Ponoka News, March 04, 2015

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CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY Vol. 69, No. 8 | WEDNESDAY, MAR. 4, 2015 | 403-783-3311 | EDITORIAL@PONOKANEWS.COM

Junior curlers earn medals at zones Story on page 24

Chain Lakes... one of nature’s diamonds in the rough Story on page 5

Bridal Gala Sheila Spencer shows off a fancy dress and flowers during the Ponoka Bridal Gala Friday, Feb. 27 at the Kinsmen Community Centre. See story on page 17.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

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2 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Town locks horns with Hamilton’s IGA town agenda before he even saw the reply from the town.

He took two minutes during the open forum period of council’s regular meeting Tuesday, Feb. 24 to voice his concern over the letters. “Without even

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the courtesy of a phone call back, council publishes the response to me online before I get an answer,” stated Hamilton.

He suggests the town’s policy not allowing snow to be dumped on public parks could be costing residents more than they want. “I would like council to take a look at what it costs by putting the snow and hauling it somewhere else.”

He estimates his snow removal costs range from about $8,000 to $20,000, depending on the year and suggested those numbers would add up for the town.

“Granted you’re already loading the snow, so it probably isn’t as costly,” he admitted.

Hamilton took issue with the town’s statement in

YOUR PAPER!

A previously signed agreement between the Town of Ponoka and Hamilton’s IGA, allowing its snow to be dumped on town property is causing issues with

Town Hall.

Correspondence between Jim Hamilton, owner of Hamilton’s IGA and the Town of Ponoka has the grocery store owner upset that information sent to administration was published in the

RECYCLE

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

one letter that all businesses should be treated equally, he says his company is engaged in the community. “I think you have to look at each business on its own merits and you cannot have a blanket policy,” he said.

The first letter in the agenda shows Hamilton’s response to a letter from the town regarding dumping snow from his parking lot to the nearby horseshoe park.

While that first letter from the town was not included in the package, Ponoka News was able to obtain a copy of it.

CAO Rachel Kunz states in the first letter dated Nov. 3 2014 that, “any prior approvals or permissions which may have allowed for piling snow on town property are hereby revoked.”

Hamilton replied Feb. 9 after determining what those snow removal costs are, stating there is a cross-parking agreement with administration over the town parking lot where the Kinsmen Community Centre is located.

He referred to the original agreement, which was signed May 3 2000, and he stated the town neglected to follow its own policy regarding snow removal from town sidewalks.

“As was stated to me by a town official, everyone needs to play by the same rules, thus why we cannot dump the snow in the park.

If this is council’s decision on this matter, then I will expect the town to follow the same rules as I do on clearing the lot and sidewalk,” said Hamilton in the letter.

His request was again denied by administration in a letter dated Feb. 17, which reads that Hamilton’s request will be formally presented to council, whereas it was provided to council as an information item during the Feb. 24 regular meeting and councillors did not comment on it.

The correspondence between Hamilton and the town makes reference to donations he made to the skate park.

Thank You

from the Rimbey Women’s Conference Committee to the following businesses and individuals for their generous support of our 29th annual conference held on Feb. 5/2015.

Pathways to Opportunity Our children enjoy tremendous potential.

This part of the world offers more opportunities to current students no matter what dream they are dreaming.

POTENTIAL. We see it in our youth. We provide it in our community.

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GOLD SPONSOR • MOSAIC ENERGY LTD. SILVER SPONSORS • Ponoka County • Rimbey FCSS • Tradition Photography • Rimbey & District Victim Services BRONZE SPONSORS • BRIX Construction • Winfield Country Stitches • Rimbey Co-Op • Michael’s Studio • Sekura Auction Mart • Eck Rim Agencies • Rimbey Subway • Servus Credit Union • ATB Financial • Game On Outdoors • Stationery, Stories & Sounds • Rimbey Pharmasave • Rimbey Value Drug Mart • Rimbey Liquor Store • Rimbey Eye Care • Rimbey Home Hardware • LWM Consulting • Side Street Liquor Store • Buist Motor Products • GLDC Gas Coop • Imperial Esso • Sheila’s Beauty Styles • Jeweller Next Door • Blooms Flower Shop • Scratchin’ the Surface • Mandy’s Fashions & Footwear

• Body and Sole • Midwest Propane • Steel Magnolias • Flowers for You • Flower Gallery • Rimbey Gift Shoppe • Whitgan Creations & Gifts • Rimbey Boutique • Rimbey Builders • The Brick • Hair Trendz • Ideal Protein • Grelan Feeds • Louise Pickett • Discover Realty • Rimbey Town Office • Rimbey Implements • Bauer Oilfield Service • Conoco Phillips • Keyera • Busted Lady • Party Central • Neighbourhood Place • Meyers Norris Penny • On-Site Facilities • Hamilton’s IGA • Jones Agency • Ponoka News • Shoppers Drug Mart • Rimbey TV • BDO Canada • Rimbey Vet Clinic • Prairie Paints Quilts • Allen B Olson Auction Services • Kansas Ridge Klothing • Irene Wegmann

• All Smiles • OK Tire - Rimbey • Blue Flame Kitchen • Alberta Milk • Canola Growers • Alberta Beef Producers • A&W • Rimbey Library • Rimbey Parkland Library A SPECIAL THANK YOU To our presenter: Zaheen Nanji, Tom Grbich, Nathan Zukiwski from Eco Café, Cheryl Jackson, Alena Dubielew from Blooms, Chelsea Datema from Jerzi’s Skye Designz, Sandy McLary and Ryan Mikucki from TPI Travel, Susan Jones and James Uloth, and our MC Shannon BoyceCampbell.

THANKS TO ALL THE Table Vendors, FCSS staff, Community Center Staff, Rimbey 4-H Club, Bluffton West 4-H Beef Club, Starkist Catering, Rimbey Review and Ponoka News, Rimbey Lions Club, Ponoka County office staff, Badur Nanji for videoing and everyone who attended.

Our deepest apologies if we missed anyone.

PONOKA NEWS 3

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Man charged with assault on youth • Danny Jones • YO U M AY Q UA L I F Y F O R DENTURES THROUGH THE SENIOR BENEFITS PROGRAM. C A L L T O DAY F O R I N F O R M AT I O N

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

After charging a man with assault last week for punching a woman several times, police have charged him again for assaulting a youth.

Ponoka RCMP reported last week they were searching for Bret David Shimwell in relation to a Feb. 20 assault on a woman at her home on Range Road 250. The man was found and charged with assault, breach of five conditions and then brought in front of a justice of the peace where he was released on a no cash recognizance.

Six days after the first event, police were again called to the residence Thursday, Feb. 26 as Shimwell allegedly assaulted a youth in the home.

He was again charged with assault and failing to comply on a specified condition and was brought before a justice of the peace where he was again released on a cash recognizance.

Wintry driving conditions Police and members of the Ponoka Integrated Traffic Unit were kept busy

PONOKA

Wintry roads: Emergency crews responded to a collision Tuesday, March 2 west of Ponoka on Highway 53. Wintry road conditions created hazardous driving for motorists. It is believed there were minor injuries in the collision.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Monday, March 2 after blowing snow caused hazardous driving conditions.

One call related to a collision west of Ponoka on Highway 53 where a westbound vehicle lost control and hit the guardrail over a bridge. The vehicle sub-

sequently bounced and an eastbound vehicle collided with the passenger side of the car.

Highway 53 was closed for approximately one hour and it is believed there were minor injuries in the incident.

Police charge Bashaw man with theft Stealing electronic items from a downtown electronics store Monday, Feb. 23 was a bad idea for a 65-year-old Bashaw man who was identified by police and charged with theft. continued on page 4

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4 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Religion

Your Guide To Local Houses of Worship

An unchanging God in an ever changing world

CHURCH DIRECTORY

MATT SEALY CHURCH OF THE OPEN BIBLE

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. & James Crosina - Fac. of Community Life

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

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep

silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

The meaning of the above verses is transparent. We live in an ever changing world where nothing seems to stay the same. We move from one thing to another: from joy to sorrow, from war to peace and back to war again. We are silent, we speak; we are silent again. We love and we hate-and we do it over and over again. We are born, we grow up, we give birth; our children grow up, they give birth.

If you live long enough, you will see it all. Everything that can happen will happen.

In my life of 35 years, I have

South on 2A, West on Spruce Road 403-783-1888 Rev. Mitch Ramkissoon Worship Service 10:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. www.parklandurc.org

PONOKA WORD OF LIFE CHURCH Pastor Rob McArthur

403-783-5659

Sunday @ 10:30 a.m.

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

www.wordoflife.ca

PONOKA UNITED CHURCH Minister: Beatrix Schirner

ponokaunited@shaw.ca

Sunday Service 10:00 am.

5020-52 Ave. Ponoka

Phone: 403-783-4087

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

SONRISE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH

continued from page 3 Police are still looking for a woman who was with him at the time of the theft.

Among items stolen were software, video games and a remote control helicopter.

Speedster loses car After stopping a Saskatchewan woman on Highway 2 Feb. 25 for speeding, investigators impounded

her vehicle as she had no registration or insurance.

The woman was stopped while travelling at 130 km/h on Highway 2.

Employee punches boss Police have charged a 19-year-old Ponoka teenager with assault after punching his manager in the face at a local fast food restaurant Feb. 27.

PET OF THE WEEK Sponsored by

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

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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

discouraged. Sometimes we have hope and other times we feel hopeless. That’s what Solomon was talking about.

Life doesn’t stay the same for very long. In our ever-changing lives, God alone can give meaning; He alone does not change. He directs the jumbled events that seem to have no rhyme or reason. So cling to this truth: God is in charge and does not change, and He makes no mistakes.

No matter what season you find yourself in today, your season will soon change. So on the good days and the bad days, cling to the God of heaven who does not change and who is more than able to carry you through.

Police briefs

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

experienced the indescribable joy of children being born and the agony of telling a father his son had been murdered. I have rejoiced with those whose hard work has paid off with rewards, accolades, and early retirement.

I have wept seeing those who worked just as hard lose every earthly possession in a fire. I have seen dancing by those who were declared cancer free but also heartache over those who went into eternity because of cancer.

Many farmers have seen both drought and had years of plenty. Many have kept their jobs their whole lives and many have struggled to find work at all. Sometimes we are joyful and sometimes

Commercial • Residential • Recreational

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Witnesses state the manager asked the employee to do some work and a small argument broke out with the employee eventually becoming angry and physical.

Wanted man takes a nap on the highway A man with several warrants for his arrest was found by police taking a nap in his car last week.

He was found in a silver Chevy Impala at the Highway 2A and Highway 53 intersection. After providing a false name, he also faces a charge of obstructing a peace officer.

Looking for stolen tractor Ponoka RCMP are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a 2012 John Deere Tractor, Model 7330 that went missing between Friday Feb. 27 and Monday

March 3 from a business in the Southwest Industrial Park.

Parent and coach fight over referee call Police were called to the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex Feb. 28 at 2:48 p.m. after a coach and a parent got into a fight.

It is believed the fight started as a result of someone not liking how a referee’s call was made and how it affected the player or team.

The matter is still under investigation.

Ponoka RCMP and the Integrated Traffic Unit received 85 calls for service last week.

If you have information on any crime call Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4472 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477.

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PONOKA NEWS 5

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Reflections of Ponoka

Chain Lakes... one of nature’s diamonds in the rough

BY MIKE RAINONE FOR THE NEWS

The science books tell us that many of Alberta’s amazing lakes were delicately formed during the last glaciation period about 12,000 years ago. One of the most magnificent examples of nature’s magic of creation is Chain Lakes, three small lakes located in a wild and deep valley just a few miles southeast of Ponoka.

Early settlers moving into the Scott district in the early 1900s found the tranquil setting of the connected lakes, which were teeming with fish, and the surrounding steep hillsides and land abounding with many species of game and birds, as well as a lush and wide variety of trees and plants.

The very first settler to come into the area was a man named Sausen, who established his homestead in 1898, and then following close behind were the early district founding families of the Trumans, Huscrofts, Jones, Algars, Stoutenbergs, Bures, Donavans, Newtons and on and on. Dr. A.A. Drinnan, Ponoka’s very first doctor purchased land in the district in 1900 and built a magnificent British style home overlooking Chain Lakes.

Those who first arrived in the area and wandered through the muskeg and hilly countryside around the lakes would discover numerous waterfalls, caves, unique rock formations, bubbling underground streams, and very thick foliage and trees.

As our earliest pioneers began to settle into the Scott and surrounding districts and established their homesteads in the late 18th century, they likely found many signs of the nomadic Indian tribes who camped and travelled in the area looking for food while following the massive herds of bison who also roamed the vast area as far as Buffalo Lake and beyond. The survival of those early farm families relied on their ability to catch their fair share of bountiful fish from the lakes, to hunt and trap the countless species of game, and to pick the wild berries and raise the big gardens that would fill their food cellars all year round.

These hardy folks also cut down some of the thousands of massive trees to build

their homes, their barns, and the fences that would protect their livestock and mark the land that they would slowly break to plant and raise their crops.

From the memoirs of Earl Berdine The Berdine family were early and longstanding residents of the Chain Lake area, and as a youngster, Earl recalled that the three lakes were about two miles long and connected by a creek to one another.

Due to the abundance of water in the valley, the lakes were constantly spring fed and always remained quite cold and at the same level all year round. Earl explained the unique appearance of Chain Lakes as being nestled in a deep narrow valley with very steep wooded banks that likened them to our pristine mountain lakes far to the west.

In the early days, the Chain Lakes quickly became one of the main recreation areas in the Ponoka districts, as well as attracting many visitors and tourists to enjoy the countless activities and experience its awesome natural beauty. On most summer Sundays, quite a number of people in cars or buggies or on horseback went through Mr. Rook’s farmyard on their way down the long hill to the lake to enjoy many hours of fishing, swimming, playing ball, horseshoes and enjoying a picnic. For everyone to get themselves and their boat on to the lake the kindly Rook had dug a path out of the bank with a pick and shovel. Another real treat was provided by Mr. Herb Rees, the owner of the machine shop in Ponoka, who would come out and cruise around the lake and give rides in his fast and fancy boat made out of sheet metal and powered by a model T-Ford engine. Mrs. Truman also remembers that some of the local churches often held their baptismal services at the lake on a quiet Sunday morning. There may still be a few old lime kilns near the lakes, where the settlers burned the limestone to make lime.

Chain Lakes has always been a favourite spot for fishing in both winter and summer, with large numbers of pike always the biggest prize. Other popular winter

Photo from Ponoka Panorama

Jay Berdine and Elizabeth Fleming enjoy an afternoon of boating on Chain Lakes in 1915. These three pristine lakes and deep surrounding valley south-east of Ponoka have been a popular spot for many recreational and family activities, and maybe even a little ‘courting’ for countless decades.

sports included skating, as well as bravely sliding on toboggans, sleighs, skis or whatever down the steep hill from the top, quite often gliding right out into the middle of the lake. Overnight camping also became a popular pastime around Chain Lakes, with a camp kitchen and tables provided by the County of Ponoka, as well as fire pits for many a roaring bonfire. From what I fondly recall as a young lad, there were a few really good parties with the old gang out there, which was also an ideal place for courting. In the 1950s, the Provincial Mental Hospital Association approved the development of a spacious recreation area and some cabins on the shores of the first of Chain Lakes, which was used for many years for the enjoyment of hundreds of patients and staff members from the Alberta Hospitals at Ponoka and Oliver. When Camp Eden was closed, the Ponoka Fish and Game Association took over the 50 acre spot to assure the protection and future of this age-old natural habitat and environment that has brought pleasure to so many.

The second Chain Lake is also under the watchful eye of the Ponoka and Lacombe

Fish Associations, who have maintained a public access to the lake, as well as hosting annual kids’ camps and other activities.

Over the years and to this present day, the land around Chain Lakes has seen a great deal of development of farming operations and large homes. For countless centuries, the magnificent Chain Lakes basin has survived and thrived because of the ongoing drainage of rains and snowmelt into the valley, as well as the fresh-water underground streams. This ‘natural but precarious process’ has fed the lake with nutrient free clean water, as well as provided the vital watershed that is required to support the many species of wildlife and birds, along with a multitude precious plants, trees, and flowers. The Friends of Chain Lakes Society was formed a few years ago to protect the delicate centuries old Chain Lake Watershed into the pristine historical valley, and to be the ‘Lake Stewards’ for the ongoing environment so that future generations can enjoy and protect the beauty and amenities of one of nature’s ‘diamonds in the rough’, our legacy, right here in our own back yard.

Remember When...

Photo from Ponoka Panorama

In the early days of settlement in the Scott district south-east of Ponoka the hunting and fishing was fantastic at Chain Lakes, and in this 1920s photo Dorothy and Ida Sparks display the morning’s catch, which would feed the large. The magnificent and historical lakes have been a wonderful recreation area for families from town and districts for countless decades.

6 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Opinion

Picture is bleak

Mustafa Eric

Editor It was only to be expected; public sector unions and health worker associations lashed out at Premier Jim Prentice’s speech at the Rotary Club of Edmonton on Monday, when he clearly identified his next target: public sector wages.

After he, his cabinet and his senior staff took wage cuts of five percent, Mr. Prentice has turned on the working population of the province in order to save the day in the face of stubbornly low oil prices, which don’t show much promise of rising enough, to a level that can render the operations in oil sands in northern Alberta at least ongoing.

Apparently in his speech, Mr. Prentice also mentioned that his new policies would be oriented to reduce the dependence of the province’s finances on royalties from oil production.

Now that is a story one would like to really believe, but not without seeing it.

Mr. Prentice’s desperation is becoming more and more apparent everyday and one comment on a news website reporting his Rotary speech may be reflecting an increasingly widely shared view in the province.

The commentator said: “Instead of giving us another ‘sky is falling’ speech, why doesn't he figure out how to run the damned province and sell our oil properly?

He's starting to come off as incompetent.”

Looks like we are going to see interesting times in the weeks and months ahead: If the premier goes on and legislates new restrictions in the public bargaining process for the unions, he will face the possibility of a mas-

sive reaction in the ballot box as he makes plans for an early spring election; if he doesn’t, he will be perceived as incapable of taking action to address the dire situation. If he keeps lingering without taking any decisive steps, the deteriorating situation in public finances will start to get out of control and it is highly likely that the province will start to borrow from the market.

But there is more to it: For a successful election campaign, Mr. Prentice will need a lot of funding and the people with deep pockets who could come to the rescue are the managers of big oil; to keep them in the fold, he cannot touch the privileged position of those

quarters that have been making billions of dollars in tax breaks and hidden subsidies over the years, thanks to sympathetic PC premiers over the years.

But saviors have been losing money as of late, too.

As a result, the Alberta premier appears to be coming under increasing pressure, finding it very difficult to sneak out from his current position between a rock and hard place.

This is actually likely to prove a problem for the federal government as well, as Stephen Harper begins to launch his campaign to retain his job in October. (The problems in Ottawa will grow more insurmountable as the general elections approach and Mr. Harper will

have some bigger fish to fry, but that is another discussion.)

Neither Mr. Harper, nor Mr. Prentice have the right to complain because of the hole they find themselves in, because they or their parties (in the case of Mr. Prentice) have been digging them for themselves by being politicians serving corporate interests rather than being statesmen serving the people of this country and this province.

Being politicians, their personal wealth and well being will not be hurt whatever happens in the weeks and months ahead, but a lot of citizens will suffer dire consequences and will find it very hard to hold politicians to account.

Who pays the price for financial mismanagement?

Dear Editor, Premier Prentice is projecting a $ 500-million deficit and a continuing shortfall in revenue until the price of oil goes up to at least $75 a barrel.

Prentice and his caucus are floating all kinds of ideas how to make up for this shortfall, pretty much all of those ideas involve the taxpayer, (what else is new?), not the corporations who pay the lowest income tax anywhere, 10 per cent, (national average is 12.6 per cent, in the US 15-35 per cent).

Will he change the unfair flat 10 per cent personal income tax and change back to a graduated tax, so that higher income earners pay their fair share? No, he said he won’t touch the flat rate tax.

He could increase the ridiculously low royalties from currently 9-12 per cent; royalties were 25 per cent for oil sands oil and 35 per cent for conventional oil and gas when Lougheed was Premier, or actually collect all the royalties, but he said no he won’t.

One has to wonder how a drop in oil prices can bring on such an immediate backlash, after all the AB government and the oil companies had years of high oil prices, why wasn’t there some money put aside for economic down turns?

Not that the PC government was saving this rich resource revenues for Albertans as the Norwegian government has done, who has over a trillion in a fund for future generations when the oil is gone!

You got to ask yourself how can such a resource rich province as Alberta be in debt at all?

Well, we all know by now a lot of it was mismanaged,

used for a fleet of four air planes, while no other province has planes for government officials anymore, used for offices abroad, some of them now closed, squandered away on $ 40,000 air plane tickets, $250 Million for the very elaborate Canada House in London and all kinds of other things that were over the top and not necessary.

Bringing back health care premiums for Albertan’s is most likely in the cards, but with the difference that this time the employers are totally off the hook and don’t have to pay half or all of the employees health care premium.

Prentice always makes sure that corporations are taken care of first, not the people of Alberta.

His primary order of business at his first meeting with Harper was to get a special deal for Alberta’s ‘temporary’ foreign worker program (TFW) as Alberta - so he says - is in a unique situation. That deal was sealed with giving a special group of foreign workers (FWs) whose four-year work visa was ending end of March, one year extension to get their citizen status through. How many FWs was in PC fashion not disclosed, some say over 1,000, others estimate over 10,000. Alberta has now close to 100,000 FWs. This happened after the oil price crashed. You would have thought that Mr. Prentice would adjust to the new Alberta economic reality and save those jobs for Canadians.

After all we have lost already thousands of jobs in the oil field with much more losses predicted, and we have a 20-30 per cent youth unemployment rate.

Pipe fitters for example are on the list of FWs apparently needed, however, will the double class of apprentice

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

pipe fitters graduating from RDC this months find work still with the oil down turn? These are Canadian young men who are in many cases desperate to get going with their lives, start a career, a family etc. in an economic climate that makes it more and more difficult to find work.

If our Canadian youth doesn’t find work for decent wages, it will not be beneficial for Canada’s future or economy. Prentice or the corporations don’t care about young Canadians, at least nothing they have done indicates that they do.

Why was the TFW program not adjusted to Alberta’s revenue down turn? Because Prentice, as the PC party always does, caters to the industry first and Canadians second. The TFW program is also a means to undermine Canadian wages and benefits.

Prentice and his caucus are following an economic model that serves the interest of economic and political elites, but does not provide a living wage for everyone, does not lower the youth unemployment rate, which was already high before the oil down turn and will get worse now, nor does it lower the poverty rate in Alberta.

Isn’t it time to break the cycle of exploitation in Alberta? Exploitation of the resources that belong to Albertans, not the industry, exploitation of people who work hard every day, but cannot make ends meet on the minimum wages nobody can live on anymore?

Workers’ rights and benefits are deteriorating, 12 per cent of Albertans live in poverty.

Voters have the power to change that!

Ilse Quick Lacombe

Judy Dick Manager

Mustafa Eric Editor

Jeff Heyden-Kaye Reporter

Amelia Naismith Reporter

Karen Douglass Sales

Susan Whitecotton Administration

manager@ponokanews.com

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All editorial content, advertising content and concepts are protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is forbidden.

PONOKA NEWS 7

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Changes underway with leasing town property

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Anyone looking to work out a lease with Town of Ponoka property might have some trouble getting it until a policy can be put together.

In one quick motion, council managed to almost double the workload for administration Tuesday, Feb. 24 during a regular meeting by requesting an interim lease policy be put into place until a full policy can be written.

Coun. Carla Prediger made the motion stating she would like to see requests come before council until that time.

“I’ll take an interim (policy) because there is no plan for a long-term …

I mean how long does it take for a policy?” asked Prediger.

She suggests the inter-

im policy will be used until a full policy can be written.

CAO Rachel Kunz said she was making decisions for leases to last until the end of June next year. She told council there is currently one organization that has a signed a lease with the town that starts March 1 and ends June 30, 2016.

Coun. Sandra Lyon suggested a full policy be written. “We have to put a policy in place because at some point we have to let our CAO do her job.”

Council approved the motion and Kunz responded that she still needs direction on what to do with current requests. “What do I do in the interim until you have a policy?”

“I have no direction,” she added.

Sandra Lyon stated that if someone wants to sign a lease, bringing the

requests to council would be inefficient, especially if an organization is under time constraints. She said they would have to wait for the next council meeting, which could take weeks if the timing was bad.

It took some deliberation but councillors appeared at a loss as to how to provide that direction.

Coun. Tim Falkiner made the motion that, in the interim, administration should be allowed to continue as previously in dealing with long-term leases for six months to a year until the interim policy is put in place.

The motion was approved with Prediger voting against it.

The group that has worked out a lease with the town to use the Aquaplex that Kunz referred to is Gunit CrossFit.

Congratulations William Wareham

Carrier of the Year!

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 Important Reminder! To avoid a ticket or a tow, please obey the NO PARKING signs in place to allow Town Crews to work safely and completely clear snow from our streets.

Residents have 48 hours to clear the sidewalk in front of their homes and properties after a snowfall. The bylaw relating to these activities is Traffic Bylaw 200-06. We have posted it on the home page of our website for your convenience. The 2015 Snow Removal Routes Map is also posted on the home page - www.ponoka.ca.

Thank you for doing your part to make us all Ponoka Proud!

EVENTS AND RECREATION What’s up at Ponoka FCSS...

For more information or to register for any of the following events please contact Shelly Van Eaton 403.783.4462 Lunch & Learn with Money Mentors (sponsored by Ponoka FCSS) February 26th 12-1pm at Seniors Drop In Centre - R&R in Retirement March 26th 12-1pm at Ponoka FCSS Boardroom - Break the Cycle April 9th 12-1pm at Ponoka FCSS Boardroom - Credit I.Q. April 23rd 12-1pm at Ponoka FCSS Boardroom - Enrich Your Kids (adults only at course please)

Seniors needing FREE transportation to go walking at the Ag Event Centre Any Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, call Shelly @ 403.783.4462

Road Trips!

FCSS will cover transportation costs. Seniors and friends, family, grandchildren, must cover the price of show tickets. Please call ASAP to guarantee tickets! $63 March 12th: Elvis – The Gospel Side of Elvis, starring The Blackwood Quartet fronted by a childhood friend of Elvis who sang at his mother’s funeral - Red Deer $57 March 22nd: Sadie Flynn Comes to Big Oak DINNER THEATER – Red Deer Volunteer Tax Clinics coming March 17th 9:30-Noon (Seniors Drop In), April 1st 1:30-3:30 (FCSS Office), April 9th 9:30-Noon (Seniors Drop In)

Library News LIBRARY PHOTO CONTEST: Ponoka Jubilee Library wants to see your photos! Take your best LIBRARY THEMED digital photo, and submit it to the Library between March 1stMarch 31st for your chance to win a KOBO Aura 6” eReader. It could be a photo of someone reading, a pile of books, or even of Charlie the Library Cat, as long as it relates to the Library.

Full details/rules and entry forms are available at Ponoka Jubilee Library (5110 48 Avenue), or on our website at www.ponokalibrary.prl.ab.ca. Good luck!

CANADIAN FIREARMS SAFETY COURSE: Ponoka Jubilee Library is hosting a Nonrestricted Canadian Firearms Safety Course on Sunday April 26th from 8:00 am – 5:30 pm. You must pre-register, cost is $120.00/person. Space is limited. Go to www. albertafirearmscourse.com for more information, or contact the Library at 403-783-3843.

DESSERT WINE TASTING: Ponoka Jubilee Library is hosting its 4th Wine Tasting! ‘Uncorked’ is a dessert wine tasting and is being held on Saturday April 18th, starting at 7:00 pm. It will feature 8 different dessert wines from around the world along with food pairings. Tickets prices are TBD, but keep your calendar open!

Like us on FACEBOOK to stay up to date on all our events!

Aquaplex Update Spring Break Lessons • March 30 - April 2. Register Now! Spring Break • Tim Horton’s FREE Public Swim For more information and schedules visit http://www.ponoka.ca/community/recreation/aquaplex

Public Skating:

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.

COUNCIL UPDATES & BYLAW INFO Next Town Council Meeting Circulation Supervisor, Susan Whitecotton presents William Wareham with a cheque for $400.

Ponoka News appreciates Will’s dedication and hard work. He always has a smile and is willing to help anyone who needs a hand!

Congratulations William on a well deserved award!

5019A Chipman Ave. 403.783.3311 www.ponokanews.com

March 10, 2015 @ 7 pm.

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

DID YOU KNOW...???

Stop throwing away your dryer lint! Put it in the backyard for the birds — they use it to feather their nests. Neat!

Share your magazines — read them then pass them on. Goodwill, the Kidney Foundation and other used goods collection agencies will usually accept them. You can also pass them along to a doctor’s office for the waiting room.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

8 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Ponoka’s PC Town administration vague on water problem areas nomination are having bad luck finding few years,” he stated. areas are, town administraWhen asked further to a solution to the problem.

He said it would not be tion declined to provide the clarify where the areas are, While council did not a full gutter-to-gutter repair information. the town did not provide the Residents on 50A Street to be Donna Brinkworth, locations. met with council once again make any decisions on the as those can be quite costly. officer Appointments to Ecoan update on matter, Mayor Rick Bon- McPhee said there are seven communications decided end tohowgivefrostthem heaves are affect- nett asked administration if areas in the Town of Ponoka said crews are investigating nomic Development Board there were some areas town where there are possibly “bubbles or puddles” areas (EDB) their mobile homes. of March ing They high water levels. It was to see what the issue is.

Council approved new reiterated their de- planners were looking at.

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta has announced that balloting to identify the candidate who will run for the seat of the Lacombe-Ponoka riding in the provincial legislature will take place on Saturday, March 28.

So far, four individuals have put forward their candidacies for the PC nomination: current MLA Rod Fox, who crossed floor with eight more Wildrose members to join the PC caucus back in December 2014; former Ponoka town councillor and mayor Larry Henkelman, Lacombe city councillor Wayne Rempel and Lacombe area businessman Peter DeWit. Only PC members who have paid their membership fees will have the right to vote in the nomination race.

sire during council’s regular meeting Tuesday, Feb. 24 to see some of these issues sorted out. No new information was provided by residents except to say they

Dave McPhee, director of operations and property services, said there is $305,000 in the budget to deal with areas of concern.

“It’s going to take it for a

the results from two recent road evaluations that helped McPhee find some of the problem areas.

When asked in an email interview where those seven

“This is a work in progress and he (McPhee) will be reporting the results as they know them, with appropriate work to follow,” said Brinkworth.

appointments to the EDB all starting March 1, 2015: Bruce Ordze, for a threeyear term, Kori Hart, Denise Clark and Angie Taylor, all for one year terms.

Clarification: The Town keeping up with snow removal story on page 2 of the Feb. 25 edition states in an effort to get information out to residents Facebook and Twitter social media sites are updated as soon as possible. To clarify, the town updates its social media sites to remind residents of the snow removal rules and possible enforcement, if not followed. We regret the confusion.

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PONOKA NEWS 9

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

International Women’s Day

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10 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

International Women’s Day International Women's Day 2015 Theme:

MAKE IT HAPPEN All around the world, International Women's Day represents an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while calling for greater equality.

Make It Happen is the 2015 theme for our internationalwomensday.com global hub, encouraging effective action for advancing and recognizing women.

5016 50 St, Ponoka 403-783-3537

Each year International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. The first International Women's Day was held in 1911. Thousands of events occur to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organizations, governments, charities, educational

institutions, women's groups, corporations and the media celebrate the day.

Various organizations identify their own International Women's Day theme, specific to their local context and interests. Many charities, NGOs and Governments also adopt a relevant theme or campaign to mark the day. For example, organizations like the UN, Oxfam, Women for Women, Care International, Plan, World Association of Girl Guides & Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and more - run exciting and powerful campaigns that raise awareness and encourage donations for good causes.

The UN has been declaring an annual equality theme for many years.

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• Sports & Accidents • Injury & Prevention • Necks, Backs • R.S.I, Carpal Tunnel • Digestion, Asthma • Headaches In 2005 May Hollman suffered a serious spinal injury. Conventional therapies were not helping her. Hollman’s pain made it very hard to endure each day.

One day while at work, a lady handed Hollman her business card. As fate would have it, it contained information on an alternative therapy method.

Fast forward to 2015, Hollman is virtually pain free and a licensed practitioner in the Bowen Technique – a neuromuscular realignment; the L.I.F.E. System, a biofeedback technology and Eurowave – EMS inch loss and muscle stimulation.

The L.I.F.E methods are used by thousands of trained and qualified

practitioners including Acupuncturists, Chiropractors, Dentists, Homeopaths, Medical Doctors, Nutritionists and Veterinarians. The system is used to assist in stress management, muscle relaxation and preventative healthcare while supporting the well being of their clients To complete this circle of well being Hollman also drinks Zija – Moringa oleifera – to help support both health of and function of the circulatory, blood and cardiovascular systems.

To find out how to bring balance and stimulate self healing within your own body call Hollman. She is a member of the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada.

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PONOKA NEWS 11

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

International International Women’s Women’s Day Day As the Beijing Declaration turns 20, the 59th Commission on the Status of Women will take stock of women’s rights, amid mixed progress

The year 2015 marks the 20th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

Considered the most comprehensive blueprint on advancing women’s rights, the 1995 Beijing roadmap was adopted by 189 governments. But 20 years on, the commitments made are only partially fulfilled.

From 9-20 March, the 59th Commission on the Status of Women will review global implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and take stock of where women stand in the world today. From the political to the economic spheres, progress has been made, but not enough.

Today, only one in five parliamentarians is a woman. Approximately 50 per cent of women worldwide are in paid employment, an increase from 40 per cent more than 20 years ago, with wage inequality

persistent. At the present rate of progress, it will take 81 years for women to achieve parity in employment.

The pandemic of violence against women and girls affects one in three women worldwide, despite being recognized as a gross human rights violation and a barrier to global development. In 2000, the groundbreaking UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security recognized the need to increase women’s role in peacebuilding in postconflict countries. Yet, from 1992 to 2011 only 4 per cent of signatories to peace agreements and 9 per cent of negotiators at peace tables were women.

Preparations for the upcoming meeting have been significant. UN Women launched a global campaign “Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity: Picture It” last year, to reignite the gender equality debate through global events and engagement.

In the lead-up to the Commission, a record-

breaking 166 countries undertook national reviews regarding the status of women in their countries. Rich contributions have also come in through consultations with civil society, who remain an integral part of this process. Setting a new record, more than 1,100 NGOs and a total of 8,600 representatives have registered to participate in this year’s session. About 200 side-events hosted by governments and UN agencies are planned alongside the official meetings of the Commission, with an additional 450 parallel events by civil society.

With the 20th anniversary of the Beijing Platform coinciding with the defining of the post-2015 development agenda, expectations are high that it will generate momentum and urgency for global actions on women’s rights and gender equality. A political declaration will be adopted by the Commission on the opening day of session.

Rod Fox, MLA Lacombe - Ponoka #101 4892 46 Street, Lacombe, AB

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Here’s to strong Women May we Know them, May we Be them, May we Raise them.

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Join your local celebrations on March 8!

Today’s women own & operate many different businesses, enriching their communities!

12 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Kidnappers set for November preliminary hearing

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

A preliminary hearing in the case of seven co-accused, charged with kidnapping a Ponoka man on Dec. 17, 2014 will start on Nov. 23, 2015 at the Ponoka provincial court, in what is expected to be a two-day session.

As of Friday, two of the seven — Lane Dickson and Zarchary Purdy — remained in custody. Dickson has a cash bail set at $2,000 and Purdy has been denied bail.

Purdy, Shane Kerik, Tyler Scott, Dickson, James Miller-Laney and Ashley Shewchuk’s charges include: breaking and entering, robbery using a firearm, unlawful kidnapping using a firearm with the intent to hold, unlawfully carrying an imitation of a weapon with the intent to commit

an offense (paintball gun), uttering threats of death and bodily harm, possessing a weapon (sword) dangerous to the public peace with the intent to commit an offense and and, possessing a weapon (machete) dangerous to the public peace with the intent to commit an offense.

Purdy alone is charged with unlawful operation of a motor vehicle while disqualified.

Christine Kirkeby, along with Purdy, Kerik, Scott and Dickson are also charged with possession of property not exceeding $5,000, knowing it was unlawfully obtained.

Almost decade-long disqualified driver caught A man was sentenced to a one-year driving prohibition and a $1,500 fine after pleading guilty to driving when disqualified, for almost a decade.

On Dec. 6, 2014 a member of Ponoka RCMP stopped at 50th Avenue and 51st Street when they noticed a vehicle parked near a bank facing the wrong way.

When the vehicle pulled out and the driver saw the police cruiser, he became quite startled. Police suspected impaired driving and told the driver to pull over.

The driver, Joshua Desjarlais, 36, exited the vehicle and popped the hood, claiming mechanical difficulties. At that point, the female passenger in the car got behind the wheel. It was discovered Desjarlias was on a driving prohibition since July 2 of last year.

Desjarlais, at the time of the incident, was also without a license due to failing to properly acquire his license from a November, 2006 incident and he has not had a proper license since then.

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Man faces 25 charges for offences in four different communities

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

A man facing a long list of 25 charges, ranging from possession of illegal substances to assault, is pleading not guilty to all counts.

Daniel Archambault of Red Deer appeared briefly at Ponoka provincial court on Friday, Feb. 27.

Selecting a trial date will be spoken to in another court appearance on Friday, March 20. It was decided in court that at least one day would be needed for the trial.

A bail application will also be addressed on that day.

Charges: • Possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) with the purpose of trafficking • Possession of a controlled substance (ecstasy) with the purpose of trafficking • Unlawfully possess the substance cannabis • Possession of property valued at $1,250, knowing that all the proceeds of the property was obtained by a punishable offense • Possession of the prohibited weapon metal knuckled gloves, knowing he did not have proper licensing • Possession of an imitation of a weapon, a Remington .209 starter revolver, for the purpose of committing an offense • Possession of a sword the purpose of committing an offence • Possession of a knife for the purpose of committing an offence • Assault on a woman-in or near Rocky

Mountain House • Uttering threats of death to the same woman-in or near Rocky Mountain House • Uttering threats to cause bodily harm of the woman-in or near Rocky Mountain House • Assaulting the woman-in or near Red Deer • Assaulted the woman-in or near Red Deer • Uttering threats of death to the same woman-in or near Red Deer • Uttering threats to cause bodily harm of the woman-in or near Red Deer • Uttering threats to burn the woman’s car-in or near Red Deer • Assaulting the woman with brass knuckles-in or near Eckville • Uttering threats of death to the womanin or near Eckville • Possession of an imitation of a weapon, a Remington .209 starter revolver, for the purpose of committing an offense • Uttering threats of death to the same woman-in or near Ponoka • Without lawful excuse, pointed a firearm at the woman • Possession of an imitation of a weapon, a Remington .209 starter revolver while uttering threats of death • Engaging in threatening conduct toward the woman, causing reasonable fear for her safety • Uttering threats to cause bodily harm of the woman-in or near Ponoka • Uttering threats to burn the womanís car-in or near Ponoka

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Susan Whitecotton, Circulation Supervisor, presents Sharon with a $50 cheque recognizing excellent service in delivering the newspaper for the month of February.

5019A Chipman Ave. Ponoka, Alberta

403.783.3311

PONOKA NEWS 13

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

New approach to PE at PSC

BY MUSTAFA ERIC

As Education Alberta prepares to finalize the new curriculum for secondary education, Ponoka Secondary Campus (PSC), after introducing project based learning in several courses, has taken another step to start the transformation to outcome based learning in physical education (PE).

PE teachers at PSC Jody McElroy and Cody Baird made a presentation at the

school council meeting Wednesday evening, Feb. 25 to explain the new approach, which is aimed at instilling physical activity as a lifelong practice among all students rather than focusing on certain sports and individuals.

During the presentation, participants were told that the new approach recognizes that all students have varying interests in sports and physical activity, and as such the

physical education classes should be encompassing the need to allow all students to be introduced to different sports in a way that they can select and focus on what sports they would like to develop skills in.

“Our goal is not to raise athletes in school,” stressed Baird during the presentation. He said their objective was to ensure each student has the opportunity to know about and practice any sport they may want to excel in.

The implementation of the approach has been designed in a way to give students the chance to try a variety of sports and types of physical activities in repetitive turns but

with intervals.

Accordingly, sports with similar characteristics have been grouped under names like “bouncing balls” to include basketball, soccer, handball or “airborne activities” to include football, volleyball and ultimate Frisbee and these groups will be the focus of gym classes in turns, with students being exposed to all available choices of physical activity.

During the school council meeting, participants were also briefed about efforts to find coaches for PSC teams from among community members and difficulties surrounding the process.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

BP gives back: Layna Palacheck of Friends of PES Fundraising Society (centre right) receives a cheque for $1596.07 from Natalie Reglin, owner/operator of Boston Pizza in Ponoka to be spent for the construction of the new playground for the Ponoka Elementary School students at their new facility, the former Diamond Willow School.

The contribution comes under Boston Pizza’s Operation Education program, which allows registered schools to collect and submit receipts from purchases at BP restaurants throughout northern Alberta to receive five Mention this add and receive per cent of the pre-tax 25% off for a $25.00 discount. sum of the receipts back During the month of March. * Some conditions apply. See in store for details. Red Deer Only. as donation from the restaurant chain. Also 7882 Edgar Industrial Way Unit E1, Red Deer, AB, T4P 3R2 | Ph: 403.343.1878 pictured are Jen Bartley (far right) of the Friends of the PES Fundraising $ $ Society and Delia $ $ Colquhoun, marketing coordinator for Boston $ $ Pizza.

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14 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

First Nations join forces with oil industry to develop its workforce

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Job analysts have always said there is an untapped workforce on reserves in Alberta but few companies knew how to utilize that potential, until recently.

Since last November, members of the Montana Band have received training to get

their welding certificates with help from a manufacturing company called Landmark Industrial Services.

Getting the program up and running took collaboration among Montana Band, Landmark, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, the Government of Alberta and two affiliates of the

Montana Band; the Akamihk Community Development Society (ACDS) and Bobtail Ventures.

Helping bring everyone together was Vickie Wetchie, with ACDS and Allen Mays, regional manager for Landmark.

The first class of 14 is set to graduate in the next few weeks,

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said Wetchie. She said an open house Wednesday, Feb. 24 at a facility on the Montana band territory brought key players from around the province. “There was about 40 industry partners there,� she explained.

This first group of First Nations students were from the Montana Band, but Wetchie says anyone from the four nations of Maskwacis Cree who is willing to get their certificate should apply. Once graduated, the students will be able to apprentice with their welding certificate.

“One of the biggest reasons it’s exciting is ‌ we’re always missing that link to industry,â€? said Wetchie.

Mays agreed. He said a few years ago he looked at the possibility of having to hire people from as far as China to get labourers but an untapped First Nations workforce made him rethink that. “We’ve actually been working on putting together this endeavour and partnership since 2012,� said Mays.

Training is not set up like a typical classroom either. Students get real work experience

Maskwacis emergency medical team gets award

BY MUSTAFA ERIC

Alberta Chambers of Commerce has recognized Maskwacis Ambulance Authority (MAA) with the Award of Distinction in the Eagle Feather category during the annual awards ceremony in Edmonton on Friday, Feb 27. “This award affirms the outstanding achievement of the MAA team and the con-

tribution to our community while having developed business acumen and management practices to ensure long term sustainability,� said paramedic Stew Schmidt, MAA general manager. “I am very proud of the entire MAA team for their work, which has been recognized with this award,�

Schmidt added.

MAA, founded in 1982,

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has evolved to a team of more than 90 staff over the years.

In addition to providing three dedicated advanced life support units within Maskwacis, the MAA staff also provide mutual aid to neighboring communities. “We have an exceptional team with a commitment to excellence, innovation and high-quality service,� Schmidt concluded.

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and welding training during the five month program. Landmark has also shown its commitment to the program by setting up shop and leasing from Montana Band. “This helps us reach out to the younger people who might not know what they want to do in life,â€? said Mays. “To have this opportunity and put this together and see it working ‌ it’s just great,â€? he added.

Mays said he had enjoyed working closely with the Montana Band to bring the project together.

PONOKA NEWS 15

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

The Management & Staff at Adams Chevrolet are excited to

WELCOME

JIMMY PALLIOTTO Sales Manager

Tasting and sharing: Patrons of the Ponoka Jubilee Library enjoyed some shared food during the annual potluck dinner on Thursday, Feb. 26 organized by the library to appreciate their participation in library activities.

Jimmy has been with Adams Chev in Wetaskiwin for a couple of years and was thrilled at the chance to work in Ponoka.

Come on in and see what Jimmy and his team can do for you vehicle needs!

403.783.4494 | 1-877-783-4494

Photo by Mustafa Eric

6305 - 44 Avenue

www.adamsgm.com

ADVERTORIAL

BIRCHLAND DENTAL CLINIC

is under New Management

Dental Care Providing Expert

Welcoming Front Staff

Making Each Vi sit Comfortab le

Dr. Rick Barr, Dr. Jeff Barr, Dr. Hugh Porter & Dr. Greg Edwards will continue to provide fantastic dental care at Birchland Dental Clinic. We are proud to announce that Dr. Stelian Lisman & Dr. Dave Chorkwa have joined our team.

• General Dentistry • Orthodontics • Cosmetic Dentistry • Bonding • Veneers • Bleaching • White or Gold Fillings • Crown & Bridge • Implant Restorations Exciting news you can now reach us online at www.birchlanddental.ca

403-783-5225 or 403-783-5235

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5118 - 51 Ave., Ponoka, AB T4J 1R5 • email: info@birchlanddental.ca WELCOME NEW PATIENTS”

16 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Cemetery master plan approved by town council

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Plans to expand Forest Home Cemetery are moving forward after Ponoka town council approved an Expansion Master Plan for the next 60 years.

Council approved the plan Tuesday, Feb. 24 to spend $96,000 for the first phase of the project. The 2015 capital budget estimated the cost at $125,000.

“It desperately needs improvement and expansion for the future,” explained Justin Caslor, engineer at the Town of Ponoka.

He said this master plan will help the usability of the cemetery and see improvements in different areas: • The Field of Honour will be expanded

north; • An additional columbarium will be put in place with landscaping improvements; • The directory shed will be moved and revitalization of the chapel completed; • The main entrance sign will be upgraded; • Concrete runs will be installed to allow for the possible expansion of 200 plots.

This first phase is expected to improve the area for the next 10 years.

There are five phases in the master plan: • Phase 2 starts in 2025 and will extend the cemetery north and more concrete will be installed to expand the plots.

• Phase 3, 2035, has potential to move

west with new land. Roadwork, landscaping and a new sign would be part of the project.

• Phase 4, 2055, work would continue north of Phase 3. There is potential to add another columbarium and landscaping.

• Phase 5, 2075, expansion on the northern most section of the cemetery will be the last phase of the project. Design work would be done as needed. Caslor said he felt the project would bring overall benefit to the community and is under budget.

In 2014, there were 39 burials at the cemetery with 16 being on plots and 23 in the form of cremations.

An expanded view of the proposed Columbarium Expansion at the Forest Home Cemetery. Ponoka town council adopted the Forest Home Cemetery Expansion Master Plan Tuesday, Feb. 24 during a regular meeting.

Illustration courtesy of the Town of Ponoka

LISA SMITH 403-783-8881

6000 - 48 Ave., Ponoka

#3, 5012-48 Ave

in the Wedin’s Prof. Bldg.

PERFECT LOCATION TO BUILD!

RIZWAN SYED Associate

NEW LISTING

$230,000

Located in Lucas Heights this home with 4 bdrm 2 baths requires a little work but has great suite potential. Set up to be up/down suites. Live in one, rent out the other. Zoned R4.

TAMARACK COURT

$174,300

Associate 403-704-0646

real estate central alberta

RED DEER

Large 2 bdrm unit on the top floor, beautiful southeast exposure, lots of storage space in this unit. Unit comes with parking stall. 45+ building, no pets.

Beautiful bi level home, many upgrades, hardwood floors, European tile & slate, 4 bdrm, 3 baths, oversized double garage/heated, mature yard, great location in Red Deer.

$369,900

TO VIEW ALL LISTINGS VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.FIRSTCHOICEPONOKA.COM

• 10 Acres • Less than 10 minutes to town • Very little gravel

• Several great building sites

$130,000

6000 - 48 Ave.

(Beside The Old Iron Horse Restaurant)

real estate central alberta WELL CARED FOR G

NEW LISTIN

- 1392 sq ft, 3 Bdrms & 2 Baths - Lovely Kitchen w New Appliances - Very Neat & Clean - Landscaped & fenced in Quiet area - Great Family Home!

403-783-5007 LARGE LOT & GREAT LOCATION

- 4 bdrms & 3 baths - Open concept layout - Island and pantry in kitchen - Nice location - Quick possession available

- Spacious 1333 sq ft 4-Level Split - Great Family Home w/ 4 B/R, 4 Baths - Extensive Upgrades - Large Lot - Close to Schools and Hospital - Priced to Sell!

MOBILE HOME ON ITS OWN LOT!

- 4 bedrooms, 4 baths - 3000+ sq ft of developed living space - New Kitchen, some new flooring - Great outdoor spaces as well

HOME WITH A VIEW!

G

NEW LISTIN

-

8 acres with Bungalow 3 bdrm, 2 bath Finished basement, covered deck Lots of potential for horses or livestock - 30’ x 24’ Garage, 24’ x 30’ Shop

$325,000 Call Todd Reed

- 1088 sq ft w/ 2 bdrms & 2 baths - Open floor plan - Huge laundry room/bathroom - 3 storage sheds & room for the RV

- 1383 sq. ft. Bi-Level - Walk-Out Basement - 5 B/R, 3 Full Baths - Large Backyard - Too Many Extras to List $419,000 Call Deb - 5 bedrooms, 2 baths

GREAT STARTER HOME - Many upgrades

- New flooring on main floor - Single garage, fenced yard - Move in ready!!!

$245,000 ~ Call Lisa

$355,000 ~ Call Lisa ONLY MINUTES from PONOKA!

TODD REED

Associate

Assoc. Broker

HILLSIDE BUNGALOW G

NEW LISTIN

BI-LEVEL with HEATED GARAGE

- Great fully finished Bi-Level with everything you need!

- Very functional floor plan - 3 spacious bdrms, 2 baths - Deck overlooks the nicely landscaped yard - 24’ x 24’ garage with underfloor heat

$330,000 Call Todd Reed

JANE WIERZBA

DEB STEVENS

Associate

Assoc. Broker

- 1524 sq ft Walk-out - 4 bdrms and 3 baths - Large lot offers a Great view!

- 2 Kitchens; 2 Fireplaces - Large open rooms - Deck, Patio & Landscaped yard - Huge Garage with heated workshop

LISA SMITH

LACEY GREGORY

Associate

Associate

PICTURESQUE ACREAGE

QUALITY FINISHED NEWER HOME

- 1207 sq ft, 4 bdrms, 3 baths - Open floor plan - Many upgrades including built in china cabinet, wine rack, stainless steel appliances, central air and more - Fenced with PVC fencing, tiered deck

$409,900 Call Jane

CHARMING!

FANTASTIC FAMILY HOME!

- 980 Sq. Ft. - 4 B/R, 2 Bath - Oak Kitchen - Newly Finished Basement - Double Garage $249,000 Call Deb - Over 1600 sq ft on main floor - 5 bedrooms, 3 baths laundry - Main floor laun - Many upgrades upgrade including carpets and furnace - Fantastic Luca Lucas Heights Location

SOLD

HANDYMAN SPECIAL

- 1.74 acre parcel in Ponoka’s SW Industrial Park - 10,000 sq. ft. facility - Suitable for manufacturing, trucking, welding, etc.

- Includes overhead crane and compressor system - Lot is perimeter fenced

$800,000 - Call Todd

- 1022 sq ft bi-level - 2 bedrm bedrms, 1 bath with

D SOL$179,900 Call Jane attached single garage

- Lots of p potential!

LOTS OF POTENTIAL!

- 791 Sq. Ft. Bungalow - 2 B/R, 1 Bath - Single Car Garage - New Shingles in 2014 - Great Fixer Upper! $125,000 Call Deb

- Central Location

AFFORDABLE FAMILY HOME - 1120 sq ft, 5 bdrm & 2 bath - Open Concept Main Floor - Huge lot, partially fenced - Great starter or revenue!

$340,000 ~ Call Lisa INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITY

- 22+ acres, backs onto Chain Lakes - Well treed w plenty of open area - Beautiful Country Living - Services at road - Great Subdivision Potential

$280,000 Call Bob

$379,900 Call Bob

$165,000 Call Jane

$309,000 Call Deb

UPGRADED CLASSIC

BOB TILTGEN

$224,000 Call Bob

$379,900 Call Jane

MOVE-IN READY

- 1140 sq ft Bungalow close to downtown - 3+1 Bdrms & 2 Baths Room - Large Rec Ro - Landscaped yard on 75X130 Lot - Double detac detached garage - Great space for a family!

SOLD

$244,900 ~ Call Bob

RARE FIND

Proud sponsors of RDC Arts Programs

$200,000 ~ Call Lisa IMMACULATE HOME

- Over 1200 sq. ft.

- Fully Finished - Double Garage - Extra Large 70’x207’ Lot - New Carpet and Hardwood - Original Owner Home

$329,000 ~ Call Todd

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

www.ponokaproperties.com

PONOKA NEWS 17

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Landowners encouraged to decommission wells

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

In an ongoing project across the province, landowners are being encouraged to decommission wells that have outlived their lifespan.

In an effort to further educate the public on the matter, two workshops are being held at Schultz Hall (Highway 53 east of Ponoka) on Thursday March 12 and

at Tees Hall (Highway 12 and Secondary Highway 821) on Thursday March 19.

Admission to both is free.

Alberta agricultural water engineer Brandon Leask will be presenting at both workshops to make people aware that they should be properly decommissioning appropriate wells.

Part of the presentation will include information on

the Growing Forward on Farm Water Management program. “In terms of the grant program for active ranchers, producers, farmers . . . we’ll pay up to 50 per cent (up to $2,000) if they use a licensed company,” said Leask.

The cost of decommissioning a well depends on its dimensions.

“We just want to make

Brides-tobe check out the new styles at bridal gala

landowners must also have a long term water management plan. “The idea is to have people think about their water source from time to time,” said Leask.

“What water they have and what they can do to improve it,” he added.

Some wells ready for decommissioning can pose an environmental or safety concern, Leask says there

are others that pose no risk at all.

“It’s (wells) access to an aquifer, containments can get down,” he explained.

Alberta Environment’s initiative to have the wells decommissioned is a proactive step, says Leask. It is also a legal requirement.

There are thousands across the province that still need decommissioning.

Deb Stevens

real estate central alberta 6000 - 48 Ave., Ponoka

Associate Broker

403-704-3152

NEW ON THE MARKET 3 ACREAGES NEAR GULL LAKE Keri Hulsman lines up her shot during Big Brothers Big Sisters annual Bowl for Kids Sake fundraiser, Friday Feb. 27. This year’s theme for the event was medieval dress. Our story on the fundraiser will be in next weeks Ponoka News.

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

For many brides-to-be, the Ponoka Bridal Gala on Friday, Feb. 27 at the Kinsmen Community Centre was the perfect place to check out what’s in style this year.

Over 100 people attended the gala, which featured a multitude of vendors and two fashion shows showcasing elegant bridal wear and bridesmaids’ dresses. Co-organized by Heather Goodwin and Amanda Nickerson, there were 20 vendors ranging from hotel accommodations to jewelry and make up vendors at the gala.

“It’s good for all the local people to see the different vendors,” said Goodwin.

The fashion show was the one part that most attendees look forward to the most, she added and while they did not have a full accompaniment of grooms’ suits and lingerie in the fashion show, she expects this will be something added for next year.

Nickerson said she expects they will also diversify their vendors to showcase wedding cakes as well and other exciting wedding vendors. She hopes to host it earlier in the year to take advantage of brides planning their summer wedding. With some expected changes for next year, the 2015 gala went better than she expected.

“I enjoyed connecting central Alberta brides with central Alberta vendors,” said Nickerson.

With 130 guests attending, the gala saw bigger numbers than in previous years. “It was more than any we’ve had at any bridal show.”

Prizes valued at a total of $2,000 were given away to lucky visitors.

sure that if someone is going to do it themselves, they’re doing it properly,” said Leask.

Part of the process is keeping the province updated on their activity for the provincial database. “If someone decommissions a well, we want to update that (in the) database,” he added.

In order to be able to apply to the grant program,

• Beautiful, Private Settings • Power and Gas at Property Line • Environmental Reserve Easement • Restrictive Covenant to Protect Your Investment CHOICE OF: • 11.37 Acres @ $184,000 • 11.74 Acres @ $189,000 • 15.86 Acres @ $198,000

Call Deb!

real estate central alberta

6000 • 48 Ave, Ponoka

JOHN W. LOW Agencies Inc. 5118 - 50th Street, Ponoka 1-800-392-8658 403-783-5512 LARGE BUNGALOW WITH LOFT

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!

SOL

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.

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

AWESOME, SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME! • Fully renovated & move in ready • 1830 sq ft w/ b beds & 2 baths • Many upgrades both interior and exterior • Fenced backyard w/ garage

319,900 – Call Jane

$

PRICE REDUCED OWNER MOTIVATED

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

$69,000

• Updated bi-level w/ 2 + 2 beds & 2 baths • Open kitchen w/ lots of counter space & garden doors • Fresh paint throughout • Fenced backyard w/ double garage

Great location on main 5 Acres located north of Ponoka with 2000 street of Ponoka. Total space 2750 sq. ft. building 16 X 80 manufactured home. Ideal country setting.

Asking price $269,000 and lot only. $139,000 Call Brian 403-704-7018

VACANT LOT

WEST OF PONOKA

Productive 1/4 section.

Call Brian 403-704-7018

TOTAL COUNTRY

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

WAYNE McGARVEY

BRIAN HATALA

Call Jane

EXCELLENT FAMILY HOME!

COMMERCIAL

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

Trusted Experience

NEW LISTINGS THIS WEEK

REDUCED PRICE - GET READY FOR SPRING!

D

Jane Wierzba 403-358-8770

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.

259,900 – Call Jane

$

EXCELLENT TURN KEY BUSINESS AWAITS! • Solid, S spacious building that t includes living residence & store r • Going concern flower shop has been in business for many years w/ positive cash flow • Located in Three Hills, Alberta

Call Brian 403-704-7018

ANNETTE DODDS

SHAWNA LOW Broker

PROFESSIONAL REALTORS OF JOHN W. LOW AGENCIES INC.

299,900 – Call Jane

$

18 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Farm & Ranch

New emerging players

Planning a Spring Auction?

Take Advantage of our 51 Years in the Auction Business.

We conduct Alberta’s Largest Single Day Farm Machinery Consignment Auction held four times per year for the past 35 years.

acres (StatsCan at 20.33 million, A.A.F.C. at 20.76 million). Louis Dreyfus has suggested Canadian canola 2015/16 ending stocks could fall below one million tonnes (A.A.F.C. pegs it at 1.4M tonnes). Other notables from the poll include lentil acres growing to 3.5

million acres (3.1 million last year), land planted with peas up to 3.9 million acres (3.8 million last year), flax acres the same at 1.6 million (although I think they’re low on this one), and barley acreage growing to 6.3 million (5.9 million last year). More

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Canadian maltsters are also suggesting that global production and ending stocks are on the decline and that the Canadian share of the global export market is getting smaller as new players are emerging.

Clearly it’s a more globalized ag trade game that we’re in than 10 years ago, let alone 25. With lentil prices fairly attractive (namely small reds), you can expect not only more acres here in Canada, but also in other countries like Australia and Turkey.

Same thing on the durum side as it’s been suggested that Mexico will harvest more durum this year than the U.S. will! Other market buzz is that the Bank of Canada could drop in-

2015 PONOKA

AGRICULTURE SUPPLEMENT MARCH 18, 2015

This supplement features the latest in:

2015 Upcoming Sale Dates: April 17 - 35th Annual Spring Machinery Consignment Sale - Rimbey, Alberta. Including a farm sale for Lloyd Tulloch & Bill Walker Monday, April 27 - Farm Sale for John Fawcett Bluffton, Alberta Saturday, May 9 - Unreserved Real Estate & Farm Sale for the estate of Glen Fawcett June 19 - 35th Annual Summer Machinery Consignment Sale - Rimbey, Alberta August 14 - 35th Annual Pre-Harvest Machinery Consignment Sale - Rimbey, Alberta October 16 - 35th Annual Fall Machinery Consignment Sale - Rimbey, Alberta

Farming • Livestock • Technology Seed & Feed • Crops • Equipment

130

$

EIGHTH PAGE

200

$

QUARTER PAGE

360

HALF PAGE

$

FULL PAGE

$

600

SPOT COLOUR: $40 FULL COLOUR: $70

Whether you have one piece or a complete line of machinery give Allen a call at (403) 783-0556 to discuss the best option for you to realize top dollars.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY!

Allen B. Olson Auction Service Ltd.

AD DEADLINE MAR. 13 , 2015 • NOON

(403) 843-2747 Office Rimbey, Alberta License No. 165690

Email: abolson@telusplanet.net Homepage: allenolsonauction.com

TO BOOK YOUR SPACE CALL 403-783-3311 • FAX: 403-783-6300

Brennan Turner FarmLead terest rates again in March or April, which could help push the Loonie well below 80 cents, possibly towards the 75 cent-level that some bearish analysts have been predicting. This would intuitively help Canadian grain exports more competitive with those from other countries who have also seen their currencies depreciate significantly, including, but not limited to, Australia, Ukraine, and Russia. That being said, northeastern Ukraine and southern Russia have been badly affected by severe frosts in mid-January when crops had limited snow cover, significantly raising the level of winterkill in these regions.

The U.S.D.A. in its annual Ag Outlook Forum sees U.S. corn acres dropping to 89 million (90.6 million in 2014), producing 13.6 billion bushels (14.2 billion in 2014) off of an average yield of 166.8 bu/ac (171 in 2014). As for soybeans, the U.S.D.A. is staying conservative compared to most other estimates, pegging 2015 acres at only 84 million, with an average yield of 46 bu/ac for a total output of 3.8 billion bushels (Compared to 2014’s 83.7 million acres, 47.8 bu/ac average yield, and 3.97 billion bushels total production). continued on page 19

YOUR PAPER!

in the last six years. This also includes a nine per cent increase year-overyear in durum acres to 5.2 million acres. Comparably, canola acres are seen falling two per cent yearover-year to 19.9 million

RECYCLE

A recent Reuters poll of 12 traders and analysts is showing that Canadian farmers will plant 23.9 million acres of total wheat acres this year, the second-largest area of the cereal planted in Canada

PONOKA NEWS 19

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

continued from page 18 Finally, 2015 U.S. wheat acres are seen at 55.5 million (56.8 million in 2014), taking off 2.13 billion bushels thanks to a 45.2 bu/ac average yield (2.03 billion and 43.7 bu/ac in 2014, respectively). Corn carryout is forecasted to drop year-over-year from 1.83 billion bushels to 1.687 billion by the end of the 2015/16 marketing year, while soybean stocks are seen growing to 430 million bushels by the end of 2015/16, compared to ending this year at 385 million bushels. Wheat carryout is also seen building from 692 million bushels to 763 million. Historically, the U.S.D.A. tends to be more bearish in their February Forum forecasts, but they admit

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that over the next 10 years, the world will need an additional 50 million acres of corn, soybeans, and wheat to ensure the demand is met, namely that in Asia (hello China!).

To growth, Brennan Turner President, FarmLead.com Brennan Turner is originally from Foam Lake, SK, where his family started farming the land in the 1920s.

After completing his degree

in economics from Yale University and then playing some pro hockey, Mr. Turner spent some time working in finance before starting FarmLead. com, a risk-free, transparent online and now mobile grain marketplace (app available for iOS and Android). His weekly column is a summary of his free, daily market note, the FarmLead Breakfast Brief.

He can be reached via email (b.turner@farmlead.com) or phone (1-855-332-7653).

VEK Environmental is in search of participants for an ‘off-grid’ drinking water treatment technology trial.

Technology currently being used in large scale municipal treatment plants is now available for single home, and small to medium size businesses.

We are looking for people using well water, stored rainwater, or surface water that has issues with taste, odour, colour, smell, disinfection, algae, iron and manganese.

If you are interested in participating please visit us at: http://www.vekenvironmental.com/water-treatment-trial/

DISPERSAL FOR

www.vekenvironmental.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 20 @ NOON

35TH ANNUAL SPRING MACHINERY CONSIGNMENT AUCTION

Galarneau Land & Cattle

– 525 BRED COWS – (60% Black/40% Red)

Black Angus bulls out July 15 - pulled Sept. 20

Selling on Satellite March 18 550 Calves @PonokaNews

WATER PROBLEMS?

For more information and to consign please call VJV office 403-783-5561 or office@vjvauction.com Regular Sales every Wednesday Vold Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd. 4410-Hwy 2A, Ponoka Alberta, Canada, T4J 1J8

VJV MARKET REPORT MARKET REPORT FEBRUARY 25, 2015

On Wednesday, February 25, 2015 - 3578 head of cattle went through our rings TOTAL - 3578

SLAUGHTER CATTLE D1 - D2 cows D3 - D4 cows Good Holstein cows Medium Holstein cows Heiferettes Bologna Bulls

135.00 -145.00 115.00-130.00 125.00-130.00 100.00-120.00 135.00-155.00 150.00-170.00

Feeder bulls 150.00-175.00 Good Bred Cows 2000.00-2350.00 Older Bred Cows N/A Good Bred Heifers: N/A Cow/calf pairs (younger) N/A Cow/Calf pairs (older) N/A

STOCKERS AND FEEDERS Good Feeder Steers 1000 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 900 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 800 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 700 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 600 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 500 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 400 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 300 lbs Plus:

190.00-212.00 210.00-229.00 222.00-242.00 247.00-267.00 275.00-300.00 310.00-334.00 325.00-350.00 330.00-360.00

Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers

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

170.00-200.00 300.00-385.00 625.001.00-7.50 2.00-3.00 -

Rd Bales Rd Bales Rd Bales

180.00-200.00 190.00-212.00 205.00-225.00 230.00-245.00 250.00-275.00 285.00-305.00 310.00-330.00 320.00-350.00

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 • RIMBEY, ALBERTA

Selling equipment to all four Western provinces and the Northern USA. Listings are now being accepted for the Spring Machinery Consignment Auction.

All items must be listed by Tuesday, March 17, 2015 to be included on our Sales Posters, Newspaper, Radio Advertising, Web Page and extensive mailing lists.

Listings Already Include Farm Dispersals for Lloyd Tulloch of Crestomere, Alberta, Bill Walker of Falun, Alberta & Jan Slomp of Rimbey, Alberta. Plus an Antique Collection of Allis Chalmers Equipment from Elvin Gladwin of Bentley, Alberta.

For more information or to consign call:

70.00-85.00 NONE NONE

ALLEN B. OLSON AUCTION SERVICE LTD.

MARCH 20, 2015 BRED COW SALE - DISPERSAL OF 525 BRED COWS

RIMBEY, ALBERTA

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

E-mail: abolson@telusplanet.net Homepage: allenolsonauction.com

License No. 165690 (403)

843-2747

20 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Retired together for better or worse?

Mike Rainone Hammertime My wife Joyce retired this week after working and enjoying 35 years in the banking business in Ponoka and central Alberta. On the week-

end, we quietly celebrated her birthday, her retirement, and our anniversary, and now we will start a new adventure and work very hard on adjusting to living together 24-7 in our comfy condo cocoon.

In the past few weeks, she received lots of best wishes, good luck, and congratulations from family, friends and many of the great staff members that she has had the privilege of working with during her career. Among these tributes was a delightful card with a wonderful message, which Joyce and I would love to share with all of those who are retirees, as well as those who will make the big move into the ‘leisure mode’ in the future: Relax and Enjoy the ride Try something new

Imagine the possibilities Remind yourself to play Expect adventures Make new plans Entertain a few wild ideas Nap without guilt Take time just for you!

While being semi-retired for the past 12 years, I have got used to being ‘home alone’ on most weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All of a sudden, that will all have to change as we both have to patiently retrain ourselves to happily head into our next chapter of still sweet and saucy ‘mostly wedded bliss’, and for sure, it will work out just fine. In our new day to day contract, here is how Joyce and I will hopefully adjust along the way:

* We will now go out and visit the children, our family, and our friends a whole lot more, and stay as long as we want, even a week. We might even have enough extra energy and time to babysit the grandchildren, as long as they are in bed by 8 p.m., and bring enough toys along to keep them busy. We have vowed that we will never become ‘grumpy grandparents’ and that what happens at gramma’s always stays at gramma’s. *As far as the daily chores are concerned, I will not lose my long time assignment as ‘boss of the vacuum’ and resident ‘dust devil’, but now we will share all those household duties on ‘our time’, but

Ponoka Outreach School

can now shut-off every alarm clock in the house, spend more time on the phone, and can eat in or out and snack whenever we wish. *Will our entertainment schedule change very much?

Not really...television will continue to be yours-mineand ours, with her programs seen from the couch in the living room, and ‘my games’ in my tiny little office with the door closed. Being married to a banker all these years, I know she will keep our budget in line and stretch those seniors’ pensions to the limit, but I have no doubt that there will now be a substantial ‘rollback’ in my allowance. continued on page 21

Preschool and Kindergarten Open House

Getting to Know the Outreach John MacEachern: This is my third year working at Ponoka Outreach. I enjoy teaching English here because I love stories, poems, movies, and cool ideas. In my free time I keep busy playing bass guitar and keyboard, and lately I’ve been getting into making music on the computer using programs like Logic and Audiotool. I like meeting new and interesting people, and there is never a dull moment at Outreach--I believe I learn something new from my students every single day.

Thursday, March 5 Ski Trip to Rabbit Hill Friday, March 6 PD Day—No school for students Monday, March 9 Attendance by appointment Wednesday, March 11 Night School—All staff here

I have no doubt that the work schedule will be under her control. Maybe, just maybe, my dear wife will now have a little more time and patience to give me cooking lessons (my favourite meals) at the age of 72, as well as teaching me to pay the bills on line.

Some of Mikey’s toughest day-to-day adjustments will certainly be picking up after myself, putting the toilet seat down, sharing the car and going to the grocery store in the middle of the week. *Do you really think it will now be possible to sleep in, at least until 7 a.m., and stay up later, even though we may have to ‘nap’ in the afternoon? Whatever the case, we

Developing language, motor and social skills in a welcoming and secure environment.

Encouraging 21st century learning through the use of technology.

Offering a high quality, faith-filled, educational experience for all students.

Join us for Preschool and Kindergarten Open House Tuesday, March 10, 2015

6:30-7:30 pm.

Contact information: 5520-45 Avenue Crescent Ponoka, AB T4J 1N6

403.704.1155 Principal: curt.baron@starcatholic.ab.ca

Now accepting registrations for Preschool-Grade 12.

St. Thomas Aquinas Roman (STAR) Catholic School Division proudly serves the Catholic communities of Beaumont, Drayton Valley, Lacombe, Leduc, Ponoka and Wetaskiwin. www.staug.starcatholic.ab.ca

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PONOKA NEWS 21

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Murder in Moscow

Gwynne Dyer Think Globally “Every time I call (my mother),” said Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov recently, “she gives me a talking-to: ‘When will you stop being rude about Putin? He'll kill you.’”

Now Nemtsov is dead: four bullets in the back as he was walking home in Moscow with his girlfriend on Friday night. The protest march against Putin and the war in Ukraine that he was planning to lead on Sunday became a memorial march instead.

So, two questions. Did President Vladimir Putin order the assassination? And if he didn’t, then who did, and why?

The hit was carried out with professional skill only continued from page 20 *Together, in harmony, we plan to walk a lot, to plan some holidays, to go to church together, to share the chores, to put together a retirement bucket list, and to assist others by volunteering in the community as much as we can. As in all successful relationships, in order to survive, there has to be some give and take and compromise to succeed. While she is doing water aerobics and yoga, I will go bowling or to the game with the boys, we will both seek out our own hobbies, and mine, of course, is writing these fun columns in the Ponoka News. If things get a ‘little testy’ around the house, we have quickly learned to give each other some space and some quality time alone, and don’t be too upset if she doesn’t always want to go where we want to go, and vice-versa. *Unfortunately around our little nest, I am not and never will be much of a Mr. Fix-It or handyman, but if the internet or the duct tape doesn’t work, I will call the kids or the brother-in-law instead of blowing an old gasket! I am, however

three minutes’ walk from Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin, in an area that is infested day and night by militia (police) on constant alert to break up demonstrations. You could put together a feature-length film with the footage from the countless CCTV cameras that tracked Nemtsov’s walk across the square and down to the bridge where he died.

It took accurate intelligence to know where Nemtsov would be on Friday night, and serious organisation and planning to carry out the killing in such a heavily policed area.

That points to members of the military or security forces, though not necessarily to ones who were acting on official orders. Because the first thing to say about this murder is that it did not serve Putin’s purposes.

No doubt the Russian president disliked and despised Nemtsov, but neither he nor any other opposition leader posed any threat to Putin’s power. Thanks in large part to his seizure of Crimea and his military intervention in eastern Ukraine, Putin is currently enjoying an 85 percent approval rating with the Russian public. Why risk upsetting this happy relationship with the first public killing of a senior political figure in

more than a decade?

It’s much more likely that the killing was carried out by serving or former soldiers or intelligence officers who took it upon themselves to eliminate an “anti-patriotic” politician who condemned “Putin’s War” in Ukraine. In the superheated atmosphere of nationalist paranoia that currently prevails in Russia, such people could easily imagine that they were doing just what Putin secretly wanted.

Putin is too clever to want that, and immediately condemned the killing as “vile and cynical.” It was a curious choice of words: “vile”, of course, but why “cynical”?

The reason became clear when various senior regime members began hinting that the murder was a “provocation” by the Western intelligence services or even by Nemtsov’s own opposition colleagues, killing him to stimulate dissent and bring the Russian state into disrepute.

This murder will have no permanent impact

pretty organized, as long as I have post-it notes and the wonderful company and the support of my wife, the mother of my children, and my best friend for many fun and magic years to come.

Joyce and I extend these same good wishes for all of your adventures in life together, and no matter what may happen along the way, please look ahead to another day, and then just go ahead and have a great week, all of you.

March 6 - 12

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either on Russia’s internal politics or on its relations with the rest of the world. The paranoid style is now so deeply entrenched in Russian politics that people who support Putin (i.e. most people) will either believe the nonsense about Nemtsov’s murder being a “provocation”, or be privately glad that Putin acts so decisively (as they imagine) to protect Russia from its myriad enemies.

As for the rest of the world (or at least the “western” part of the world), it has already written Putin off as a man you can do business with. The Russian leader is, in many Westerners’ eyes, an expansionist warlord who can only be contained by sanctions and threats. It may even take a new Cold War to stop him.

Paranoia, alas, is a communicable disease.

The Western narrative that seeks to explain how, in less than a year, we have arrived at a point where the United States is contemplating sup-

plying heavy weapons to Ukraine to kill Russian troops, has several large gaps. The first is that the revolution on the Maidan in Kiev last winter overthrew a legitimately elected Ukrainian president only a year before the next elections were due.

Putin initially accepted that outcome (with the elections moved up to only one month in the future), which was brokered by the European Union. In other words, he accepted the illegal overthrow of the pro-Moscow president, Viktor Yanukovych, so long as free elections followed rapidly. Quite possibly because he thought Yanukovych’s supporters in the east might boost him back into the presidency again.

That same thought may also be why the revolutionaries in Kiev broke the deal and insisted on Yanukovych’s immediate removal from power.

It was only then that Putin concluded that he was faced with a Western plot to whisk Ukraine into NATO and create

a strategic and political threat on Russia’s southern frontier.

There was no such plot: NATO has not the slightest desire to assume responsibility for the defence of Ukraine. But there was a great deal of open Western rejoicing at Russia’s discomfiture, and Putin lost his customary cool and responded with the annexation of Crimea and then the encouragement of pro-Russian rebels in southeastern Ukraine.

“Absolute power corrupts absolutely,” said Lord Acton.

“All great men are bad.” In that sense, Putin is a bad man, and more dangerous for being both paranoid and increasingly isolated. (His circle of advisers has dwindled to a handful of hawks.) But he is not planning to conquer even Ukraine, let alone the rest of the former Soviet empire, and he almost certainly did not order Nemtsov’s death.

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

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Mar 15 - Gospel Concert 7:00pm. Featured singer - Michael W. Prusak plus Elvis Gospel Tributes by Al Muir & New Song Band Mar 27 - Potluck 5:30pm. Bring a dish to share, table service and enjoy good company Regular Jam Session every Saturday at 1:00pm PONOKA ART CLUB CLASSES 07 Mar Watercolor “Old Car” Willie Wong 21 Mar Watercolor Landscapes - Frank Haddock 28 Mar Oils - Grant Ursuliak 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 Pickleball cancelled until spring. Watch for announcement of start up.

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 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 @ 403783- 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!

22 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Students unravel mystery of unknown Ponoka soldier

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

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Dedicated research by students at Ponoka Secondary Campus (PSC) has helped unravel the history of one Ponoka soldier who died in the First World War. Working as a team, Delaney Brachmann, Megan Franks and Becca Wesner were researching the life and history of Clement Pike, a soldier who died at the Battle of Ypres in 1916, when they stumbled across a “James Pike” on the family tree website www. ancestry.ca.

Social studies teacher and spearhead of the Broncs World Tour project, Ron Labrie, had given the team one name, J. Pike, and he suggested there may be a connection but no one could find anything else on him.

“We found a passenger list with a James Pike on it,” explained Brachmann.

She searched out James’ history and found out he was actually Clement’s

Students (l-r) Rebecca Wesner, Megan Frank and Delaney Brachmann pose at Ponoka Secondary Campus’s Hall of Valour. Because of their research, the team uncovered the history of an unknown soldier from the First World War. Photo submitted

brother. Both were from Europe, but Clement immigrated to Canada and set up home in Ponoka in 1903, whereas James moved to Ponoka in 1907.

“It was pretty sweet that we found this,” stated Franks.

While the team was able to garner more information on James, they were pleased that next year another group of students will have the

chance to delve more into his life. While James did move to Ponoka, he used to be a member of the British Armed Forces and had spent some time in the field in South Africa.

Because of the need for soldiers in the First World War, James was re-enlisted in the British army, which is why students had trouble making the connection. He died five weeks after he was

enlisted.

The team said they now look forward to travelling to Europe in just over 20 days to take part in the Broncs World Tour. For her part, Wesner hopes to get other people involved in what is happening.

“I kind of want a few other people, besides our group, to come and see these memorials,” said Wesner.

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Wednesday, March 4, 2015

PONOKA NEWS 23

Sports

Broncs senior teams look to Zone playoffs

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

Dawson Deese out jumps a Wetaskiwin player for a shot during the Broncs senior boys team’s last game of the regular season. The boys lost 63-52 to the Wetaskiwin Sabres, Tuesday Feb. 24.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

It was a valiant effort on the part of the Ponoka Secondary Campus Broncs senior girls during their last game of the regular season as they narrowly lost to Wetaskiwin by 10 points.

The team played at home on Tuesday, Feb. 24, with a 41-31 end result.

The Wetaskiwin Sabres are one of the top 3A teams in the league, said Broncs coach Adam Triotsky.

“They’re a strong team, we played as hard as we could.”

“We just struggled to score,” he added.

When facing such an advanced team, Triotsky says the girls just needed to put a little more effort in their game.

The first half of the game started slow for Ponoka as the girls fell behind in points. “We could not score in the first quarter to save our lives,” said Triotsky.

During the second half of the game Ponoka’s defense picked up, allowing the girls to make some headway.

Kings and Queens trumped

by Rimbey Spartans

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Getting a win was almost a reality for the St. Augustine Kings senior basketball team who played against the Rimbey Spartans Monday, Feb. 23.

The Kings were behind at the end of the first half but a burst of energy and calls that went their way helped them rebound from a 10-point deficit to tie up the game 46-46 at the end of the third quarter.

The home crowd was excited and the team was rejuvenated, especially after a big three point shot before the quarter ended.

“The five guys on the

floor, they were just going.

It seemed like they were just in sync and playing 100 per cent both ways in defense and offense,” said coach Adam Bowie.

All that changed after the third quarter break and Rimbey players regained their composure and took the lead.

Much of the last quarter was spent with the Kings losing focus of the game.

Their attempts to sink threepointers did not work and rather than adjust their play to get closer to the basket, they continued on that course, eventually losing points due to unnecessary turnovers. The Kings ended

up losing 57-70.

“I think more in the fourth quarter, a couple of people were on board and there was a couple people not quite on board,” said Bowie, of the players’ performance.

“They’re (Rimbey) going to go to playoffs and we’re not, which kind of shows us where we should be instead of where we are,” he added.

Queens As for the girls, the match against the Spartans proved to be a tough and physical game. The majority of ball possession was held

by Rimbey with the Spartans forcing the Queens to commit errors.

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The girls tried to battle back in the fourth quarter and cut the lead, but Wetaskiwin had gained too much momentum.

However, the girls did not give up and Triotsky says persistence is the key to staying positive; to overcome mistakes one must focus on the rest of the game. “We talk about how you can’t fix the last play.”

Triotsky says his highlight of the season with the girls was their willingness to buy into building the team.

The Broncs girls sit at third place in the league and Zone playoffs are next on their agenda.

Senior boys It was an unwavering effort and intense defense that kept the Broncs senior boys in the running during the team’s last game of the regular season, Feb. 24, in which they lost 63-52 to Wetaskiwin.

“I was very proud of our effort. The boys played hard,” said coach Blaine Haines.

During the first half of the game, the Broncs were

able to keep in time with their opponents. Haines says the team gave away a few baskets in the last few minutes but for the majority of the game stayed competitive.

“We played great at the defensive end of the floor but struggled at the offensive end,” said Haines.

During the second half of the game, defense stayed solid but the boys’ offence continued to struggle against Wetaskiwin. “Wetaskiwin played a 1-3-1 zone defense that we had problems attacking. That’s something we’ll have to fix come playoffs,” explained Haines.

Over the course of the season, Haines says the boys have grown in every aspect of the game, from offense to defense and playing smart.

“We’re playing at a much higher level now than in December,” he stressed.

The boys’ Zone playoffs begin Monday, March 9 and the Broncs host a sudden death semi-final game. If the team wins that fixture, they will compete for the championship later in the week, says Haines.

MacKenzie George, of the St. Augustine Kings, takes a shot Monday, Feb. 22 against the Rimbey Spartans. The Kings lost 57-50.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

There were times Ponoka could not even get a chance to score and as a result it was 9-2 for Rimbey at the end of the first quarter.

Their only saving grace was that the Spartans had a hard

time sinking baskets despite taking control of the game.

They seemed to be everywhere at once and their full-court press was a major challenge for the Queens, who managed to sink a few

baskets by the end of the first half, which ended 24-10 for Rimbey. Had the Spartans completed more shots the score deficit would have been even greater.

The Queens lost 56-35.

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24 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Junior curlers earn medals at zones

Ponoka/Bashaw senior curling men’s team wins gold at 55 Plus Winter Games

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Both the boys and girls Broncs curling teams earned medals at last weekend’s zones challenge in Ponoka Feb. 27 and 28.

The girls finished winning silver with a score of 8-7 against Chauvin. Neither team let up on the pressure said coach Kelly Smith. Chauvin won zones last year and Smith said the girls were eager to take the win. “We were tied going into the eighth (end),” the coach said.

The goal was to keep the pressure on Chauvin by keeping as few rocks in play as possible and then take the steal on the last end as their opponents had the hammer. “We needed to try and come in and steel a point.”

The boys earned a bronze medal in their game against Wetaskiwin. While coach Cody Moench was unable to be there for the bronze medal game, he is pleased with the overall performance of the team.

“Their season started off pretty rough . . . but they have come a long way,” said Moench.

He said playing weekly

Taking the shot: Lead Darcy Hoogers, with the Ponoka Broncs junior curling team yells to his teammates to “Hurry!” Friday, Feb. 27 at the Ponoka Curling Club during the junior curling zones.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

with their league and taking part in different bonspiels helped improve their skills and team communication.

“They played in districts to get to zones and they did very well to place,” said Moench.

Results: Girls: First, Dr. Folkins (Chauvin); second, Ponoka; third, Hunting Hills; fourth, Provost; fifth, Wetaskiwin;

sixth, Bentley/Notre Dame Boys: First, Notre Dame; second, Bawlf; third, Ponoka; fourth, Wetaskiwin; fifth, Spruce View; sixth, Eckville; seventh, Bentley Mixed: First, Lacombe; second, Dr. Folkins (Chauvin); third, Bawlf; fourth, Hay Lakes; fifth, Camrose/Notre Dame; sixth, David Thompson/ Hunting Hills

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Senior curlers from Bashaw and Ponoka were proud to return home from the 2015 55 Plus Alberta Senior Games with gold medals around their necks.

The games were held in Lethbridge Feb. 19 to 22 with the guys making it all the way to the finals against Calgary, explained skip

John Olson. “It was a very tight game.”

His team, comprised of lead, Warren Bloomquist; second, Larry Thompson and from Bashaw, third, Stanley Carlson, played better than average over the course of the weekend, most especially in the gold medal game.

For the first three ends, the Ponoka/Bashaw team

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Champions of the ice: Winners of gold medal in the 55+ Curling competition at 2015 Alberta Senior Games are (L-R) skip John Olson, third Stan Carlson, second Larry Thompson and lead Warren Bloomquist.

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was neck and neck with Calgary with no hopes of anyone taking a big lead.

“What saved us was a pick from the other team,” explained Olson.

He said one of Calgary’s rocks hit something on the ice as it drew into the house that changed its direction and they were able to go ahead by two points. “It was an excellent game otherwise,” said Olson.

The points might have been tied at the end of the game had it not been for that pick. Having the hammer - last rock - helped the boys from Ponoka/Bashaw have some control over the outcome.

“We ran them out of rocks,” said Olson.

He says they were confident they had a good chance at a medal and winning gold was the icing on the cake.

The team competed at Winter Games two years ago but Olson said they were more nervous the first time around and they came in fifth overall. This year was different as they had more experience.

Olson plays in Ponoka, at Calumet and in Lacombe.

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PONOKA NEWS 25

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Midget B Wespro Stampeders earn a spot at provincials PONOKA NEWS STAFF

The 2014/15 season has turned out to be a pretty good one for Ponoka Minor Hockey teams.

The Midget B Wespro Stampeders are the last Ponoka team to earn a spot at provincials after defeating Winfield 2-1 Saturday, Feb. 28 in the second round play downs game.

Rimbey’s Midget A Renegades played Midget B Alberta Hockey provincials host, the Ponoka Fountain Tire Midget A Wolves, Feb. 28 with Rimbey winning the first game 5-3. They played Rimbey the next day and lost 6-3, which earned Rimbey the Zone 4 banner during provincials.

Ponoka’s Peewee Elks lost their second provincials play downs game against the Blackfalds Bulldogs 11-1 Sunday, March 1. They are out of the running.

League playoffs The Fountain Tire Wolves won the best of three series against the Rocky ATB Royals moving to the next round in the league.

They defeated Rocky 5-4 Tuesday, Feb. 24 in the second game of the series with goals from Jarret Henderson (2), Daniel Bergsma, Kellyn Pritchard and Matthew Klimec.

The Wolves then played the Stettler Legion Midget Feb. 28 in the next round losing 5-1 with their only goal coming from Kellyn Pritchard.

Their next game was played Tuesday, March 3.

Results will be available in next week’s edition

of Ponoka News.

The Midget B Wespro Stampeders are in the next round of playoffs after defeating the Sylvan Lake B Lakers in two games. The first was held Feb. 27 with a score of 4-1. Scorers were James Lea (2), Noah Spelrem and Kolby Rattray.

Their second game was March 1, when they won 13-2. Scorers were Lewis McDowell (6), Braeden Korchinski (3), Daniel Hutchkowski, Josh Vold, Noah Spelrem and Adam Rowland.

Peewee The Peewee McDonalds played Eckville Peewee March 1 losing 4-3. Scorers for Ponoka side were Max Underhill, Ethan Little and Ashton Bandet.

Atom The Atom A Ponoka Quality Paint/Mcdonalds team won their first playoff game Feb. 28 against the Maskwacis Hawks 6-3. Scorers were Josh David (2), Luke Simanton (2), Adam Hoag and Kael Street.

Their second game March 1 did not go the same way. They lost 8-4, which earned the Hawks advancement into the playoffs series.

Ponoka Calnash Trucking Atom B team also goes to consolation games in the playoff series after losing both games to Wainwright Atom. Their first game was Feb. 28 with a loss of 5-2. Scorers were Nevin Thompson and Kevin Kammer.

Their second game was March 1 where Ponoka lost 4-2. Kevin Kammer scored both goals.

Fighting for control: Midget A Fountain Tire Wolves player Shawn Wilton goes after a loose puck against the Rimbey Renegades Friday, Feb. 27 during provincial play downs. The wolves lost 5-3.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

The Management & Staff at Adams Chevrolet are excited to

WELCOME

Ponoka

VISITOR’S GUIDE & BUSINESS DIRCTORY From the Ponoka Stampede to the beautiful Battle River valley, Ponoka offers many attractions to tourists and visitors. The Ponoka News will be publishing a 2015 Ponoka Visitor’s Guide in May. Presented in pony-tabloid format with a full colour glossy cover, the 2015 Ponoka Visitor’s Guide will provide essential information for visitors and tourists who come to our community.

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26 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

U14 Ponoka girls headed to Calgary tournament SUBMITTED

U14 girls Ponoka Storm participated in the Slush Cup Tournament in Edmonton over the weekend.

On Saturday morning, Ponoka girls tied 3-3 in their first match against Edmonton Rio Terrace 3-3.

Goals were scored by Jasmin Johal, Leah Jensen and Emma Bendera.

Saturday afternoon they lost a hard fought battle to Lac la Biche 7-4. Emma Bendera scored 2 goals while Leah Jensen and Zhanna Williams contributed one each. Lac la Biche defeated Edmonton 4-1, leaving Ponoka girls tied

for second place in their division; but based on goals allowed, Storm girls were relegated to third place and therefore played fifth/sixth place game Sunday afternoon.

Ponoka Storm defeated Fort Saskatchewan Fusion 5-4. Emma Bendera netted 3 goals with Leah Jensen and Saffron Lewis scoring one each.

This was a warm up tournament to prepare for the upcoming Provincial Championships in Calgary on March 13, 14 and 15 where Ponoka girls will be CASA’s representatives for the third consecutive season.

Pearman returns from World Junior Speed Skating Championships

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Ponoka’s Maddison Pearman can check off the World Junior Speed Skating Championships off her list for a second time now after competing in Warsaw, Poland, Feb. 20 to 21.

She and her team represented Canada at the world challenge at a tough competition that saw big improvements in Canada’s overall performance. “I felt like I have a chance of doing well here,” said Pearman.

While she did not receive a medal, Pearman improved her world rank to 14th overall out of about 50 girls, compared to a rank of 18th in 2013 against about 30 other girls.

Time differences are so small that a skater has to work on specific areas to improve their times.

“Any time you compete against world skaters, the times (differences) are so miniscule,” said Pearman.

Being in Warsaw gave her a better understanding of what areas she wants to improve if she is to do well at other world challenges.

“I just have to train harder and train more.

Kind of the same path that I’m going on now,” said Pearman.

The Canadian team also showed big improvements with three girls in the top 15 and two boys in the top 10. Pearman feels speed skater development in Canada ramps up when they get to higher levels.

Ponoka Soccer looks at a new season with updated soccer pitch

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

More than 300 young athletes are expected to sign up to be part of the Ponoka Minor Soccer Association (PMSA) this year.

The group held its annual general meeting and registration night Tuesday, Feb. 23, explained president Rob MacArthur. He is most excited to get kids on the updated soccer pitches north of the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre.

Just about every Ponoka Storm soccer team, except for the U10 and U12 teams will use the pitches this year, which feature new goals, bleachers and garbage cans recently purchased by the Town of Ponoka. MacArthur says the town paid $15,000 for the equipment and the association expects to pitch in another $3,000.

Not only is PMSA excited about using the fields, which received cultivation and new sod last summer with help from Ponoka County and the

Town of Ponoka, but so is the Alberta Soccer Association (ASA). MacArthur said PMSA was asked to host provincials this year, which brings five age categories to one town.

“We kind of set a standard and ASA is following up,” he explained.

The only issue MacArthur sees with holding provincials this year is how it will affect the new grass. He would rather see the pitches’ grass

have a stronger foundation before hosting provincials, which would bring hundreds of people to Ponoka.

“We’re kind of really at the mercy of Mother Nature.”

“We’re just going to really have to steward the fields,” he added.

Another area the association is working on this year is social media; MacArthur said they are updating their Ponoka Soccer Facebook page more frequently. He is also pleased to see a strong board of directors this year. MacArthur said this was the first time that he can remember having people volunteer to be on the board.

“We’re in good shape. We’ve got strong leadership,” said MacArthur.

Equipment for the new pitches comes in April and PMSA will be looking for volunteers to help put it all together. Registration closes March 31 and anyone wishing to join can bring forms to the Aquaplex where locked boxes will be set up for both PMSA and Ponoka Minor Ball.

Wolf Creek teams prosper at CWAJHAA qualifier

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

Several Wolf Creek and area junior high basketball teams are moving on to a zones-like tournament after flourishing at the CWAJHAA qualifying tournament, held at St. Augustine Catholic School over the weekend.

The tournament, held in both gyms at the school, involved two different groups. Host school’s Adam Bowie says the 1J division holds the smaller rural schools and the 2J division consists of schools similar in size to St. Augustine.

The CWAJHAA tournament will also be held at St. Augustine, March

13 and 14.

For the 2J division boys, Lacombe Christian School and the St. A boys (white jerseys) will attend the tournament.

CWAJHAA takes the top two teams from each division.

“Lacombe beat St. Augustine in the finals by about five points,” said Bowie.

The Rimbey team will also compete in the tournament from that division. “Because we’re hosting we get another representative from that area,” said Bowie.

The school’s girls’ team had other commitments and was not able to at-

tend the qualifying tournament.

From the 1J teams, Father Lacombe Catholic School and Mecca Glen make up the boys teams and for the girls, Mecca Glen and Bluffton School.

“It went really well. I thought our area was represented really well by our teams,” said Bowie.

The CWAJHAA tournament will be much larger and consist of teams out of the area including, Red Deer, Bentley and Stettler, as well as Ponoka and Lacombe teams.

“It’ll be really good. Typically Wolf Creek teams do really well,” said Bowie.

Making a pass: This player with the Ponoka Secondary Campus Broncs passes to another player Saturday, Feb. 28 during CWAJHAA basketball games.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

PONOKA NEWS 27

Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2015

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In Memoriam John Denham Born in Wynyard, SK on September 21, 1938 Departed on February 26, 2015 and resided in Wetaskiwin, AB

Skip Cook July 15, 1935 - March 6, 2014

Funeral & Reception: Thursday, March 5, 2015 at 2:00 pm

I did not see you close your eyes or hear your last faint sigh.

I only heard that you were gone too late to say goodbye.

DENHAM - John C. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Cecil Denham on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at age 76. Born September 21, 1938 in Wynyard, Saskatchewan the son of Cecil William Denham and Jonina Gudrun Buason; remembered by his loving wife, Bernice Larsen; children: Brian (Corrinne), Brent (Diane) and Jennifer (Neil) McLaren; step-children: Kevin (Crystal) Larsen and Cathy (Dwayne) Fiveland; grandchildren: Courtney, Morgan, Taylor, Sandy, Stephanie, Jonathan, TJ, Tanner and Chandler; great grandchildren: Brooks and Brody; step-grandchildren: Ashlynn, Patrick, Zachary, Shayla and Tyson; brothers: Hugh, Emil, Arnold, Leonard, Clifford, Donald and Keith; sisters: Myrna, Shirley, Linda, Elaine, Donna and numerous nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his father Cecil and his mother Jonina; sisters: Lorna and Lorraine, brother Earl and first wife, Joyce. John was extremely proud of all of his children, grandchildren and siblings.

He was a man of his word, believing in the value of hard work, the importance of giving back to his community and helping his family members, friends and associates whenever needed. John thrived on working with his valued customers over the years and up until recently, rarely missed a Saturday selling cars. With his integrity, strong work ethic and passion for creating long lasting genuine connections, John built many successful businesses, most notably, Denham Ford - the most award-winning Ford Dealer in Canada.

John was born and raised on a farm in Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan. As one of sixteen children, John learned responsibility and overcoming adversity at an early age. With six cents in his pocket, John left home at age 16 to seek employment in the Alberta oil industry.

John worked on drilling rigs in the Olds-Sundre area and developed a lifelong interest in the oil industry. Although John enjoyed working on the oilrigs, he desired to create a business of his own. In 1960, John purchased the Ford dealership in Wetaskiwin at age 22, making him the youngest Auto Dealer in Canada. From its humble beginnings, the dealership evolved into one of the most respected Ford retailers in all of Canada, serving the community for over 50 years and winning more Distinguished Achievement Awards, Chairman’s Awards, North American Customer Excellence Awards, President’s Awards and Diamond Awards than any other dealership in Canada, forty six awards in total. As a true entrepreneur, John’s business portfolio has grown to include other dealerships, the hospitality industry and real estate ventures. Throughout his business life, John was truly appreciative of all of his employees in the organization.

John has always been very involved in his community. He spent many years as a director of the Wetaskiwin Chamber of Commerce. He was also elected by the members of the Chamber to serve as the President of the Chamber of Commerce. John spent twenty years as a member of the Kinsmen Club of Wetaskiwin, serving on many different committees and as the club’s President. John spent ten years with the North American Snowmobile Racing Association and was Chairman of the Board for five years. John’s companies have been sponsors of many community organizations such as hockey, baseball, 4H clubs, rodeos and regularly donated to many local charitable organizations.

John’s hard work and leadership in the community was recognized by the local chapter of the Jaycees, who appointed him one of The Ten Most Outstanding Young Men in all of Alberta. Time Magazine awarded John their highly coveted Dealer of the Year Award for his dedication to his community, success in business, and involvement in the Motor Dealers Association of Alberta. One of the proudest moments for John came when the Wetaskiwin Chamber of Commerce named him Citizen of the Year for his outstanding contribution to his community.

John will be remembered as a role model and mentor to many, a business leader within the community and a loving husband, father and grandfather. John was greatly loved and will be missed by all the people whose lives he impacted.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at 2:00 PM at the Calvary Baptist Church in Wetaskiwin, Alberta with a reception to follow. Memorial tributes may be made directly to the Wetaskiwin Health Foundation Palliative Care Unit for those who wish to make a donation.

Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Chapel, Wetaskiwin. (780) 352-2501 or (888) 752-2501 Condolences: www.womboldfuneralhomes.com

Remembering you always Phyllis

Card Of Thanks

The family of

ALICE SPELREM would like to sincerely thank the friends, relatives and neighbors for the cards, flowers and memorial donations with the passing of our dear Aunt Alice. Thank you to Reverend Beatrix Schirner of the Ponoka United Church for the lovely service and Ponoka United Church Women for providing the lunch. To Doctor Greyling for all your special care and kindness you provided . Thank you to the Northcott Care Centre for all the caring staff and kindness shown to her during her stay there which helped to make her days more enjoyable.

To Marlon and Sheila of the Wombold Funeral Homes, a special thank you. Sheila, many thanks for the lovely music and solos you provided.

To all those who visited Alice at the Northcott Care Centre and Ponoka General Hospital, we wish to extend a special thank you. She enjoyed company and cherished all the visits. Her friends and relatives were very important to her. She will be missed.

The family of Helen Smith would like to express heartfelt thanks to the many people who have offered comfort in so many ways, during her illness and since her passing.

Thank you for the hospital visits, charitable donations, the cards, phone calls, emails, flowers, food, help and support, for your attendance at the Funeral, for your hugs and kind words, and the wonderful memories you’ve shared. The love we have received has made our time of sorrow much more bearable. We are very grateful.

Margo and Duane Stretch and Family, and Robb Smith

28 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2015

announcements

Meetings

59

Farm Work

755 Restaurant/ Hotel 820

DAIRY Herdsperson required for fulltime Weekly meetings permanent position on dairy farm near Bashaw Tuesdays @ 8 p.m.

Alberta. Duties include Neighborhood monitoring cattle health, Place balance feed rations, artifi5110 - 49 Ave. cial insemination, general Ponoka farm duties as milking and feeding. Experience For more info. required 1-2 yrs min. as 403-783-4557 or herd manager. Post secon403-783-8371 dary agriculture diploma.

Wages start at $25.00 per ALCOHOLICS hour. Please apply by ANONYMOUS email to Henk Oosterink Monday night meetings RR # 1, Bashaw, T0B0H0 at the Anglican Church evalleydairy@xplornet.ca Ponoka 8:30 p.m. Phone 403-783-0719 for info.

ALATEEN

Obituaries

What’s Happening #50 - # 70

PEARSON Roger Alfred Pearson was born in Delia, Alberta on December 11, 1928 and passed away in Ponoka, Alberta on February 21, 2015. Roger is survived by his loving wife of fifty-six years, Mary; children Jim Pearson (Donna) Taggart and Carmen (Darren Davis); grandchildren, Rees Davis, Mason Davis and Sloane Davis; brothers-in-laws Sam Waters and Jim Waters; sisters-in-law Anne Waters and Laura Waters and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Ethel Pearson; siblings Doris, Henry (Margaret), Dave (Jean), and Tony (Marion); brothers-in-law Fred (Robbie) Waters; sisters-in law Valda Waters and Anne Frew Waters and nephew Gerald Pearson.

Except for time spent away for education training and the past three years, Roger lived his entire life in the Michichi/Delia area. He was raised on the family homestead at the foot of the Hand Hills six miles east of Michichi. His early education was completed at Enterprise Valley and Michichi Schools then spent two years in Calgary earning tickets for Welding and Agriculture Mechanics at SAIT before returning home to farm with his father.

Roger took over the family farm in 1958 after his father was disabled in a motor vehicle accident. He married Mary Waters on June 13, 1959 and together they raised two children. In 1977, Roger made a life changing decision to sell the farm. He took a job with the East Central Gas Co-op in Hanna where he worked until his retirement in December of 1993.

The family continued living on the farm until 1980, when they moved into Delia. Being a farmer at heart, Roger loved to help out friends and neighbors in their fields whenever possible especially at harvest time. Of course, he also had his garden… it was sacrilegious not to grow one in his mind… and right up until he left Delia, had rows and rows of potatoes, peas, carrots, corn, beans, beets and onions growing in the backyard.

And of course, apples… tons and tons of apples!

Family, music, hockey, farming, his community and tinkering in his workshop were the great loves of Roger’s life. He had a kind and gentle nature and was able to strike up a conversation with almost anyone at any time. He had a huge, open heart and never hesitated to step up to help others when the situation arose.

In the past three years, Roger was assisted by a number of special doctors, nurses and staff members in the Rocky Mountain House Nursing home, the Drumheller Nursing home but most importantly the Centennial Center in Ponoka. To the hard working staff of the Horizon House pod who took such good care of him when no one else could, your patience, expertise and sense of humour in helping Dementia/Alzheimer patients through their journeys is humbling and inspiring. Thank you for the difficult and often thankless work you do.

A special thank you to the ER staff of the Ponoka Hospital who helped Roger through the last hours of his life. Your concern and efforts to keep him comfortable and a priority during a very busy Friday night was overwhelming and appreciated more than you’ll ever know. A celebration of Roger’s life took place Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. from the Delia & District Community Centre.

Card Of Thanks

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

52

Coming Events

BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS

THURSDAY AA Meetings at 8:30 p.m. in the Catholic Church basement.

52 Street & 52 Ave. Ponoka.

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Advanced Remote & Wilderness Equine First Aid NEW for 2015

You have no 911. No one can get to you. You’re in deep and it’s just you and your horse. Learn to handle the most extreme emergencies. Windhorse Retreat, west of Rimbey among the first to host this course in Alberta and Canada - Apr. 25 for $199.

Basic equine first aid course is prerequisite for the advanced - Mar. 21 for $149. These courses for 12 and older. Register at WindhorseRetreat.com or 403-700-7880

59

Meetings

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

Clerical

Caregivers/ Aides

710

LIVE-IN caregiver for elderly parents on farm near Rimbey. Driving req’d.

Salary - standard live-in wages. Call or text Angela 403-348-1016 or Sue 403-650-3047

Dental

740

FT or PT Registered Level II Dental Assistant is needed for general dentists in Stettler.

Experience a asset, new grads welcome. M-F only, no evenings or weekends.

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720

790

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LOON RIVER First Nation, located 170 kilometres north of Slave Lake, Alberta, requires Community Health Registered Nurse for fullTrades time permanent position beginning April 1, 2015.

Graduation from accreditSEEKING A CAREER in ed nursing school, current the Community Newspaper CARNA registration, business? Post your immunization certificate, resume for FREE right three years experience in where the publishers are public or community looking. Visit: health nursing preferred. awna.com/for-job-seekers.

RAI assessment training considered asset.

SOMEONE MECHANICAL Benefits, pension, to do work on heavy business vehicle, equipment and trucks subsidized accommodation around the Wainwright available. Closing date: area. Send resume to: March 13, 2015. Send Email: fitzcons@telus.net cover letter, resume, of Fax: 780-842-5556. .

CARNA registration, driver’s abstract, RCMP SURESPAN Power Ltd. Information Check and Child Intervention Check to has an immediate opening for an onsite HSE health@loonriver.ca Coordinator in Red Deer, MEDICAL AB. See our web site for TRANSCRIPTION is an full details & apply online. in-demand career in www.surespan.com Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions Business available. Get the online training you need from an Opportunities employer-trusted program.

Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or NEED TO ADVERTISE? 1-888-528-0809 to start Province wide classifieds. training for your work-atReach over 1 million home career today! readers weekly. Only $269. + GST (based on 25 MEDICAL TRAINEES words or less). Call this needed now! Hospitals & newspaper NOW for doctor’s offices need details or call certified medical office & 1-800-282-6903 ext. 228. administrative staff! No experience needed! We SAWMILLS from only can get you trained! Local $4,397. Make money & job placement assistance save money with your own available when training is bandmill. Cut lumber any completed. Call for dimension. In stock ready program details! to ship. Free info & dvd: 1-888-627-0297. www.Norwood Sawmills.com/400OT. 1-800-566-6899 ext.

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Covers: hip/knee replacements, back conditions & restrictions in walking and dressing 1-844-453-5372.

McMILLAN The family of Dan McMillan wish to express their deep appreciation for the support, condolences, phone calls, visits, donations and flowers received during this sad time. Thanks as well to Bob Ronnie Catering for the excellent lunch.

Thanks to all for your thoughtfulness.

Owens & Prediger Families

In Ponoka, is looking for

OFFICE ASSISTANT / ADMINISTRATOR PART-TIME/FULL TIME

We are currently looking for a mature and experienced Administrative Assistant to provide support and to be an integral part of our growing business.

Celebrations

OPEN HOUSE 80th Birthday for

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The primary focus of this role will be: • Assisting in some of the accounts payable/receivable • Working with field reps., clients, and office personnel • Handling and ensuring accuracy of daily time tickets and chargeable items • Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) • Assisting with certain Land programs inc., data gathering, data entry • Office assistance for land agents and field supervisors • Answering phone and relaying messages • Other office duties

A Classified Wedding Announcement

We require someone 3-5 days a week (dependant on experience) which could turn into full time as experience and duties expand. Typical hours are between 8 am and 5 pm with opportunities to exchange hours and somewhat accommodate personal schedules.

Bernard Lentz Sat. March 7, 1-4:30 p.m.

Ponoka Drop-in Centre 5015-46 Avenue No gifts please

Does it Best!

309 3300 309-3300

Please email resume to mgmland22@telus.net We thank all candidates who apply, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

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 work 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.

Truckers/ Drivers

860 WETASKIWIN READY MIX

We’re Growing & Extremely Busy!

Now Hiring • MIXER DRIVERS Minimum Class 3 with air.

Please apply with resume & current drivers abstract 5410 - 50 Street, Wetaskiwin or email dmarkevich@wetaskiwinrm.com

or Fax (780) 352-1607

Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2015

AG EQUIPMENT

PONOKA NEWS 29

Business Opportunities

870

WANTED Hannas Seeds seeking distributors for forage, turf, native and reclamation seed. Good commissions. Contact Esther at 1-800-661-1529 or esther@ hannasseeds.com

Misc.

Help

Rimbey Implements Ltd.

Al York

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

Rimbey, AB

Fax: (403) 843-3430

ANIMAL SERVICES

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 Start your career!

See Help Wanted

Misc.

Help

Employment Training

900

MASSAGE CAREER - At Alberta Institute of Massage we deliver exceptional training, inspire learning, and ignite passion for knowledge!

“AIM for Success!”

403-346-1018. Now enrolling for May and September full-time and distance learning programs.

Carpentry

1062

CARPENTER FOR HIRE

Specializing in new home construction, home renos, decking, fencing.

Also commercial building & renos.

25 YRS EXPERIENCE

CALL GARY 403-704-3641 Landscaping

Business Services #1000 - #1430

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1240

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

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PER WEEK

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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

Qualifications: • Certificate or Diploma in a related field plus related experience • Knowledge of Alberta Housing Act and other related legislation and regulations • Experience in landlord / tenant relationships is desirable • Working knowledge of related computer applications and some understanding of accounting processes • Valid Driver’s License Closing Date: 11 March, 2015 To apply for this position, please go to our website at: www.thebethanygroup.ca click on CAREERS and follow the links.

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311

RECYCLE

YOUR

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NEW BABY

At Your House?

It’s time to call your Welcome Wagon hostess.

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

Misc.

Services

1290

Misc.

Services

1290

New Appliances Needed?

Wetaskiwin Distribution Centre

CANADA BENEFIT GROUP. Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000. from the Canadian Government.

Toll free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canadabenefit .ca/free-assessment.

REFORM PARTY. Alberta’s new compassionate, socially and fiscally conservative party is looking for candidates for the upcoming Alberta Provincial election expected April 27. Call Party Leader Randy Thorsteinson 403-264-1105; www.reformalberta.com or facebook.com/ ReformAlberta.

Pet Services

1318

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

403-783-6272

and Appliance Service

403-783-4880

Stores Limited

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.

Refrigeration

We sincerely thank all candidates for their application; however only those selected for interview will be contacted.

1315

Unplanned pregnancy may be difficult to face.

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

Berni's We deliver & install your purchases.

Home Hardware

Personal Services

New, dependable, affordable Inglis & Whirlpool household appliances.

A current Police Information Check is a pre-employment requirement for new employees to The Bethany Group.

www.clinkerskennels.ca

Misc.

Services

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Services

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

March- Oct - OctWarehouse WarehouseSummer Summer Relief Relief April

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CRIMINAL RECORD? Think: Canadian pardon.

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We currently have a challenging opportunity within our Management team for a dynamic leader to provide management of all housing units and the day to day supervision of staff and tenants.

30

1260

TELL it all! Tell it well! Make your ads sell for you by giving full description of goods or services offered. Include prices and terms. Phone 1-877-223-3311 for a friendly ad taker.

Housing Manager - Ponoka

This space could be yours for $

Legal Services

Shift Premiums for Afternoon and Night Shift

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!

Home Hardware, a part of Canada for over 40 years and now with over 1,000 stores across Canada

12345

Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted Applications can be emailed to

hrwetaskiwin@homehardware.ca Or apply in person, no phone inquiries please 6410 36 St Wetaskiwin

Add this feature to your next career ad booking

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

30 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2015

PLUMBING 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

Rental Misc

1350

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

Also RV storage.

Secure compound.

Call Keith at

First Call Towing

783-3636

BOBCAT SERVICE

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

OVERHEAD DOORS

www.doorsondemand.ca

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$30 per week

Buy & Sell #1500 - #1990

Auctions

1530

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.

Need RV or Self Storage?

Sur-B Enterprises Ltd. • 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

Auctions

1530

1410

Firewood

Welding

1410

PONOKA BOTTLE DEPOT

We Now Recycle Milk Cartons for Deposit

3, 5520 Hwy 2A (Across from Husky)

403-783-6875

1660

LOGS

Semi loads of pine, spruce, tamarack, poplar.

Price depends on location.

Lil Mule Logging 403-318-4346

EASY! The easy way to find a buyer for items you want to sell is with a Classified want ad. Phone 1-877-2233311

Livestock

• 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 E-mail: bharbin@telus.net

Livestock

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

BIRCHLAND DENTAL CLINIC PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY

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

DR. HUGH PORTER • DR. RICK BARR • DR. JEFF BARR DR. GREG EDWARDS • DR. STELIAN LISMAN DR. DAVE CHORKWA

30 Bulls

- General Dentistry - Orthodontics - Cosmetic Dentistry - Bonding - Veneers - Bleaching - White or Gold Fillings - Crown and Bridge - Implant Restorations

For Sale

Registered Yearlings

Black Angus

“WE ENTHUSIASTICALLY WELCOME NEW PATIENTS�

Call Jim

EYE CARE

(780)

387-6050

Drs. Heimdahl, ZoBell & Kallal 403-783-5575 1-800-662-7168

MARCH 10, 14,2012 2015 at the farm, Erskine, AB

Offering over 600 head of Quality Angus Cattle 250 Black & Red Angus Bulls • 150 yearling bulls ‡ 150two-year-old yearling bulls • 100 bulls ‡ two year old bulls 375‡ replacement heifers fall born yearling bulls • 100 purebred yearling heifers ‡ 120 yearling heifers • 250 commercial Black & BWF ‡ commercial heifersheifers • 25 commercial bred Black & BWF yearling heifers LEE, LAURA & JACKIE BROWN TRISH & TIM HENDERSON Box 217, Erskine, Alberta T0C 1G0 Phone: 403-742-4226 Fax: 403-742-2962 llbangus@xplornet.com catalogue online www.llbangus.com

1400

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

4IME 0AYMENT 0LAN / ! # FOR WATER WELLS AND WATER TREATMENT

")' )2/.

View our 29 patented and patent pending inventions online at

www.1800bigiron.com

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

DENTAL CARE

2100

BULL & FEMALE SALE

2ED $EER #ALGARY .EW 'OVERNMENT WATER WELL GRANT STARTS !PRIL

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

DR. STEVE CALDER BS C DDS

Agricultural #2000 - #2290

29TH ANNUAL

12345 7ITHIN MILES OF %DMONTON

7ATER 7ELL $RILLING

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

RIMBEYDENTALCARE

WANTED CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, backhoes, excavators, dozers, graders, wheel loaders, farm tractors, skidsteers, chippers, attachments. Any condition running or not. Also looking for large amounts of scrap metal.

250-260-0217.

2100

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

DENTISTRY

1930

LLB Angus

Well Website: www.harbinwelding.com Drilling

SALES & SERVICE

Motorcycles & ATV’s

Wanted To Buy

Canada’s Largest Angus Production Sale

BOTTLE DEPOT

10 am - 5 pm

1620

GRAVEL PROPERTY w/River Frontage, Spruce View, Alberta. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Unreserved Auction, April 29 in Edmonton. 148+/acres titled, 65+/- acres cult, gravel pit w/stock piles, North Raven River frontage, fenced, $4800 SLR. Jerry Hodge: 780-706-6652; rbauction.com/realestate.

403-783-3311

Closed Sundays & Holidays

EquipmentMisc.

A-STEEL SHIPPING Dry Storage Containers. Used 20’ & 40’ Seacans high cube & insulated containers 40’ HC. Winter Specials in stock now. Self unloading delivery. Phone toll free 1-866-528-7108; www.rtccontainer.com.

this space could be yours!

Open Monday - Saturday

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.

EXECUTIVE BUNGALOW - 3842+/- sq. ft. on 33.98 title acres & 5.50 Acre Lot w/32, 440+/- sq. ft.

Commercial Industrial Buildings. Ritchie Bros.

Auctioneers Unreserved Auction, May 7, Getkate Property near Lethbridge, Alberta. Jerry Hodge: 780-706-6652; rbauction.com/realestate.

AUCTION Sales Wed. @ 6 pm.

MEIER GUN AUCTION. Antique sales 1st. Sun. of Saturday, March 21, 11 the month @ 1 pm. Mar.1 a.m., 6016 - 72A Ave., EdMoose Hall 2 miles south monton. Handguns, rifles, of Ponoka on 2A shotguns, hunting and fishWE BUY FOR CASH. ing equipment. To consign 403-304-4791 call 780-440-1860.

Check website for full listings www.bigstrapperauctions.net UNRESERVED AUCTION Modular Home Manufacturer Machine Shop. Thursday, March 12, COLLECTOR CAR 10 a.m., 6205 - 60 St., AUCTION. 5th Annual Vegreville. Partially Edmonton Motor Show finished homes. Complete Collector Car Auction. manufacturing facility. Drill April 10-12. Edmonton collar and sub threading Expo Centre. Over 80,000 shop. Conducted by spectators. Over 80% sold Foothills Equipment last year. Consign today.

Liquidation & Dales 1-888-296-0528 ext. 103; Auction Service. A must, EGauctions.com. to view at www.foothillsauctions.com or www.dalesauctions.com.

Welding

1550

Building Supplies

Business getting nowhere?

ADVERTISE!

WWW.4YOUREYESONLY.CA

-

•

5120-51ST AVE, PONOKA

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

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

“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!

Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2015

PONOKA NEWS 31

HEATING & EAVESTROUGHING

Commercial - Residential Installations - Repair

3912 - 66 St, Ponoka www.wcmltd.ca

403.783.3501 wcmltd@telus.net

This space could be yours for $

30

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311 VETERINARY SERVICES

Bovine Veterinary Services On-Farm Mobile Veterinary Services Ultrasound-aided ReproducĆ&#x;ve Programs CETA CerĆ&#x;ÄŽed Dairy and Beef Embryo Transfer Herd Health

Phone 403-391-1684 Í´Íś Š‘—” Â?‡”‰‡Â?…› ƒŽŽ

Dr. Bruce Wine

TREE MULCHING

2100

Livestock

BAR-DALE LIMOUSIN, ERSKINE, AB. 40, two year old virgin bulls for sale at the farm.

Fully guaranteed.

Call Carole Barclay at 403-742-4825, Terry 403-740-5037 Ricky 403-740-5711. email bardale@xplornet.com REPUTATION Shorthorn yearling bulls, halter broken, quiet, reasonably priced. Call Jennifer 403-704-6162 SHORTHORN bulls for sale, reds, roans and whites. Semen tested and delivery within 100 miles. www.prospecthillshorthorns.com Les & Shelley Peterson, 780-877-2444.

2130

Poultry

ORDER NOW For Pick Up on April 18, 24 or 25.

19 weeks old Isa Brown laying hens.

Linden, AB 403-546-3130

Grain, Feed Hay

FOR fast results: Classified Want Ads. Phone 1-877223-3311.

Public Notices

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

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

403-357-0287

6010

FOR fast results: Classified Want Ads. Phone 1-877223-3311.

4700 Hwy 2A • Ponoka, AB T4J 1K3

For Sale by Tender 2003 Freightliner FL112 Truck 216,000 kms 9974 Hours Mercedes 350 HP

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.

13 Speed Eaton Fuller Transmission 14,000 lb Front Axle 40,000 lb Rear Axle Air Brakes AM/FM Stero Dual Fuel Tanks

CALL 1-877-223-3311 CLASSIFIEDS HOT-LINE

Truck has five compartments 16,800 Litre aluminum tank Single fuel pump Truck and tank sold as a unit as is Highest or any tender may not be accepted

Tenders close March 31, 2015

For Rent #3000 - #3200 Can do trees up to 15� wide

1.403.318.0498 1.403.358.0452

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

Reaching 6000 households weekly

For just

$30 per week this space could be yours!

403-783-3311

Businesses For Sale

Any questions please contact Clayton at 403-783-4288

4140 BUSINESS AVAILABLE IN ALBERTA

One to One Fitness: 3ULFHG FDVK ÀRZ RYHU 1RZ LV WKH WLPH WR SXUFKDVH WKLV EXVLQHVV Cabinet Manufacture: 6DOHV DYHUDJH RYHU 0 IRU SDVW \HDUV SULFHG SOXV LQYHQWRU\ 6WURQJ FDVK ÀRZ RZQHU PRWLYDWHG SO008447 Countertops: 6DOHV RYHU SULFH UHGXFHG FDVK ÀRZ 2ZQHUœV YHU\ PRWLYDWHG WR VHOO Deli & Retail Store: 6DOHV 0 ZHOO HVWDEOLVKHG FDVK ÀRZ RYHU Convenience Store: 1LFH VHFRQG MRE IRU IDPLO\ 3ULFHG SOXV LQYHQWRU\ RZQHU PRWLYDWHG WR VHOO Western Style Restaurant: :HVWHUQ PHQX VDOHV RYHU 0 3ULFHG FDVK ÀRZ

Call Bill Conroy or Ed Katchur @ 403-346-7755

Public Notices

6010

3060

2 BDRM in PONOKA incld’s util’s, washer/dryer, no pets, non partier, N/S. Working tenant only. 403-704-1645 PONOKA 1 bdrm. clean quiet adult building, no pets $735/mo. plus power avail., heat/water incld.

Feb. 1, 403-348-6594

FARM LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER

N 1/2 of SE 22-49-1 W5 (containing approximately 80 acres) S 1/2 of SE 22-49-1 W5 (containing approximately 80 acres) NW 23-49-1 W5 (containing approximately 160 acres)

12345

NORMAL ADJUSTMENTS APPLY ON CLOSING.

Further information can be provided by contacting Walter A. Moskal at 3801A-51 Ave (P.O. Box 1680), Lloydminster, Alberta S9V 1K6 (780) 875-7671.

TENDERS must be made in writing accompanied by certified cheque for 5% of the the tender price as a deposit, payable to ROBERTSON MOSKAL SARSONS - “IN TRUST� and identified as “Tender re: Estate of Walter Kremko - File 5446.13324 WAM� the “highest� or any tender not neccessarily accepted, but in the event of acceptance the successful tender will be notified and unsuccessful tender deposits returned.

Real Estate #4000 - #4190

4090

CHOOSE FROM 8 Brand New Triple M 20x76 kitchen special spec manufactured homes starting at $138,500 and save over $5000! For more information call United Homes Canada 1-800-461-7632 or visit our site at www. unitedhomescanada.com.

MASSIVE SHOW HOME Reduction Sale! 16 to 24 wide’s ready to deliver! 3 & 4 bedrooms - 2 baths.

Turnkey packages available. Call Dynamic Homes today 403-341-4422 or visit us online www. dynamicmodular.ca.

Businesses For Sale

The terms of sale shall be cash with the balance payable no later than 30 days after acceptance by the estate.

4140

GLASS business in Central AB. $380,000 in sales in 2014. Includes all stock/vehicles, franchise.

5 yrs. established.

403-783-1020 for info

Buildings For Sale

4150

STEEL BUILDINGS/METAL BUILDINGS 60% off!

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

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

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

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

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

24 Hr. Emergency 403-783-4348 T4J 1M1

THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS FOR

$30

PER WEEK.

CALL 403ďšş783ďšş3311 PLUMBING

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

Hours of Business: Monday - Friday 7:30 8:00 am - 5 pm

JESSE ZINTER Office - 403-783-5489

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 Transportation #5000-5300

5060

1999 IHS single axle truck, cab & chassis. DT460 engine. Runs great. new hood, scissors hoist, good tires, great for parts. $3000 403-701-2054 voice only.

Tenders will be received by the undersigned until 12 o’clock noon on Friday, March 27, 2015 at the following address: ROBERTSON MOSKAL SARSONS Barristers & Solicitors 3801A - 51 Avenue P.O. Box 1680 LLOYDMINSTER SK/AB S9V 1K6

VETERINARY SERVICES

5502 - Hwy 2A Ponoka, AB

Heavy Trucks

The following property located in Leduc County, Alberta is offered for sale by tender, subject to the restrictions on the existing title, namely:

1.

2.

3.

Suites

Manufactured PONOKA COOPERATIVE OILS LTD Homes

Please submit tenders to the above address Or email: coopoils@telus.net

MULCHING TO SUIT ALL NEEDS

Doug Casey

3020

4 BDRM. house, Ponoka on quiet cul-de-sac, fully fenced yard, det. single garage, fresh paint, new blinds, 5 newer appliance, ceiling fans in every room, fully dev. bsmt., 3 1/2 baths, absolutely NO Pets or smokers. $1500. rent/sd., tenant pays all utilities. Min. 12 months lease. Avail. immediately.

403-619-5758

2190

Hillbilly Tree Mulching Ltd. • FENCE LINES • CUT LINES • POWER LINES • PIPELINES • BRUSH & BUSH • STUMPS

Houses/ Duplexes

Public Notice #6000

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

• Install & Service Pumps • Shock Wells • Pressure Systems Serviced & Installed Home: (403) 783-3712 Cell: (403) 704-3413

Advertise your business in the Business Directory!

32 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

0%

14’S & 15’S ON SALE

ON SELECT MODELS

2 LEFT

2 LEFT

AT THIS PRICE!

AT THIS PRICE!

2014 FORD F-150 CREW CAB XLT T09783/T0996 MSRP $49,964 SALE PRICE $34,997 OR $244 BW@84MTHS

2008 CHEVY AVEO LT

OR

REDUCED

$89 BW@48MTHS

OR

2012 FORD FOCUS SEL

OR

$13,995

ONLY 52K

REDUCED OR

$16,875

$148 BW@72MTHS

2012 FORD FUSION

2009 LINCOLN

SEL AWD

MKS AWD T0620A

OR

$136 BW@48MTHS L0447

$123 BW@72MTHS

REDUCED

$10,900

2013 DODGE CARAVAN

T0394

REDUCED

$13,525

T0981A

$6,985

L0355

$21,900

$198 BW@60MTHS

OR

OR

$91 BW

2006 BMW 330I L0431

REDUCED OR

$22,995

$199 BW@72MTHS

2013 DODGE DART SE L0343

$13,650

$139 BW@60MTHS

1500 SLT

REDUCED OR

OR

$19,900

2010 DODGE RAM

2500 SLT L0351

REDUCED OR

$26,950

$234 BW@72MTHS

$13,910

$123 BW@72MTHS

2008 BMW X3 L0423 ONLY

L0442

$174 BW@72MTHS

ONLY 5K

REDUCED

2010 DODGE RAM

ONLY 28K

REDUCED

2014 FORD F-150 S/CAB XLT T0761/T1042 Ecoboost or 5.0L MSRP $47,759 SALE PRICE $31,998 OR $223 BW@84MTHS

FORD FIESTA C0656

2007 VW NEW GTI

C0886A

REDUCED

2014

REDUCED OR

57K

$20,975

$211 BW@60MTHS

2013 FORD EDGE

LIMITED T0995A

REDUCED OR

$27,950

$248 BW@72MTHS

*NEW PMTS ARE BASED OAC 4.99% OVER 84 MTHS. USED ARE BASED ON TERM STATED, 7.99% OAC, RATES MAY VARY BASED ON CREDIT APPROVAL. EG: T0394A SALE PRICE $13,950, O DOWN, 72 MTHS, TOTAL INTEREST PAID WOULD BE $4,039 . TOTAL OF PMTS OVER 72 MTHS WOULD BE $19,301.

“Let your Legacy start here.”

www.legacyfordponoka.ca

YOUR LEGACY TEAM

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