAIN MORGAN SPICED RUM

23 $ 3699 $ 5199 $

1.14L

1.75L

99

EACH

EACH

EACH

3199

EACH

CROWN ROYAL WHISKY

NEW AMSTERDAM VODKA ASSORTED FLAVOURS

$

750 ML

1699

EACH

1.14 L

2699 38

$

750 ML

$

EACH

99 EACH

Bay #5, 4502 - 50th St. • 403-783-2333

Prices in effect Wednesday, Jan. 28 to Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 Prices do not include GST or deposit. We reserve the right to limit quantities

$

1.75 L

5899 EACH