Stettler Independent, March 25, 2015

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March 25, 2015 STETTLER, ALBERTA

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Sports

Peewee Thunders provincial champions Story on P22

Community HYC alumnus remembered with special award

Stacey Lavallie/Independent reporter

It’s a battle between two shiny-pants’d street gangs who torment each other, and nearby pedestrians during a tap act at the Catch a Rising Star festival on Sunday, March 22. The poor police officer never had a chance at keeping these two mischievous gangs apart.

Dancers and singers take the stage at CARS

Story on P2

District Rumsey Spring Fling next month Story on P14

Stacey Lavallie INDEPENDENT REPORTER It was a busy weekend at the Stettler Performing Arts Centre as more than 600 dancers took part in the Catch a Rising Star festival.

The three-day event started on Friday, March 20 and finished up on Sunday, March 22, and saw three days of performances starting as early as 8 a.m. and going well into the evening.

The performances saw the seats at PAC often filled to the brim as parents, family and friends came out to see the various acts.

Friday was devoted to the lyrical arts, with performances by soloists, duets, small groups and choirs filling the hall with music.

The following two days belonged to dance, featuring tap, ballet, hip hop, jazz and contemporary dance performances. Performances ranged in size from the soloist to the troupe.

The youngest performers started at three years of age, with the eldest being adults, all from the central Alberta area.

Performers travelled from Consort, Oyen, Vegreville, Irma, Killam, Coronation, Forestburg, Hardisty and Alix to

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perform alongside dancers and singers from Stettler.

The show, adjudicated by Jodie Vanderkerkhove and Lisa Svecla, awarded more than $3,000 in cash scholarships, along with 175 plaques and trophies, and 1,940 medals.

Awards Overall High Score in 2015 “Cassidy’s Tribute”- Tara’s Academy of Dance High Score Studio in Technique Breaking Ground Dance Academy

High Score Studio in Performance Zinger School of Dancing High Score Studio in Choreography Breaking Ground Dance Academy High Score Studio in Overall Look Tara’s Academy of Dance HIGH SCORE SOLOS/DUETS/GROUPS TROPHIES Overall High Score for Lyrical/Ballet Solos & Duets Sara & Reegan - Tara’s Academy of Dance continued on page 2

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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Independent COMMUNITY

Deceased HYC alumnus remembered with new memorial award Stacey Lavallie INDEPENDENT REPORTER In her second year as director of the Heartland Youth Center, Winnie Bissett met Benjamin “Benny” Green, a meeting that changed her forever.

“You go through life and you meet those people you just have a connection with,” she said. “He became a second son to me.

A first, really,” she noted, as she hadn’t had children of her own at that point.

Green was a “whistle as you work” type of fellow, one who took on any task to make an extra dollar to help him offset the cost of the activities in which he participated. Mowing lawns, cleaning, collecting bottles and cans – Green did it all, and with a smile and a happy attitude, Bissett remembered.

When he graduated out of the youth centre’s programs at 18, he moved away from Stettler but remained in touch with Bissett, who had become more than an activity and group leader but a good friend.

“He wanted to be a cook,” Bissett recalled. But Green, who couldn’t afford to go to culinary school, instead found work in

Stacey Lavallie/Independent reporter

Heartland Youth Center memorialized one of its former members, Benny Green, who was murdered in Saskatoon last year, with the Benny Green Memorial “Whistling while you Work” award. Here, HYC director Winnie Bissett, left, presents the first award to HYC member Xavier Moreno. Also presenting were Jodie Bell and Brandi Page, right, who were members of HYC during the years Green was part of the group. construction, where his “whistle as you work” type of attitude had him constantly employed.

He married and had two children, though Bissett said later that she found out he had fathered a third child before his marriage.

“That was something he never told me,” she said.

It was business as usual at the youth center last June when Bissett’s eye was caught by a news story coming from Saskatoon.

Green had been found dead, murdered, allegedly by a man whom he had been helping out. The murder shocked people in Saskatoon who knew both Green and the accused, but devastated those who had known Green from his youth centre days.

As Bissett stood in front of gathered members of the youth centre at its annual general meeting on March 23, her emotions threatened to overwhelm her.

When news of Green’s death reached them, they reached out using Facebook and phone and text message and email to each other, and ended up gathered at the youth centre where they remembered Green in an informal memorial.

At the end of the evening, they had decided to memorialize Green, his life and contribution to the youth centre, by creating the “Whistling as you work” Benny Green memorial award.

This year, its first year, it was awarded to Xavier Moreno.

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Other awards were given at the meeting, and the teenagers who participate at the centre played a video they had made about bullying.

A plea also went out for mentors and Big Brothers and Big Sisters for the program. It was revealed that there’s a waiting list for “Bigs” about 20 kids deep, with some having to wait for four years to be paired with someone.

Being a Big Sister or Big Brother requires a few hours a week, but can make a big difference in a child’s life, Christel Shuckburgh, the program co-ordinator, explained. For those who want to help but can’t commit to the hours necessary, the in-school mentorship program only requires an hour of time a week. Anyone who can contribute the time should contact the centre to start the process.

The centre’s big purchase for this year was a new shuttle bus, to replace the two older passenger vans the centre had used to ferry the kids around for summer programs. Though a hefty expenditure, the cost savings in repair and upkeep as well as the increased safety for the children taking part in the programs made making the decision to spend the money an easy one.

Award Winners CORPORATE CARES – Autotrust This award recognizes long time support from the many businesses who contribute to the Heartland Youth Center – either through sponsorship, donations or hosting events.

MARG FORRESTER MEMORIAL AWARD – James Choi (Big Brother) This award is presented in Marg’s memory to recognize an outstanding program volunteer.

NICOLE BLUMHAGEN MEMORIAL AWARD – April Nelson and Katie Nims This award is presented annually in Nicole’s memory, to recognize a Keystone and Torch member for their dedication, community service efforts and involvement at the Youth Center.

BENNY GREEN MEMORIAL “WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK” AWARD – Xavier Moreno This award recognizes the teen member who embraces community service work with a positive attitude and smile.

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Heartland Beautification Committee

Dancers and singers take the stage at CARS

Tru-Fence

continued from front page

Good Fences Make Good Neighbours!

• Oilfield • Commercial • Residential • Farm Fencing • Barbed Wire • Wood • Vinyl

• Chain Link • Page Wire • Rail Fence • Corrals • Fence Installation • Removal

Overall High Score for Tap/ Musical Theatre Solos & Duets David O’Donnell – Danceology

Verle Klassen

Ph

Overall High Score for Lyrical/Ballet Groups “Finish Line” – Danceology

403-741-4483 • Fax 403-742-4560 trufence@live.ca

Overall High Score for Tap/ Musical Theatre Groups “Rasputin” - Georgina’s Academy of Dance Overall High Score for Jazz/ Modern Solos & Duets

STETTLER WEEKLY FORECAST

information provided by theweathernetwork.com

Wednesday March 25

Thursday March 26

Friday March 27

Saturday March 28

Sunday March 29

Monday March 30

Tuesday March 31

A mix of sun and clouds

Mainly cloudy

Mainly sunny

Mainly sunny

Mainly sunny

Mainly sunny

Mixed precipitation

High 4 Low -8

High 4 Low -2

High 9 Low -2

High 9 Low -1

High 14 Low -2

High 13 Low 1

High 7 Low 1

Ashley Lorenz - Tara’s Academy of Dance

“In the Navy” - Forestburg Dance Society

Overall High Score for Jazz/ Modern Groups “She Wolf” - Breaking Ground Dance Academy

Staci Adams Memorial Scholarship: Most Entertaining Tap Solo David O’Donnell – Danceology

Overall High Score for Hip Hop/Variety Solos & Duets Grace Wu – Danceology Overall High Score for Hip Hop/Variety Groups “Land of Enchantment” Tara’s Academy of Dance ADJUDICATORS’ CHOICE AWARDS Adjudicator’s Choice: Best Choreography “Land of Enchantment” Tara’s Academy of Dance Adjudicator’s Choice: Most Entertaining “Nothing Matters” - Tara’s Academy of Dance Most Promising Solo Jezlyn Van Oers – Danceology Most Promising Group

Staci Adams Memorial Scholarship: Most Entertaining Tap Group “Bell Hop” - Tara’s Academy of Dance Joe Adams Memorial Scholarship: Memorable Solo Keyera Beyringer - T.R. Dance Studio Joe Adams Memorial Scholarship: Memorable Group “I am the Best” - Breaking Ground Dance Academy Rising Star Soloist 6-12 years Kiera Crisp - Tara’s Academy of Dance Rising Star Soloist 13-19 years

Grace Wu - Danceology Biggest Crowd Pleaser “Recess” Breaking Ground Dance Academy Fresh Summer Intensive Scholarships Avhie Baker & Alden Mueller (JD’s Academy) Jaina Andrews( Danceology) 5 Fresh Summer Intensive Half Scholarships Cassie Savage (Danceology) Reegan Jones & Aleigha Noble (Tara’s Academy of Dance) Bailey Stefan (Georgina’s Academy of Dance) Hailie Ripley (JD’s Academy of Dance) Peacock Summer Intensive Scholarship Steven King (Georgina’s Academy of Dance) Premiere Dance Academy Summer Intensive Kylie Welsh (Zinger School of Dancing)

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

The Stettler Independent Page

Independent NEWS

3

Contributed photo

A member of Stettler Fire and Rescue hoses down a burning, vacant industrial building in Nevis last Thursday, March 19. The building was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived and was beyond saving.

Investigation into the cause of the fire continues.

Building destroyed in Nevis blaze Stacey Lavallie INDEPENDENT REPORTER Stettler Regional Fire and Rescue continue to investigate a Thursday, March 19 fire that reduced an old industrial building to rubble.

Two stations responded to the fire, west of Stettler, and arrived to find the building fully engulfed and beyond saving. Fire-

fighters ensured the fire didn’t spread to adjacent buildings and ensured the fire was out in the rubble of the building.

No one was inside the building at the time of the fire, and no firefighters were injured during the call, which saw the trucks rolling home after roughly five hours on scene.

According to Deputy Chief Etienne

Brugman, the building was empty and had not been occupied in some time.

Fire Chief Mark Dennis and Brugman, who are both fire investigators for the department, are investigating the fire, Brugman told the Independent. Until the investigation is complete, neither could comment on the cause of the fire and whether or not it was suspicious.

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Main Street left turns can net drivers $172 fine Stacey Lavallie INDEPENDENT REPORTER An increase in collisions on Main Street in the past six months have prompted police to remind everyone that left-hand turns on 50 Street are not allowed.

With the exception of turning on to intersecting avenues, drivers cannot turn left on Main Street. When drivers do, it usually is to park in the angle parking spaces, RCMP detachment commander Sgt. Babchuk explained.

Due to the driving practice, RCMP will be initiating an enforcement operation over the next number of weeks to curtail drivers from

making the left turns, in between intersections.

“For example, vehicles have been observed traveling in a north direction and then make a left turn to park in a vacant parking space, that is designated for southbound traffic,” Babchuk said. “This is also a common practice for southbound traffic, to make a turn into a northbound designated parking space.”

The Alberta Traffic Safety Act designates, under the Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulations: When operating a vehicle on a highway, in the case where double solid lines exist between traffic lanes, a person

shall not drive the vehicle so that the vehicle or any portion of the vehicle crosses

the double solid lines, from one traffic lane to another. continued on page 4

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Page 4 The Stettler Independent

Main Street left turns can net drivers $172 fine continued from page 3 The penalty for driving across the painted median or a double solid line is $172. RCMP Traffic Enforcement investigators will have a zero tolerance for this driving behaviour.

Shaking off winter As spring settles in and the winter begins to melt away, the number of people on area roadways using small vehicles increases, according to Babchuk.

Drivers being aware of these smaller vehicles on the road is important, but operators of these small vehicles also need to be aware of the rules, he said.

There are different types of small vehicles and each has its own set of rules, he noted. Mopeds, motorcycles, off-highway vehicles (like ATVs) and power bicycles are just some vehicles people can see out and about as the weather warms up.

Power bicycles, essentially bicycles with an electric motor with a maximum power of 500 watts and a top speed of 32 km/h, can be used by people 12 years of age and older, and require

BOBCAT

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Independent NEWS

drivers to wear a helmet.

They don’t need a licence, registration of insurance.

Mopeds require a class 7 driver’s licence and cannot be operated by people under the age of 12. They must be registered, require insurance and require the wearing of a helmet.

Motorcycles require a class six licence and people under 16 can’t drive them. Licence, helmet and insurance is required.

Off-highway vehicles cannot be operated on public roads except to directly cross. If operated on private property they do not require a licence, but if operated on a roadway at any time or on public property a licence is required. They cannot be operated by people under the age of 14 and require registration and insurance.

Helmets worn must be approved motorcycle helmets.

Some vehicles are considered prohibited small vehicles, and include go carts, scooters, pocket bikes and golf carts. They are not allowed on highways or public property unless the driver acquires a special permit.

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School trustees anticipate cuts in budget Joel van der Veen INDEPENDENT REPORTER Clearview Public Schools trustees are bracing themselves for funding cuts expected in this year’s provincial budget, which is expected to be released this week.

For months, board members have been anticipating a difficult budget, as the Alberta government responds to the decline in oil and gas revenues and the overall economic slump.

Soon, they’ll be able to see what kind of impact this will have on the school division’s bottom line and, in turn, on the Clearview schools themselves.

Complicating the situation further is the expectation that a provincial election will follow hot on the budget’s heels, as superintendent Peter Barron noted at the board’s regular meeting on Thursday, March 19.

“We’re anticipating a highly politicized budget here,” he said. “It may be something very straightforward, but I suspect it won’t be.”

As associate superintendent Peter Neale noted in his update, the board approved a budget conversations road map in January, which was followed by a planning workshop between senior administrators, trustees and principals on Feb. 2.

Through February and March, considerations have been drafted and surveys have been conducted, and the Leadership Learning Team has met to review the feedback and options that have been presented.

Once the budget is announced on Thursday, March 26, division leadership teams and principals will meet for a half-day session — planned for Friday, April 10 — to finalize their recommendations to the board.

Public consultations are also expected to take place in mid-April in both Stettler and Castor before reports, projections and recommendations are presented to the board at its April 21 meeting.

Hayden meets with board Former PC MLA Jack Hayden, who is again seeking the Progressive Conservative nomination in the provincial Drumheller-Stettler riding, visited the board during the meeting to review some of the concerns and challenges facing the division.

Hayden noted his own experience as a member of the transition board when the school division was established and recalled some of the challenges then, including reserve

Stettler & Area Canada U.S.A.

funding levels, modernization of the Stettler complex and declining enrollment.

Board chair Cheri Neitz reviewed several current concerns, including the division’s struggles with funding transportation following the end of the fuel price contingency grant, and struggles following the delayed introduction of Student Learning Assessments (SLAs) for Grade 6 students.

She said the division continues to lobby for the modernization of the Stettler complex, particularly the centre wing and the middle school gym.

Trustee Dave Goodwin voiced his thoughts on a needs-based funding model, rather than a per-capita model, and also raised the topic of competition, which has been a growing concern as the division’s enrollment has continued to drop.

“I’m not sure that we need to have two school systems,” said Goodwin, “contrary to what the Constitution may say.”

Goodwin said the division also sees competition in the form of parents who opt to educate their children at home and expressed his concern that not all home-schooling families are adhering to provincial guidelines.

Finally, trustees noted their disappointment as the Zone 4 school boards have yet to meet with education minister Gordon Dirks. The meeting has been postponed twice and is thought unlikely to take place before an election is called.

Enrollment decline predicted As part of the preparations for the upcoming division budget, Neale presented an estimated enrollment prediction for the 2015-2016 school year, based on figures provided in January.

The school division saw a budgeted enrollment of 2,382 students in September 2014. Neale’s report projected an enrollment of 2,349 students for the coming year, a decline of roughly 30 students.

Neale said that Erskine School, Coronation School, and Gus Wetter School in Castor were each forecasted to lose about 10 students in the coming year, based on demographics and other expectations.

The report was accepted for information, but Neale noted that he was waiting on confirmations from the schools and would provide a formal projection after March 20, which would be used in developing the proposed budget for 2015-2016.

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The board meeting began with a one-hour learning session on the Google Apps for Education platform, led by director of technology Steve Meyer.

Superintendent Barron presented his regular report to the board. The board also heard a report from trustee Ken Checkel on the efforts of the transportation advocacy group.

The board accepted the final submission on two capital projects — roof remediation at Stettler Elementary School, completed in October 2014 at a total cost of $142,513, and the gym ceiling remediation at Erskine School, finished in February at a cost of $134,927.

A third project, the pavement of the parking lot at Coronation School, has been deferred to later in the year, subject to available resources and the 2015 provincial budget.

Trustees approved a motion to move forward with planned facility improvements at the Stettler schools complex, totaling $170,000. Costs in excess of available dollars from the capital reserve account will be covered through Infrastructure Maintenance Renewal funding, subject to approval from the provincial government.

Areas that will be affected by the improvements include the elementary school science room, the middle school learning commons, the high school learning commons and the high school office.

“We’re getting really tight for our timelines,” explained Neale. “We’d like to get it out for tenders . . . We need to start moving forward.”

Trustees again discussed proposed foundational statements for the Clearview school division but deferred the decision to an upcoming meeting.

The board heard reports on recent visits to Stettler Elementary School and Stettler Middle School, as well as verbal reports from trustees Ken Checkel, Dave Goodwin and John Schofer on the Rural Education Symposium attended from March 1 to 3.

Finally, the board discussed plans for both upcoming local government education meetings and the Stettler Trade Show in April, at which Clearview will have a booth offering complimentary pens, sticky note pads and temporary tattoos.

The board is scheduled to hold its Committee of the Whole meeting on Thursday, April 9, beginning at 4 p.m. at the division office in downtown Stettler.

Box 310, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 403-742-2395 FAX 403-742-8050 admin@stettlerindependent.com

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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Independent NEWS

The Stettler Independent Page

5

Two pianos, one great party: Kinettes host Dueling Pianos fundraiser for playground Joel van der Veen INDEPENDENT REPORTER A pair of pianos kept the party going well into the wee hours as the Stettler Kinettes hosted another fundraiser for their playground project earlier this month.

The Kinettes presented Dueling Pianos at the Stettler Community Hall on Saturday, March 14, drawing over 300 people for an evening that also included a catered meal, a 50/50 draw and raffle prizes.

Sara Wengryn, who served as chairperson for the evening, said it was highly successful, with tickets for the event quickly selling out.

“Normally at events we find people going home at 11 (o’clock),” she said, adding that on Saturday, “people were having a good time well past midnight.”

Sitting behind the keyboards were Cal Toth and Anna Vander Heide of Lethbridge, who kept a steady stream of live piano music going through the evening.

Toth invited the audience to submit their requests, saying the pianists would oblige by playing any songs with which they were familiar.

Vander Heide noted that they’d played locally before, adding, “I don’t remember Stettler knowing how to party,” but many attendees hit the dance floor over the course of the evening, attempting to prove her wrong.

The two pianos were situated in the centre of the dancefloor, allowing attendees to walk over with their requests or find plenty of space to demonstrate their moves.

Their repertoire included classics like Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll” and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing,” as well as newer tunes like Eminem’s “The Monster” and Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass.”

The evening started with Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock” and Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” and continued with tracks like the theme from the film Footloose, Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69,” and even

“Baby Got Back,” by onehit wonder Sir Mix-a-Lot. The meal, provided by Teresa’s Catering of Donalda, included a taco bar that was well-received by many event attendees.

The Kinettes are raising funds for a playground to be built in West Stettler Park. The project, designed

by Blue Imp Play Ideas of Red Deer, will be targeted at children aged two to 12 and will feature multiple play areas with a colourful design.

Fundraising for the project began last summer; events have included a barbecue in the park in August and the club’s annual rummage sale in September.

The club has set a goal of $215,000, and prior to Saturday’s show, they had already raised around $115,000.

Wengryn said organizers had hoped to bring in roughly $20,000 from the Dueling Pianos event, but

Joel van der Veen/Independent reporter

Anna Vander Heide, part of the Dueling Pianos act from Lethbridge, performs during a Kinettes fundraiser at the Stettler Community Hall on Saturday, March 14.

STONES couldn’t offer an estimate on the actual total at press time.

She said they are also applying for a federal grant and have reached the latter stages of that process.

“We’ve been in contact with them and it sounds like our application is good,” she said. “Our initial conversations with them have been positive.”

The outcome of the grant

application will help determine when the construction of the playground will take place.

Wengryn said they hope to begin installing the equipment in May, but added that will also depend on the town’s schedule.

She expressed her appreciation for the sponsors and others who donated towards the fundraiser and the playground project.

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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Established in 1906 The leading weekly newspaper of Central Alberta.

Dedicated to the advancement of the wellbeing and the preservation of the heritage of the community, which includes Stettler and the County of Stettler.

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It was as if Mother Nature meant to make a statement when more than five inches of snow fell in central Alberta overnight on March 21, the first day of the spring.

Being Albertans, most of us might not have even noticed that the snowfall coincided with start of the flower season as we are more than used to having long winters.

But the way Atlantic Canada has been battered by successive snowstorms over the last two months must have proven to even the toughest of the climate change deniers that it is obvious by now, thanks to our actions, climate patterns are being radically altered.

With the current pace of change in the balance of the natural weather cycles, it seems it will not take too long to witness much more extreme weather phenomena taking place, creating drought in certain parts of the globe while causing floods in others.

Last Sunday was the World Water Day as declared by the United Nations. To mark the occasion, the organization’s World Water Assessment Program has announced a series of findings that came as a result of

the research undertaken as part of its activities.

The report warned that in just 15 years, the world will have a 40 per cent deficit of fresh water.

Ongoing urbanization, rising living standards and increased use of fossil fuels are said to be among the various factors that will lead to scarcity of fresh water in the next two decades.

Interestingly enough, the findings of the report were announced in California, the state with the biggest economy in our southern neighbour, seventh or eight largest economy in the world on its own right, where some estimates say there is only one year’s supply of fresh water left if the current pace of consumption continues.

According to a map published as part of the report, Canada is among the safest regions in the world in terms of the security of fresh water resources.

The question is what to do with that security: Should our country continue to produce bitumen contributing to climate change, thereby adding further to potentially drought creating conditions while wasting fresh water with fracking technologies and bitumen production?

With the current level of our hightech, advanced and destructive lifestyle, will there be enough resources for another 108 billion to live?

Or as one of the more technologically developed economies of the world, should Canada look into the possibility of advancing technologies in the field of renewable energy sources?

As some Canadian media outlets reported recently, the government of Stephen Harper has spent $24 million of taxpayers’ money to advertise Canadian oil in the US market over the last two years, and because the oil

in this country is produced by private companies, our corporate interest-promoting prime minister has apparently taken that money out of our pockets to help big oil sell more of its products.

With this kind of approach to natural resource exploitation, it is hard to see how Canada can contribute to any effort to leave a more livable earth to future generations.

“Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money,” says the famous Cree prophecy.

With the corporate greed instead of farsighted wisdom dictating policy to governments not only in Canada, but throughout the world, one really wonders if this vicious cycle of plundering the earth could ever be stopped.

A recent study says since the first emergence of Homo Sapiens on the African continent 125,000 years ago, some 108 billion people lived and died on earth. With the current level of our high-tech, advanced and destructive lifestyle, will there be enough resources for another 108 billion to live?

– Mustafa Eric

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Town budget aims at keeping infrastructure functioning properly Stacey Lavallie INDEPENDENT REPORTER Continued replacement of old sewer and water lines, land remediation, roadwork and recreation eat up a large portion of the town of Stettler’s interim capital budget, but that is in line with budgets of the past, according to assistant CAO Steve Gerlitz.

The town plans its capital budget for three years, with the focus being on what can be done in the coming year.

While the capital budget includes spending for the downtown park and a climbing wall at the Stettler Recreation Centre’s pool, most of the projects are simply necessary spending to keep Stettler functioning well.

The water and sewer lines on Highway 56, from the Kentucky Fried Chicken location to the Stettler Hospital, will be replaced this year.

The old cast iron lines are being replaced with more durable materials and are being buried deeper, Gerlitz explained. The current lines, too shallow, sometimes freeze or back up into residents’ homes, the budget document states. This replacement will fix that.

It will also fix lines that are simply old and prone to breaking or crushing. The

The Stettler Independent Page

Independent NEWS

project will include remediation of the soil adjacent to the line, which may have become contaminated from leaks from the lines. The project, for which the town has applied for a grant, would see the town, province and federal governments each pay a third of the project.

Highway 56 water and sewer line replacement has been going on since last year, when the province announced it would repave a section of Highway 56 from north of the town and through. To allow the town to avoid having to tear up the new pavement to replace the waterworks, the province delayed. The work requires a year for soil to settle in the trenches before paving to ensure there’s no settling under the new paving.

While crack repairs are scheduled in this year’s road budget, as always, two roads will find themselves repaved.

The Esso service road will be repaved, as will 54 Street in front of the Stettler Schools complex.

The town managed to save itself nearly $150,000 toward the purchase of a new fire truck, which will be delivered this year. The company, based out of the United States, accepted United States

currency only, and expecting this the town exchanged Canadian dollars for American when the Canadian dollar was higher, saving about $25,000. With the change in the dollar’s fortune, it would cost about $120,000 above the purchase price if the town had not secured the money in American dollars earlier.

The new truck will be replacing older units.

Roughly one fourth of the capital budget is reserved for recreation spending. According to Gerlitz, the Stettler Recreation Centre doesn’t pay for itself in dollars, though it does in how it benefits the community. Keeping access available at reasonable prices for the community means the town has to spend a bit more on the centre, something that hasn’t changed.

The budget was built around a three per cent tax increase, but the town is still waiting for assessment information to see how much tax income it can expect, one of the reasons why the budget won’t be formalized until May. Currently, the town is operating under the interim budget, which assumes the three per cent increase in taxes, as of earlier in March when it came to council.

7

Stettler dayhome raises money for causes close to the heart Stacey Lavallie INDEPENDENT REPORTER When Cara Donofrio heard about a local child with cancer, her heart just tore to bits.

Donofrio runs Superstar Dayhome here in Stettler, and is the mother of a little girl herself. Imagining her child having cancer and having to go back-and-forth between the hospital and home was something she could feel painfully in her soul.

With that impetus, she turned her children and their parents toward trying to help, and in that case, spent the month raising money to help cover the costs being racked up by the family in question.

“I saw Brenda's Cozy Café selling cupcakes for her and I thought I could do something, too,” Donofrio said.

“Something” turned out to be a cupcake picnic for kids and family, and it brought in $540.

Donofrio decided that each month, she'd have her dayhome raise money for a different cause. While they'd not be able to raise anything extravagant, she said, every little bit helps.

This month, they're raising money for

the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). One of the children that takes part in her dayhome has the disease.

“I wanted to incorporate causes close to our parents' hearts,” Donofrio said. “Each month, parents will be able to suggest our charity.”

For this month, Donofrio has created a “toy tower” with several hundred dollars' worth of toys. She's selling tickets for a draw, which will be held at the end of month. The tickets are $5 each.

“I write your name and number on the back of the ticket and it goes in the box, and at the end of the month one of the kids will draw the winner,” she said.

Donofrio has plans for a bottle drive for next month, with the proceeds going to the Heartland Youth Center.

“We'll not raise a lot of money, but it all counts,” she said. “And it teaches the kids about helping others, and about the causes we're trying to help.”

People wanting to buy a ticket can do so through the Superstar Dayhome Facebook page or by phoning Donofrio's cell phone at 250-793-1484.

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Page 8 The Stettler Independent

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Independent NEWS

Jack Hayden wins PC nomination Sprinkler retrofit 'exciting' says Housing Authority CAO for Drumheller-Stettler Stacey Lavallie INDEPENDENT REPORTER Former Progressive Conservative MLA Jack Hayden has won the nomination for the party for the upcoming provincial election.

Hayden, who ran against County of Stettler councillor Greggory Jackson and Drumheller’s Ed Mau, was declared the victor after the party vote on Saturday, March 21.

Hayden, who formerly served the County of Stettler as reeve and councillor, was first elected to the legislature in a by-election to replace deputy premier Shelly McClellan, who retired alongside premier in 2007, winning the riding in his own right the next year, serving until the election in 2012, where he was defeated by Rick Strankman from the Wildrose Party.

His previous experience in the municipal and provincial governments, as well as a stint first as director of the central district of the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties, then as president, means he brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, Hayden said.

“I’m really excited,” he said. Though an election hasn’t been called, since the ascension of Jim Prentice to premier in September 2014, the expectation of an election has loomed overhead.

Hayden, 64, resides on the family farm near Endiang, and is a husband, father and

grandfather. During his time as MLA, he served in three cabinet positions: infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism, parks and recreation.

Hayden referred to his own record during his term — in which the riding saw the construction of new seniors’ lodges, schools, community halls and fire stations — and said the area has received “next to nothing” since 2012. He said local communities could achieve more with “proper representation.”

The issue of provincial roads and highways are “hugely important” but acknowledged that with 85 per cent of the province’s population living in urban centres, their needs carry a significant amount of weight. He also noted that many of the county roads were built to carry three-ton trucks and must be rebuilt to withstand modern traffic.

The possibilities of a provincial sales tax and a progressive income tax are two taxes the government would have to consider going forward if the books are expected to balance, Hayden noted at one of the candidate debates In 2002, Hayden was awarded the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal, and two years later was appointed by then-Prime Minister Martin to represent rural and remote Canadian communities on the Prime Minister’s External advisory committee on Cities and Communities. The report was completed under Prime Minister Harper’s government in

Stacey Lavallie INDEPENDENT REPORTER Though an incident like the January 2014 fire at a nursing home in L'Isle Verte, Que. is unlikely to happen at one of Stettler's seniors residential facilities, news that the government is dedicating funds for sprinkler upgrades is welcome.

“We're very excited,” Betty Tschritter, CAO of the Stettler Housing Authority, said about the news. The government is spending $80 million, up from the $70 million originally announced, to upgrade 105 housing and continuing care facilities across the province, including units at Paragon Place (including the addition), Willow Creek Lodge and Heart Haven.

Between the three sites, 202 units will be retrofitted with the new sprinkler system. A total of 4,700 units will be retrofitted in all.

Tschritter said that when

news of the sprinkler retrofit filtered down last year, like many she filled out the paperwork to see the Stettler Housing Authority's sites considered as well.

“We know we've been chosen, but we don't have any details yet,” she said.

The three-year project was initiated in response to the fire in Quebec, according to the government.

Though safety regulations in Alberta mean sites today come equipped with sprinkler systems, like in Quebec sites built before those rules came into effect were grandfathered. Most of the units selected for upgrades were built before 1990 and the regulations requiring sprinkler systems.

“We didn't have to make changes after the (Quebec) fire,” Tschritter said.

“What we have in common was we house seniors.

That's all.”

She said that because of the housing authority's safety practices, including regular drills, inspections, and the installation of fire

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doors, smoke and heat sensors in each unit, and 24hour staff, the chance of such a devastating fire is unlikely.

Still, the news of the sprinklers is welcome.

“It's another layer of safety,” she said.

The L'Isle Verte nursing home fire started shortly before 1 a.m. The nursing home, which consisted of an older building without sprinkler systems and a new addition with, was seriously damaged in the fire.

The old part of the building burned to the ground, claiming the lives of 28 confirmed victims, with four missing and presumed dead. Fifteen people were injured.

Several problems with the response to the fire, beyond that of the lack of a sprinkler system in the old part of the building, was cited in a coroner's report. They included a lack of overnight staff, a lack of fire drills, and problems with the response of the fire department.

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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Independent OPINION

The Stettler Independent Page

9

How we can make Stettler Hospital better

15034MF0

Dear Editor, I am writing in response to the letter from the woman who was, in her opinion, not treated well at the Stettler hospital. This complaint really struck a chord with me, because I hear of negative experiences like this all the time.

I have had a few of my own.

In caring for an older person, I've seen her misdiagnosed in the E.R., I've also had a nurse describe with great enthusiasm how they would have to break all her ribs if she wanted to be resuscitated, in an attempt to influence her to sign the directive for "Do Not Resuscitate" or DNR. When I challenged the nurse as to the inflammatory nature of her presentation of the information to this older women, she informed me that "It's not like on T.V." I'll forgive her for such a condescending statement, apparently not knowing anything of my medical background.

I could carry on with negative stories, some of them quite entertaining, some very sad, but this is not my purpose in writing this letter to you.

As patients of this system that we fund as taxpayers, it is our responsibility to do whatever is possible to improve the quality of it's delivery.

First of all ,we need to live our lives in such a way as to prevent health problems to begin with, if at all possible.

Secondly, we need to try and not abuse the system. The emergency is not a place for routine medical care, it is for emergencies. We need to try and see our doctors during office hours as best we can.

Thirdly, if we have a complaint, rather than comparing stories with our buddies over coffee, we need to complain to someone who can address the complaint, and make a change, or carry out an investigation if necessary. I will relate to you how to do this.

Alberta Health Services has a ''Patient Concerns & Feedback" department and they say that they value your input.

As well as the funding upgrades that were mentioned in the other letter to the editor, we can do our part to make this a hospital that attracts the best staff, including doctors, as well as one that we have confidence will give the best care to our local population. If enough complaints about a specific person or situation are reported, changes will happen, but we need to do our part.

On a positive note, it's also important to acknowledge those that have treated our loved ones with the care and respect that we would treat them with. This can also be done through the "Patient Concerns & Feedback" avenues.

Colleen Wudel

Page 10 The Stettler Independent

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

The Stettler Independent Page

Independent COLUMNS

11

Sing to me about that Man who loves me...

Does Jesus really make a in a variety of ways. One of the difference in our lives? I had more touching stories that I’ve a refreshing conversation last ever read in this regard, is written week with an individual who’d

by Phyllis Zeno. recently decided to believe in She tells of a beautiful, but and follow Jesus. We shared deeply disturbed four-year-old girl with one another, that both of who was enrolled in her daycare. us, before becoming believers, She was attracted to the little girl, (for him, a few months ago, for ROSS HELGETON more for her need than her beauty. me more than four decades) had Phyllis said she was heartbroken 403-742-5020 • REVRH@TELUS.NET thought that Christians might by, “this child who had so little, not be too clever. We had supbut needed so much.â€? posed that Christians simply psych themselves out She was born in prison, but before incarceration, and try very hard to believe what they would like her mother had used crack cocaine for most of the be true. However, we concurred that in yielding our pregnancy. Consequently, the child was totally nonlives to God, through Christ, our thinking changed verbal and posed significant emotional/control probimmediately...on that topic and many others. We now lems. She was a constant challenge. believe that Jesus makes a difference!

When approached, she would exhibit violent beI believe that Jesus, introduced into any situation, havior. These episodes could last for hours and typilife or circumstance, will make a difference. And He cally left her on the floor in a fetal position, weeping seems to have the ability to reach all sorts of people uncontrollably...Phyllis prayed for her constantly.

Faith & Reflection

Progress was non-existent, and everyone had given up any hope of her ever speaking.

Over time, a bond developed between the child and Phyllis. Daily, they would sit in a rocking chair and as they rocked, Phyllis sang repeatedly, “Jesus loves me�. This activity calmed her and became a valuable respite time for both of them.

One day, Phyllis states, “...after a very long battle I held my special girl to calm her fears and pain. On this occasion, without singing, we rocked back and forth in silence. Then she looked at me with tearfilled eyes and spoke for the first time, “Sing to me about that Man who loves me.�’ He makes a difference! “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, we are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me, yes, Jesus loves me, yes, Jesus love me, the Bible tells me so!� “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life� (John 3:16).

Time to end taxpayer-funded partisan ads Aaron Wudrick, Federal Director CANADIAN TAXPAYERS FEDERATION If you’ve watched any TV lately, you may have seen some Government of Canada ads. Perhaps you’ve seen the one warning of the dangers of smoking marijuana, promoting the government’s “Economic Action Plan,� or explaining recently announced tax cuts and credits.

You may have also seen some of their advertisements in print, on billboards, on radio or online.

These ads are all paid for with your tax dollars. The argument in favour of them goes something like this: the public needs to know about government programs and services available to them, so these ads serve a legitimate purpose by providing them with information. On the surface, this isn’t controversial; informing citizens about the rights and responsibilities, new programs, or warning them about health or safety risks are arguably reasonable things a government might decide to tell the public about.

But it certainly doesn’t explain situations such as the one in 2013 when the government spent $2.5 million on ads for the Canada Jobs Grant – a program which didn’t even exist at the time.

The opposition Liberals claim that since 2006 the Conservative government has spent nearly $750 million on advertising. Thanks to a lack of specifics, it’s very hard to pin down an exact figure – but regardless, there is absolutely no oversight with respect to what these ads promote.

The reality is that for an incumbent government, the temptation to torque ads for partisan gain will always be great.

If a government can use public dollars

to “inform� Canadians by conveniently putting a positive spin on the governing party’s policies at the same time, they probably will. This is not only a waste of precious resources; it’s also an affront to fairness in a democracy. Further, it violates the democratic principle that public dollars shouldn’t be directed towards partisan ends.

Rather than leave politicians in a position to succumb to this temptation, there’s a relatively simple way to ensure ads are nonpartisan: put an independent third party in charge of vetting proposed government ads.

We already have a good Canadian example of a system that works. In 2004, Ontario’s government introduced the Government Advertising Act, which requires that ads be non-partisan as determined by the Auditor General, supported by a four-person independent body called the Advertising Review Board. In her 2013-14 report, the Auditor General noted that her office reviewed a total of 145 submissions with an average turnaround time of about eight days. They rejected just one ad during that time for being too partisan.

Ontario’s government spends about $30 million per year on advertising.

Whether or not that’s a reasonable sum is up for debate; but at the very least Ontarians can rest assured that money is being spent for purposes beyond the pure partisan gain of the governing party of the day. Canadians have no similar guarantee when it comes to federal government ad spending, and they should.

It’s time for the Harper Conservatives to follow Ontario’s lead and implement similar third-party oversight of its advertising.

Town Hall Meetings March 23 - March 28, 2015

dŚĞ ŽƾŜƚLJ ŽĨ ^ĆšÄžĆŠĹŻÄžĆŒ EĹ˝Í˜ ϲ Ĺ?ŜǀĹ?ƚĞĆ? Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ ĆŒÄ‚ĆšÄžĆ‰Ä‚Ç‡ÄžĆŒĆ? ƚŽ ĹŠĹ˝Ĺ?Ĺś ŽƾŜƚLJ ŽƾŜÄ?Ĺ?ĹŻ ĂŜĚ ĚžĹ?ĹśĹ?Ć?ĆšĆŒÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ ƚŽ Ć‰Ä‚ĆŒĆ&#x;Ä?Ĺ?ƉĂƚĞ Ĺ?Ĺś dĹ˝Ç Ĺś ,Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ žĞĞĆ&#x;ĹśĹ?Ć?͘ tÄž ĞŜÄ?Ĺ˝ĆľĆŒÄ‚Ĺ?Äž ĂŜĚ Ĺ?ŜǀĹ?ƚĞ Ä?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ÇŒÄžĹś Ĺ?ŜƉƾƚ ŽŜ Ç€Ä‚ĆŒĹ?ŽƾĆ? ƚŽƉĹ?Ä?Ć? Ĺ?Ĺś Ä‚ Ä?ŽžžƾŜĹ?ƚLJͲůĞĚ Ä‚Ĺ?ĞŜĚĂ͕ ŽŜ Ĺ?Ć?Ć?ƾĞĆ? Ä?ŽŜÄ?ÄžĆŒĹśĹ?ĹśĹ? Ĺ˝ĆľĆŒ ĆŒÄ‚ĆšÄžĆ‰Ä‚Ç‡ÄžĆŒĆ? Ĺ?ĹśÄ?ůƾĚĹ?ĹśĹ?Í• Ä?ƾƚ ŜŽƚ ĹŻĹ?ĹľĹ?ƚĞĚ ƚŽ͕ ƚŚĞ ĹśÄžÇ Ĺ˝ĆľĹśĆšÇ‡ ^ŚŽƉ͏KĸÄ?Äž ŽžƉůĞdž͕ Ä?ƾĚĹ?Ğƚ͕ ĆŒĹ˝Ä‚ÄšĆ? ĂŜĚ ŽƾŜƚLJ Ĺ˝Ć‰ÄžĆŒÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜĆ?͘

Wednesday, March 25 Thursday, March 26 ŠÂ?ž›Â?Š¢ǰȹ ÂŠÂ›ÂŒÂ‘ČąĹ˜ĹžČą Saturday, March 28

Big Valley Jubilee Hall Erskine I.O.O.F. Hall Â?ŽĴ•Ž›ȹ Â?Čą ˜Œ’ŽÂ?¢ȹȹ Linda Hall

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m. ŗŖǹŖŖȹŠǯ–ǯ 2:00 p.m.

Can’t make it? Join the conversation at www.stettlercounty.ca and click on Let’s Talk.

For more information please contact the County of Stettler at 403-742-4441.

Page 12 The Stettler Independent

Calgary mayor attacks cattle industry It must have been too quiet for Mayor Nenshi of Calgary after being declared the “Best Mayor in the World� by some obscure foreign group. Speaking offers must have been slowing and the legions of adoring media were no longer chasing him for his every word of wisdom. That must have been hard on his ego, so why not stir up some issue that will get the public and media’s attention and get himself some more self-glorification. No one will argue that he is very good at that along with raising property taxes every year.

Nenshi’s political PR flak artists had to search long and far but they think they found a free publicity machine by beating on a meat processing plant in Rocky View county just outside the Calgary City limits. He is demanding a scientific study of noise, odour and air quality that might come from the plant. His o so noble concern is the quality of life of the nearby citizens. Firstly it should be stated that the meat processing plant has been there for a number of years and received all the necessary operating permits from Rocky View county. It processed live cattle for a year and then processed just carcasses. It is now under new management and wants to resume live cattle processing. The plant was retrofitted at a cost of $20 million and would reduce nuisance impacts even more than when it was first opened. By the way it will create 100 new jobs, apparently that doesn’t matter to our Mayor.

There are a few points that the Mayor forgot to mention: The City tried to block this plant from being built in the first place – but the original builders moved it just across the city limits. Then when the city refused to connect the plant to city water they thwarted that blackmail by laying in water line from an irrigation canal in the county. Clearly the city has had it in for this plant.

There is the conflict-of-interest matter that Mayor Nenshi lives in Northeast Calgary which is sort of close to the plant.

When the plant was processing live cattle no one noticed, smelled or complained and no one knew when they stopped processing cattle. That may have to do with the fact that the

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Ahead of the heard WILL VERBOVEN meat plant is located across the road from a sulphur processing plant that spews tons of emissions into the air through smokestacks every day. I guess that’s okay and doesn’t bother citizens of Northeast Calgary.

The Mayor’s concern for noise may be due to the fact that he seems unaware that the plant is within sight of the Airport, Stoney Trail and QE 1 highway. I expect an endless stream of aircraft landing and taking off and the passing by of tens of thousands of trucks and other vehicles would drown out even a bomb going off in the area.

One almost hopes a study is done on air quality in the Northeast – local citizens would be shocked to find they are actually living in a fog of carbon monoxide, sulphur fumes and a soup of petrochemical toxins like benzenes and methanes. But that’s ok I guess being the Mayor isn’t writing letters of protest to anyone about those pollutants.

That causes one to wonder have there been scientific studies done of other noise and odour causing businesses in Calgary and is there any concern for area residents. It isn’t just people in the Northeast that live near industrial activity.

Livestock including poultry are processed in other facilities right in Calgary city limits. Calgary has foundries and landfills within sight of residential areas - what about those poor long-suffering citizens, doesn’t the Mayor care about them.

Obviously there is no political hay to be made with those folks.

One could cite so many other hypocrisies that implicate the Mayor in this issue, but what is truly shameful is his attack on Alberta’s cattle producers. How disgraceful for the Mayor of a city that uses its “Cowtown� heritage to drive its Stampede publicity machine to attack the very industry that established the city.

Every year Mayor Nenshi attends and speaks at the Old Time Rangemens’ Dinner – the annual gathering of Alberta’s ranching industry establishment. At that event he expounds profusely on the positive contribution of the cattle and beef industry to Calgary’s economy and history. Perhaps with his recent comments against the most critical component of the cattle industry he is showing how he really feels about the cattle industry. Shame on the Mayor!

Marching through acres More chatter about new crop acres continues help the grain market trade sideways as we moved past the halfway point in March.

It’s estimated that American producers are currently holding 55-60 per cent of their 2014/15 corn crop and about 20 per cent of their soybean crop (that’s a lot of bushels of corn left to sell while any shortfall in soybean supply will likely be substituted by South American supplies). Ultimately, analysts are all focused on acreage estimates and weather forecasts for the northern hemisphere. While parts of the U.S. Midwest are expected to get rained on this week, dry conditions are continuing to be seen throughout the rest of March in major winter wheat regions from Kansas down to Texas (remember though, wheat is a weed!).

Two legitimate farmer-based pre-seeding surveys came out recently for U.S. acreage numbers from Allendale Inc. and Farm Futures. Allendale expects corn acres are seen falling to their lowest level in five years at 88.5 million acres while Farm Futures is forecasting 88.34 million acres. This is well down from last year’s 90.6 million acres planted and the U.S.D.A.’s estimate of 89 million acres last month at their Outlook Forum.

Purdue University estimates that it’ll cost about $446 US/acre to grow corn this year (on average soil), compared to just $228 US/ acre for soybeans. Accordingly, Allendale expects U.S. soybean acreage at 86.05 million while Farm Futures says that it’ll actually be 87.25 million acres. Both estimates are a significant hike from 2014’s 83.7 million acres and he U.S.D.A.’s Outlook estimate of 83.5 million. In all likelihood, the number will likely be around have 85 million handle in front of it.

As for wheat, Farm Futures says that 55.6 million acres of the cereal will get planted this year in the U.S, in line with U.S.D.A. expectations but fairly below Allendale’s estimate of 56.68 million acres.

Allendale expectations are based of winter wheat acres falling by 1.95 million acres year-over-year (-4.6 per cent) to 40.45 million but some of that loss made up by spring wheat acreage at 14.5 million acres (up 3.7 per cent or 1.48 million acres year-over-year, most likely attributed to the drier spring).

Of more significance for some Canadian producers is that Allendale forecasts U.S. durum acres to grow by 325,000 (or +23 per cent yearover-year) to 1.72 million. With acreage in Western Canada also rising by about 20 per cent from 2014, total American-Canadian durum acreage in 2015 could be up by about 10 per cent year-overyear.

Overall, the next month or so will likely bring some volatility to the markets as the trade tries to sort through all the noise of new acreage estimates coming out. Locking in on some of the good basis levels we’re seeing right now isn’t a bad idea from my perspective. Also, look at locking in new crop acres with an Act of God clause seems to be a good bet (such deals available on FarmLead.com). Although other random opportunities are going to become available, keeping emotions in check and the long-term goal in mind is the proper course of action.

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).

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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

The Stettler Independent Page

Independent DISTRICT

13

Halkirk curling season winds up with fun day The Community had a fun day curling wind-up on Saturday, before turning off the plant for the season.11 kids, 16 adult and 15 spectators took part in the activities. They drew names out of the hat, played four-end games and didn’t bother to keep score. A few new curlers, who work in town for the wind farm joined the fun. Everyone had one or two last rink burgers.

The 2015 Calgary Stampede Rangeland derby canvas auction was held on March 19 in Calgary. Local chuckwagon driver, Layne MacGillivray, with the WPCA received the fourth highest bid and will be carrying the canvas for ATB Financial.

Congrats. The first race is in Grand Prairie in May. Several from our area attended the fun floor curling spiel in Endiang last Monday.

Edna Luft, Wendy Asbacher, Rose Koenraadt, Paul Dietrich, Adolf Heier and Anne Neilson were among those at the spiel.

The first weekend of spring brought several inches of white rain, adding welcome moisture to the fields.

Congratulations to TJ and Kendra Baird on the arrival of a 6 lb. 2 oz. baby boy, Jett Beau, born on March 20 in the Stettler hospital. Jett has two big brothers, Brody and Brandyn.Grandparents are Bob and Maxine Baird.Great grandparents are Earl and Marg Ross from Forestburg and Bill and May Jamieson from Stettler. This is the 29th great

Halkirk Herald ROSE KOENRAADT & DOROTHY ANDERSON grandchild for the Jamiesons.

Congratulations to Monte and Tracey Turre on the birth of a son, Henry Alexander, born on March 21 in Red Deer. Henry, who is named after his great-grandpa Turre, weighed 9 lb. 10 oz. He has a 14-monthold sister, Olivia. Proud grandparents are Dennis and Katie Turre. Great grandmas are Violet Turre and Dora Morasch.

Special birthday greetings go out to Anna Taylor, a resident of Heart Haven lodge, on the occasion of her 95th birthday on March 23.

Get well wishes to Jacquie Dietrich who is presently a patient in Calgary.

Ryan Dahmer and Luke Nibourg, who are regular curlers with Red Deer College, are entered with the men’s team in the Canadian National College play downs held in Olds next week.

Kent and Evelyn Johnson returned home on Thursday, having spent several weeks in the warmer weather of Nevada and Arizona.

Spending the weekend with their aunt, Irene Schilling were Ken and Tracey from

Gadsby/ Westwoods

PAULETTE HEER 403-574-2442

and Denis; Fred and Velvet (who now have four granddaughters). Great grandparents are Ben and Linda Nickerson (Kimberley, B.C.) and Esther Renschler (Castor). Kamryn was born in Stettler Hospital on Sunday morning, March

22. Mother and baby are doing well.

Kerri Pothier has been home and around town visiting. While here, she stayed with sister Kami and spent much time with her mom. She headed back to Fort McMurray on the weekend.

Sympathies to Earl Robinson on the passing of his sister-in-law Hilda (Kromm) Norman on March 14.

Wetlands are home to hundreds of plants and animal species–including one-third of Canada’s species at risk.

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With the spring come babies The beaver is back; the skunks are awake and flocks of geese have arrived.

Not to mention spring is here, snow and all!

With spring come new babies: Congratulations to Tom and Angela Bigney on the birth of their second daughter, Kamryn Jordan; weighing seven pounds six ounces, 21 inches long; a sister for Kalli; proud grandparents are Charlene

Calgary. They also visited with Dale and Wilda Nichols in Gadsby.

Coming up: March 26 and April 2 – Ham and Turkey Bingo at the Hall at

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Stettler Bantam A 2015 Provincial Championships held on March 12-15th was a huge success.

Thank you for the generous outpour of corporate sponsorship, raffle table donations, and endless volunteers from a variety of businesses and people in our community. We were absolutely overwhelmed with the support – and all the visiting teams were as well! We are so proud of our community on helping us making this year’s Bantam A Championship a success.

Stettler GM Halls Ind. Contracting Ltd. TKS Controls Vision Credit Union Brennan Auto Body Kal Tire Keith’s Refrigeration Hansel’s Excavating Lang Oilfield Services RiggerTalk.com DNR Pressure Welding Sean’s No Frills Gun’s “N” Games Source for Sports Stettler Independent TransCanada Pipelines LTD. Q93.3fm Chapman and Associates The Shoe Closet & Boutique JT Auto Body Walmart Johnson Connor Agencies Subway John’s Unified Valve Royal LePage Central Wells Furniture Flaretech Inc

Stettler Board of Trade Super 8 Stettler Bounty Onsite Tarpon Energy Deans Machine RMP Energy Inc. Centrica Metalex Hi-Line Farm Equip (Wetaskiwin) OK Tire Stella and Dot – Sara Hegberg Quattro Exploration Stettler Minor Hockey Teams & Families Performance Physio, Health & Fitness Jaygar Enterprises Nordstrom Dental Bruce and Tina Hogg Watson Welding ID Apparel Red Deer Orthodontics Global Power Intact Insurance Stettler Auction Mart Boys Financial Bob and Jonni Hegberg Rick Kessler Oilfield Consulting County of Stettler

Rainbow Hills Ranch A&W Control Tech-Grand Prairie Avramenko Family System Meter Calibration Action Sports Photos Ltd. Compass Well Servicing Baltimore Financial Services (Sunlife Financial) Boss Inspection Ramada CJ’s Welding Brenda’s Catering CMC (Clay Morrow Contracting) Party Maxx Central AB Co-op Wm. E. High School Camex GT. Hydraulic and Bearing Savage Drugs Allied Vessel Fabrication Boston Pizza Solution Corp Hinton Minor Hockey Assoc.

United Tank Inspection Ember Graphics Stettler Ag Society Stettler Rec Center Arena Staff

Page 14 The Stettler Independent

School council meeting will be informative Well, here we go with winter again but I think we are much better off than the Maritimes. Thank heaven for Alberta.

On Thursday, March 26, Mr. Ralph Cervi, a retired RCMP officer will be speaking at the school to the parents about internet privacy and the dangers for kids who are on the internet and what to do for protection against it. The student-led conference will precede Mr. Cervi’s informative session from 5 to 7 p.m. Spring break is the week from March 30 to April 3 with no school on April 6 for Easter Monday; and no school on Tuesday, April 7 for PD day. Swimming lessons start on April 9 and Nerd Dress up day is on April 10.

Please note that the Erskine Post Office will be closed Good Friday, April 3 and also April 6 for Easter Monday. There is no mail coming down from Edmonton on those days.

The County of Stettler is inviting all ratepayers to a meeting at the IOOF Hall at 7. This meeting is not only to be informative as to the budget and the plans for a new

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Independent DISTRICT

Erskine Enquirer PAT KELM 403-742-0604

machine shop and county office, but also for any issues or ideas that people may have.

Don’t forget crib playing on Wednesday afternoons at 1:30 p.m. at the seniors’ centre (you don’t have to be a senior to join in) and ceramics in the basement of the Waverly Club rooms at 1 on Wednesdays.

The knitting club will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, April 2 at the seniors’ centre at 7 p.m.

The Erskine United Church Women will be having their annual ham supper on Sunday, April 19 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Post Office or you can call Janet Rowledge at 742-3809.

Bylaw 1204/15 Public Hearing for Hamlet of Mirror Lacombe County Council gave first reading to Bylaw 1204/15 for the Hamlet of Mirror Area Structure Plan (ASP) on February 12, 2015. The ASP was developed based on direction from Council, input received from the community, comments received from various government agencies, an analysis of the plan area, and policies in the County’s planning documents. The plan identifies lands within the boundary of the Hamlet of Mirror for new industrial, recreational, commercial and residential development. A new H-R3 Mirror Residential Estate District has been created and Campground Intermediate and Campground Major have been made available in the Public Recreation H-PR District and the Commercial H-C District.

The aim of the ASP is to ensure that additional development opportunities are provided and that servicing options for potential development proposals are environmentally and economically responsible. This will help to ensure the long term sustainability of the Hamlet.

Spring Fling is next month What a snowstorm, I hope you didn’t get stuck out in it. It will provide the land with a lot of much needed moisture, so is very welcome.

It is with such sadness that I pass on the news of Doris (Pennock) Cawiezel’s funeral last Friday. She passed away on March 15 at the young age of 64 years, after a year long battle with cancer. She leaves behind her husband, Lorry, three sons, Craig, Lyle and Lee with their families, many extended family members as well as all of our community who knew her to be a real contributor to all that was going on in and around Rumsey.

It will be sad not to see her smiling face at every function from now on, I can only extend our sympathies to the family.

The Cawiezel family would like to encourage anyone who would like to make a donation in Doris’s name to donate to the Rumsey Hall Kitchen Fund. You will receive a tax deduction for your efforts and you can give it to any Ag Society member, but Kendra will be the best.

The Ag Society will be hosting the annual Spring Fling on April 18. Supper will run from 5 to 7 with the live and silent auctions to fol-

Rumsey Record PATTY STEEN 403-368-3820

low. There are always delicious desserts up for offer so you don’t want to miss out on this event.

The prize committee members will be calling around soon to different community people to see who would like to make those wonderful creations for this year, if you haven’t been on their list for a year or two, you might be up for one this year.

The Historical Society is busy at work getting the stories collected, so if you haven’t submitted one yet, hurry and get it together you don’t want to miss out on a chance to get your story in. If you are having trouble putting the words to paper, stop by the library on Wednesdays and I would love to help you with it. Remember the deadline is June 30, which isn’t very far away and the busy-ness of spring might get in your way.

I will wrap things up this week with something to lighten the

Wednesday, April 8, 2015 7:00 PM Mirror Community Hall 5109 50th Avenue, Mirror, AB (Corner of 50th Avenue and 52nd Street)

Lacombe County will be making a presentation highlighting important components of the draft plan. There will be an opportunity afterwards to provide feedback to Council on the proposed ASP. A copy of the proposed ASP may be obtained from the County’s Planning and Development Department or by visiting the County’s website at www.lacombecounty.com.

For more information, please contact: Peter Duke Planner/Development Officer (403) 782-6601 pduke@lacombecounty.com

In the backwoods of Arkansas, Mr. Stewart’s wife went into labor in the middle of the night.

The doctor was called in to assist in the delivery.

To keep the nervous father-to-be busy, the doctor handed him a lantern and said, “Here, you hold this high so I can see what I’m doing.� Soon, a baby boy was brought into the world. “Don’t be in a rush to put the lantern down. I think there’s yet another wee one to come.� Sure enough, within minutes he had delivered another baby. “Now don’t be in a great hurry to be putting down that lantern, young man. It seems there’s yet another!� cried the doctor.

The new father scratched his head in bewilderment and asked the doctor. “Do ya think it’s the light that’s attractin’ them?�

Have a good week.

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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

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Page 16 The Stettler Independent

Independent NEWS

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Little Big Valley achieves big success Mustafa Eric INDEPENDENT EDITOR The little village of Big Valley has accomplished a monumental task in hosting the Peewee D provincial tournament, actually the first time any provincial tournament has been organized by the village, which incidentally allowed the local boys to hoist the provincial championship banner in the end, again for the first time.

Lead organizers of the provincial tournament Dan and Andrea Webster said they were grateful for the support they received not only from the people and volunteers of Big Valley, but also for the “unbelievable” sponsorship support they were provided with “from all over the province.”

“Big Valley Minor Hockey Association decided to go ahead and apply to host the tournament just before the December 1 deadline,” said Dan Webster.

Then the association was notified that they were awarded the tournament on December 15 and then the hard work began.

“We had to lock down so many rooms

well in advance to be made available for visiting teams,” said Webster with reference to the hospitality facilities. ”We had some tidying up work, a lot of work in the dressing rooms, some painting on the benches,” said Andrea with regard to the renovation work done at the arena.

But it was also luck, which was on their side in addition to hard work: The scoreboard and the clock at the Big Valley arena was rather old, although still functional. As the organizers were looking for ways of replacing it, an opportunity popped up at an unlikely platform.

They saw an ad on the Kijiji classified ads website which said a little used scoreboard and digital game clock was available for whoever wanted to grab it, free of charge.

“It was just there for us to pick it up,” said, and “then we had to figure out how to put it up,” said Andrea.

Organizers said a core group of 1015 people led the volunteer effort with more than 100 people from the community volunteering countless hours of their time to make the tournament a big success.

FOR THE PATH LESS CHOSEN.

Mustafa Eric/Independent Editor

Captains of the host team Thunders and the Zone 1 champions shake hand after the symbolic puck drop by county councillor Dave Grover, declaring the provincial tournament open of Friday, March 20.

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Page 18 The Stettler Independent

ADVERTISING DEADLINE

Well done, Thunders!

FRIDAY AT 5 P.M.

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Phone 403-742-2395 • Fax: 403-742-8050

Congratulations to the Big Valley Thunder Peewee hockey team for their awesome win at the Peewee D Hockey Alberta Provincial Tournament

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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Independent DISTRICT

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held this past weekend here in Big Valley. Great work team, coaches and all the hard working parents and volunteers.

The Big Valley Oil Kings are holding their 2014/2016 awards banquet on Saturday, April 11 at the Big Valley Jubilee Hall.

Cocktails begin at 5 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m. Award presentations, which include service and volunteer awards, BRHL League awards and player awards, will begin at 7 p.m. The evening rounds off with a cabaret beginning at 9 p.m. Come out and spend an evening with the Kings. Everyone is welcome.

For more information or tickets, call Dustin at 403740-5483.

The Big Valley United Church’s annual ham supper and silent auction takes place this coming Sunday, March 29 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Jubilee Hall. Come on out to share in a great meal and some community fellowship.

Easter season services to be held at the Big Valley United Church include Palm Sunday, March 29 and Easter Sunday, April 5 at 11 a.m.

The Big Valley Historical Society’s new museum building can now boast heat and finished gyproc. Now it’s nice and warm inside for ev-

Big Valley Bulletin LINDA STILLINGER 403-876-2479 eryone who continues to work hard to prepare the museum for the upcoming tourist season. A big thank you to all the volunteers who have stepped in to help with this major building project.

Fifteen people came out for crib at the Big Valley Inn on Sunday, March 22. Lawrence Wilkie took first place, Stan Nattestad took second and Gail Johnson took third. Mary Wilkie took home the booby and Betty Bell won the regular draw while Earl Ortman won the 50/50.

Thanks to all who came out this week. The next crib tournament begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 29.

At the Big Valley Drop in Centre’s Wednesday, March 18 crib, first went to Lynne, second to Ron and third was a tie between Bob and Earl.

The Big Valley Dropin Centre’s next potluck and monthly meeting will be on Tuesday, April 14 at 12 noon. Canasta is scheduled for Mondays and Fridays at 7 p.m. and floor curling takes place

every Tuesday and Friday afternoon at 1 p.m.

On Wednesday, April 1, the drop-in will be hosting the Alberta 55 Crib Tournament beginning at 10 a.m. The drop-in centre is open from 8 a.m. to 9:30 or 10 a.m. every morning for coffee. Last reminder for memberships, which are due by the end of March.

The Big Valley Inn have organized a pool tournament to be held this coming Saturday, March 28 beginning at 2 p.m. All entry fees go to prizes. Everyone is welcome.

Big Valley School kindergarten registration has started for the 2015-16 school year! You are encouraged to register your child early so an accurate count for next year’s classes can be compiled.

Feel free to pass on this information to parents of children who will be 5 by the end of December 2015. Please register your child as soon as possible. Stop by the Big Valley School or call 403-866-2271 for more information.

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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

The Stettler Independent Page

Independent DISTRICT

19

Busy opening day at Byemoor Hotel About 70 people descended on the hamlet of Endiang for the St. Patrick’s floor curling funspiel on Monday. Sixteen teams were made up of players from Botha, Castor, Delia, Drumheller, Endiang, Halkirk, Hanna, Round Hill and Stettler.

In a funspiel the players from the various communities are mixed, so everyone gets to meet new people. Many were dressed in their finest green Irish attire for the occasion.

The winning team was made up of Hans Cluver, Stettler; Joan Morrison, Delia; Bob Boswell, Big Valley and Jean Jackson, Botha.

Traveling the farthest to the funspiel was Joe and Karen Hogg of Round Hill, north of Camrose.

Joe and Karen (Knowles) Hogg grew up at Endiang and Byemoor.

Congratulations to Ty-

Byemoor/ Endiang News

LES AND ROSEMARY STULBERG 403-579-2403

son and Kary Lyn Keith on the birth of their second son Boden James Keith on March 16 at the Drumheller hospital. Boden weighed nine pounds two ounces and is also welcomed by big brother Jace.

Congratulations also go to the local grandparents Pat and Sandra Keith and great-grandma Mike Keith.

Jean Mappin had the top score at the Endmoor Drop-in Centre’s crib night on Tuesday while Doug Harrold placed second. The next crib meet will be on April 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Congratulations to Endmoor’s Jack Hayden

on winning the PC nomination at the vote in Hanna on Saturday with a decisive 66 percent of the vote. Jack’s name will now be on the ballot for the next provincial election.

A big congratulations is in order for the Big Valley-Byemoor Peewee Thunder hockey team on winning the gold medal at the Provincial D Pee Wee Tournament in Big Valley on the weekend. They defeated the team from Raymond in the final.

The boys played hard and made their communities very proud. The team was the host of the tournament. Hats-off also goes to all those parents and volunteers who did an excellent job of organizing the successful event.

The Byemoor Hotel officially opened under the new management of Joyce Campbell and Bruce Gallagher on Fri-

Fundraiser at the hall on Saturday Kasheen Clouson DONALDA DIARY Living Hope Camp ninth annual FUNdraiser evening will be on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. at Donalda Hall. Advance tickets only. $25/person, ages 5-12 $10, 5 and under free. Call Wade 403883-2566 for tickets. Come out for fun evening and support a wonderful cause.

The Donalda Library’s next book to movie book club will meet Thursday, March 26, when they will feature The Lorax. The Donalda Library will also be hosting a Lego Challenge day on Tuesday March 31, for ages 4 and up. It will be held from 2pm- 4pm. Come and see what you can build.

Donalda Community Arts Society will be hosting a weekly art class throughout the month of April featuring acrylic painting lessons. There will be a meet and greet with the instructor April 2 at 7 p.m. to pick up a supplies list and to register. If you have any questions please e-mail me at kasheen.clouson@hotmail.com Birthday wishes this week go out to Amanda O’Malley Viske, Kelly Halseth, Mason Walker, Sheena Lovelace, Dawson Nixon, Mike Swedberg, SteveSideritsch, Aiden Mueller, Frank Sutton, Zachary Fisher, Jessica Nelson, Brad Jaffray, Carla Hillestad, Colby Norman, Edwina Friberg, and Breanna Hofer. Happy birthday to all and best wishes!

HEY ALBERTA, DO YOU KNOW A GREAT VOLUNTEER? The Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association (AWNA) and Direct Energy are now accepting nominations for the 2015 Alberta Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award to recognize someone who goes above and beyond to help others in the community.

Nominations are open to all residents served by AWNA newspapers with the award going to the person who 15034DD1 most exemplifies the volunteer spirit. As a reward for giving so much, a $5,000 donation will be made to a community organization of the winner’s choice. Pretty nice, right?

Submitting nominations is easy.

Just visit directenergy.com/vcoy or awna.com today.

Nominations close Friday, April 17, 2015. © 2015 Direct Energy. All Rights Reserved. Direct Energy and the Lightning Bolt design are registered trademarks or trademarks of Direct Energy Marketing Limited in the United States and/or Canada used under license, as applicable. DER-186706-0315

day. They were off to a busy start with Deanne Walker’s 18th birthday celebration at the hotel on Friday evening. On Saturday evening Jenelle Hassett, fiancée of Cliff James, celebrated her 30th birthday with a large gathering of family and friends at the hotel. The Saturday pizza night also saw more than 50 pizzas sold. Best of luck with your new venture, Joyce and Bruce.

The curling team of John Schofer, Eugene Nixon, Tyler Stulberg and Ken Gallagher from Endmoor participated in the Big Valley men’s bonspiel, which wrapped up on Saturday. They placed in the B event.

Sympathy is extended to the Duncan family on the sudden passing of Dewey Duncan on March 19 in Ontario. He was 52. Dewey was raised on a farm north of Endiang and was the secondyoungest of Donald and Irene Duncan’s five chil-

Contributed photo

The winning team from the St. Patrick’s Funspiel in Endiang. From left, Hans Cluver, Joan Morrison, Bob Boswell and Jean Jackson. dren. Dewey attended school in Endiang and Byemoor and was active in the Endiang 4-H beef club. Our thoughts are with the family in their sad loss.

Happy Birthday wishes are sent to David Buchwitz who celebrates his 65th birthday on March 26. We hope you are enjoying being on the government payroll, David.

We also send birthday wishes to Agnes Sorensen, who is celebrating her 92nd birthday on

March 30. Enjoy your special day Agnes and best wishes for many more.

Mark your calendars for the 21st annual Byemoor Bull-a-rama coming up on Friday, April 17 at the Endmoor Arena in Byemoor. Doors open at 6 p.m. and there will be beef on a bun served, a mini-trade show, bull riding and a dance.

Thought for the day — “A grudge is the heaviest thing to carry. Choose forgiveness instead.”

al ion Reg

2015 Stettler Trade Show 35 Years of Stettler Trade Show Newspaper Promotion Reach your target market where your message will be seen and make your investment in the trade show pay profitable.

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Page 20 The Stettler Independent

Project Week in full swing This week, we would like to start off by congratulating Taylor Marko and Aubrey Carl for winning the Shine FM radio contest. Their radio ad for Stettler Rentals can be heard on Shine FM. Great work! Be The Change would once again like to remind everyone that we are still accepting donations for the #StettlerWellChallenge. If you would like to donate, please stop by the high school office or donate on like at: http:// wellchallenge.wix.com/ stettler ]wellchallenge. wix.com/stettler.

Last week, and continuing this week, students have been participating in project week. Science students worked on bigger lab projects, the Comm Tech 20/30 students and Mechanics students are producing “How to” videos which may include some zombies, the English department is continuing its tradition of Poetry SLAM, the Foods students are participating in Iron Chef (Wm. E. Hay style), and Math students are working on designing spaces using Math. Many more projects were happening last week. Yesterday and today students continued working on project week, updates to come.

In athletics, badminton has begun practicing. Athletes are working hard to get ready for their upcom-

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Independent SCHOOL ZONE

Wildcat Corner

HANNAH MCKAY

ing competitions.

The school administration team is starting to plan for next year’s programs and courses. Throughout the month of April students who are currently attending Wm. E. Hay and students who will be coming in next year will be learning about the wide variety of courses that are being offered. Parents can attend an information evening on April 16, 7 p.m. in the cafeteria where the administration will be discussing programming for next year.

In our school, students order from the cafeteria every day, but we thought we would shed some light on what the students who work in the cafeteria do.

Mackenzie Hankins works as a cashier in the cafeteria at comfort break everyday.

On Monday and Wednesday, she works the debit till, and on Tuesdays, she helps out the other students working in the cafeteria.

She creates floats and calculates profits, as well as getting the cash from Ms. Lavallee every morning.

Thank you to all the students who work very hard in the cafeteria! That’s all for this week!

CKCS prepares their Heart for Easter By: Elli Anderson & Abbey Bohn, Grade 8 Students Returning to school after a long weekend is hard. However, ChristKing resumed their regular routines with gusto on March 9.

All Christ-King teachers enjoyed Teacher’s Convention and returned safely to Stettler. Many fantastic sessions were held over the two day workshop; providing teachers the opportunity to learn and collaborate with each other. “It was fantastic to brainstorm ideas and solutions with other teachers. There are so many different backgrounds and experiences that people bring to the convention; I collected quite a few creative teaching techniques that I want to try in the class” said Miss Kroes, a junior-high teacher.

The total amount is in: Christ-King officially raised $7349.35 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation! All students should be extremely proud of their efforts. CKCS blew their goal of $1500 out of the water and had an amazing Jump Rope for Heart Day. Well-done Christ-King!

On March 11, before the long weekend, Christ-King participated in World Day of Prayer. When hearing the word Bahamas, many Canadians picture a place of luxury, relaxation, and beauty.

However, it is an area that is stricken with poverty and misfortune. The entire student body joined together in the gym for a presentation led by Liana Bohn, the Grade 1 teacher. Mrs. Bohn had prepared videos and a PowerPoint on the Bahamas. Together, ChristKing spent the time learning and praying for those in the Bahamas that are in need of assistance.

The third week of Lent was celebrated on March 10. Led by the Grade 8/9 class, they taught the student body

Contributed photo

Art students travelled to Colour Me Mind in Red Deer on March 12. Each student worked with glass infusion to create a beautiful piece of work. about the Gospel of the Messiah proving to a woman that he was indeed the Son of God; and he was there to offer the Living Water. In preparing our hearts for Easter, Christ-King attended Mass on March 13. Father Don’s message was also similar in that we should follow the Golden Rule: “Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.” Following Mass, staff and students gathered in the Parish Hall for soup lunch with other community members. All donations from soup

lunch goes to Development and Peace.

On March 16, CKCS celebrated the fourth week of Lent. Led by the Grade 4/5 class, they talked about giving glory to God, and how his kindness shows no limit. Giving his one and only Son to save us, was the ultimate demonstration of love.

On March 17, all students and staff wore green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. We all look forward to wearing purple on March 26 for National Epilepsy Awareness Day.

Stettler Curling Club Year-end Windup & Sponsor Appreciation Night

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Wednesday, April 8, 2015 7:00 p.m. at the Stettler Curling Club

5021 - 50 Street Stettler, AB email: info@bairddentureclinic.com

Everyone Welcome

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

The Stettler Independent Page

Independent SCHOOL ZONE

21

Lots of St. Patrick’s Day fun at SES Pat Johnson STETTLER ELEMENTARY NEWS Top ‘O The Week The Week To You! Although St. Patrick’s Day has passed, the decorations and exciting memories of the special week continue in Stettler Elementary. The annual Leprechaun Trap extravaganza occurred once again this year. Kindergarten students arrived Tuesday morning with their traps in tow. The traps were set with great care strategically around the school.

However, at the time of this writing, none of the elusive little fellows had taken consideration of the bait. In spite of the empty traps, students reported that they had spotted some green leprechaun tracks and notice that a few items had been mysteriously scattered about their classrooms. Hmm? While the kindergarten focused on catching leprechauns, the rest of the students celebrated the day in a variety of other ways. Mrs. Lang’s Grade 1 class enjoyed a special St. Pat’s dice game during math before listening to The Pet Leprechaun and Who Means More to Us Than Gold? In Mrs. Sylvester’s class, the students were delighted when the central character in their story, The Lost Leprechaun, was found.

Edible math games were the choice activity in Grade 2. The students from Mrs. Starling’s and Mrs. Boyd-Stadelmann’s classes joined Mrs. Hunter’s class in graphing leprechaun information. Following the graphing, they gobbled up the Lucky Charms used in the activity. Likewise, Mrs. Geddes’ students received eight marshmallow treats, each with a shamrock or similar St. Patrick’s related symbol stamped on it and then charms were used to graph the symbols. When the graphing was complete, the results were shown to St. Patty’s Perfect, who gave the nod of approval, and the whole lot was devoured.

Gleaming gold coins appeared everywhere and some St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes were even smuggled into Mrs. van Ringen’s class for the students to enjoy. It must have been the Leprechaun, himself! Mrs. Lynn’s class also participated in some math graph-

ing lessons……and Lucky Charms…..and eating!

Mrs. Boyd’s class made up their own activities specific to the St. Patrick’s Day, brought in some yummy snacks, and decorated the classroom. Grade five students were not to be left out of the fun. The lilt of Irish music emanated from Mr. Howell’s class, and Mr. Thorne’s students completed 2D and 3D math and art projects that contained hidden shamrocks. Once the projects were finished, the students took them to the younger students to see if the shamrocks could be found. Fun and treats made St Patrick’s Day a fun experience in all the classrooms.

In addition to all the St. Patrick’s Day fun, it was also Crazy Daze! Students and staff were encouraged to use their wildest imagination and dress as crazy as

Contributed photo

Mrs. Geddes’s Grade 2 Fairytale plays for parents: Rumplestiltskin (L to R):Larissa Shuman, Kole Lang, Ethan Raab, Kane Beyeler, Mikaela Breker, Aaron Sierra. they dared. The crazy combos of clothing all included some touch of green.

Another highlight of the week, were the Fairytale Plays Mrs. Geddes’ Grade 2 class performed for their parents and a couple classes of younger students.

They performed “The Ugly

Duckling,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” and “Rumpelstiltskin.” The students worked very hard on memorizing their lines and learning specific actions. The students were also given the task of finding how the characters in their plays followed or did not follow the

7 Habits. Following their presentations, the students explained to the audience how the characters in each play related to the 7 Habits. Parents and students lingered after the performance and enjoyed a sweet treat. Thank you to Mrs. Geddes and her students for the wonderful performance.

What a lovely way to spend Thursday afternoon!

The library is hosting an “ILLUSTRIOUS LIBRARY LEADERS” identification contest all for our Grade 4 and 5 students.

Students are invited to try to identify our somewhat disguised library volunteers in order to enter their names into a draw for prizes. We are grateful for, and proud of, the awesome students who give of their time each week to help keep our school library running top notch. We want to hon-

our their efforts. As well, the purpose of this contest is to promote leadership through volunteerism! We will have to wait until after Spring Break to learn who the winners will be.

Friday wound down with a monthly assembly. Students enjoyed the featured presentation put on by all of the Grade 3 students.

They presented Habit #4: Think Win-Win. The habit focuses on solving problems by listening to other people’s point of view and making compromises so everyone wins. The students did a great job illustrating the habit and their audience enjoyed the music and actions. Following the presentation, Mrs. Fischer refreshed everyone’s memory of the many great goings-on at SES this past month. It has certainly been a busy time.

Erskine Curling Club would like to congratulate the final winners from our past 2015 ladies and men’s bonspiel We would also like to thank all curlers that took part in both bonspiels. We are very honored and pleased to have such a great response to our curling club.

Women’s A Event Sponsored by Jude’s Liquor Store (Skip) Daylon Brown, Brett Bignell, Deneen Brown, Diane Rattray

Women’s B Event Sponsored by Buffalo Lake Charolais (Skip) Teresa Kneeland, Wendy Meston, Kim Klatt, Shianne Klatt

A big Thank You and tip of the hat to all individuals and businesses that donated to both bonspiels this year. Your support that was given is hugely, valued by the club. We would rather say thanks to all, than to forget to mention somebody.

Finally a big Thank You to all club members that worked hard in the kitchen, bar and volunteering to do all the jobs that go unnoticed, without that commitment from you folks we would not have such a great success here in Erskine.

Men’s A Event Sponsored by Jude’s Liquor Store (Skip) Miles Armstrong, Brady Armstrong, Josh Rairdan, Ty Smith

Men’s B Event Sponsored by Reinbold Petroleum (Skip) Grant Riggins, Don Bonham, Wayne Potter, Lorne Keeping

Men’s C Event Sponsored by Cervus (Skip) Kent MacKenzie, Jason Candlish, Graham Backen, Scott Hamilton

Women’s C Event

Men’s D Event

Sponsored by Wells Furniture (Skip) Christine Erichsen, Lisa Duffin, Carolyn Erichsen, AJ Armstrong

The Erskine Curling Club requires an Ice Techinician for the 2015-2016 season. Call if interested.

Sponsored by Stettler Auction Mart (Skip) Brian Mose, Daryl Roberts, Dale Brown, Steve Pennock

Page 22 The Stettler Independent

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Independent SPORTS

Mustafa Eric/Independent editor

Kasey Hiemstra scores against Kitscoty on Friday, March 20 in the Thunders’ second game of the tournament in Big Valley.

Big Valley Thunders provincial champions Mustafa Eric INDEPENDENT EDITOR Big Valley’s Peewee Thunders made the best of the opportunity to compete in the Peewee D provincial tournament by way of hosting the event and came out victorious at the end lifting the championship banner after a spectacular 11-1 win in the final game.

The Thunders hosted seven teams, champions of the seven zones in the province in the tournament, which started on Thursday, March 19 and ended on Sunday, March 22.

In their first game against Clive, the Thunders did not feel really challenged and comfortably won with a 3-0 score against the neighbouring team. Kasey Hiemstra (2) and Chase Skocdopole were the authors of the scores.

In their second game against Kitscoty on Friday, March 20, the Thunders opened an early lead but became a little complacent, allowing the opponents to the chance to stage a comeback, but the cushion they had built early in the game saved the hosts from having to go to an overtime to win. When

the final buzzer went off, the scoreboard showed 6-4 in favor of the Thunders with the goals coming from Kasey Hiemstra (3), Coy Skocdopole, Rhett Walker and Robin Schipper.

The third game came as another easy one with the local boys defeating Pembina Pirates with a score of 8-4. In this game, Kasey Hiemstra exploded with energy, scoring six of the eight points for the Thnuders with the remaining two goals coming from Daniel Brown and Rhett Walker.

Sunday morning, the Peewee boys took

on Delburne in the semi finals and defetated them, too with a comfortable margin: 5-3. The goals came from Rhett Walker (2), Daniel Brown (2) and Kasey Hiemstra.

And then came the championship game.

Despite having played a game in the morning, the Thunders showed no sings of exhaustion as they pummeled the Raymond Ice goal with shot after shot after shot. The result was a resounding 11-1 win. The goals came from Daniel Brown (3), Kasey Hiemstra (3), Chase Walker (2) Rhett Walker (2) and Jacob Webster.

Big Valley man fills in and wins big Joel van der Veen INDEPENDENT REPORTER Last week was apparently meant to be the time for Big Valley to brag.

Mike Copeman Photography

Zeke Thurston of Big Valley rides in style at the Canadian Finals Rodeo last year at Rexall Place in Edmonton. Thurstom won the Canadian championship in novice saddle bronc.

In addition to the Peewee Thunders claiming a provincial title, a local cowboy won the big prize in an international rodeo event.

A no-show at RodeoHouston this past weekend ended up netting a Big Valley man more than $50,000 in prize money.

Zeke Thurston was spending the winter in Texas with family friends when he received a call, asking if he’d like to take part in RodeoHouston, filling in for a competitor who didn’t show up.

Like the Calgary Stampede, RodeoHouston is an invite-only rodeo, so Thurston otherwise wouldn’t have been competing at all.

Despite being only 20 years old, and a rookie at RodeoHouston, Thurston continued to handle the horses like a pro and kept winning, eventually edging out two-time World Champ Taos Muncy with a score of 89, just one point ahead.

In addition to the $50,000 USD, Thurston will bring home a trophy and a belt buckle.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Independent SPORTS

The Stettler Independent Page

23

Stettler Midget C miss league championship opportunity Mustafa Eric INDEPENDENT EDITOR Stettler Midget C Storm succumbed to a powerful comeback effort by Ponoka’s Midget B Wespro Stampeders in the Tier 4 league championship game last Thursday, March 19, which they lost with a score of 7-6 in the last 30 seconds.

The Ponoka side had won the first game of the best-of-three series in Stettler but the Storm won the second game in Ponoka, leaving the decisive final game to be played in Stettler.

The first period of the game ended with a 1-0 lead for the hosts with Scott Verhoeven having opened the scoring.

Early in the second, the Storm scored three more in quick succession, two by Ryan Mielke and another one by Verhoeven, making it to a four-point cushion as the clock ticked past the mid-point of the second period, with Ponoka fans wondering whether they drove all the way there to see a resounding defeat.

Just into the last five minutes of the

second period, however, Ponoka scored, a goal that became something of a magic wand: Stampeders were fired up by their first point and scored four more, two of them within a matter of 60 seconds in the third, leaving the hosts Storm in a state of complete shock.

Then came the last three minutes, a true nailbiter period, in the real sense of the word: Ponoka scored again to make it 6-4 for the visitors, but a minute later Storm responded through Tristen Bryce making it 6-5. Then just 44 seconds left to the buzzer, Mielke struck once more.

Now the score was tied at six apiece, and as both benches and fans started to think that there would be overtime, but Ponoka would not let the title slip away and they scored just 33 seconds from the final buzzer sealing the final result.

There was huge jubilation by the visitors at the end of the game, fans of both teams were glad to see high class hockey from their youth and hosts were sad to have lost their opportunity to raise the championship banner.

Mustafa Eric/Independent editor

Ryan Mielke scores against Ponoka Midget Stampeders in their league championship game on Thursday, March 19 at the Stettler Rec Centre.

FIREARM SAFETY

CANADIAN COURSE This is the course you need to get your firearms license.

Saturday, April 4, 8 am Ponoka Legion 3911 Hwy 2A Non-restricted course and exam $120 Restricted Firearms exam available $100 Combined $200

To register call Guy 780-461-7686

THE STETTLER FIGURE SKATING CLUB PRESENTS Contributed photo

Stettler U14 indoor soccer during the provincials in Calgary: Back row (l-r) Caleb Miles, Cole Nichols, Chase Cheater, Cassie Diegel, Kyla Johnston, Avery Chick, Rachel Dietrich, Gabe Miles. Front Row l-r Steele Nichols, Nick Ruddell, Joel Gustavson. missing coaches Kelly Cheater and Colby Miles.

Quiet achievers: U14 Indoor soccer team had a great season Submitted by Kelly Cheater Coach This past winter I was very fortunate to be part of the U14 Boys indoor soccer team, which consisted of seven young men and four young ladies.

We played in the Central Alberta Soccer Association league and our season started in October of 2014.

The league consisted of teams from Camrose, Lacombe, two from Red Deer and our own from

Stettler. All our games were played in either Camrose or Red Deer and we held our practices in the Stettler Elementary School gym.

Being a small town team, we had a few obstacles to overcome. Where most teams played with up to 18 players, our Stettler team played with 11players and we did not have the most ideal facility to practice this specific game in, although we are very appreciative for the use of the facility.

Stettler was the only team in our league and provincials that had a combination of boys and girls. This group of kids had amazing attitudes and put 100 per cent effort into each game and practice. Our team surprised a lot of other teams and coaches with their level of play. March 7, 2015, we played Camrose for the league championship game and ended up in second place after a great game.

From there, the weekend of

March 14, we went on to the Alberta provincials in Calgary. After a very exciting and hard played weekend, they ended up winning two out of their three games, putting us in seventh place out of 12 teams.

As a coach, I couldn’t have asked anything more out of the players, they absolutely played their hearts out and it made for some very exciting soccer. Also, a big thank you to the parents for their support and encouragement.

Saturday, March 28, 2015 5:00 PM Stettler Recreation Centre Tickets Available at the Door

Tickets $5.00/ea Children 5 & Under Free

Page 24 The Stettler Independent

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Independent COMMUNITY

Stacey Lavallie/Independent reporter

Spring arrives with strawberries and tea - The Springtime Strawberry Tea at the Hub on Saturday, March 21, drew in people hungry for some springtime companionship and shortcake. The organizers worked hard to prepare the shortcake, slice strawberries and make whipped cream for the delicious snacks. From left are Hazel Yucker, Fern Borgel, Florence Walker and Sara Pasichnyk.

SALE DATES

Mart

Stettl

uct er A ion

Si

Phone (403) 742-2368

Regular Sales ~ Tuesdays - 9 a.m. website: www.stettlerauction.ab.ca

n c e 19 5 3

Box 1238, Stettler, AB

Note: Online bidding and viewing each sale at 11 a.m. see stettlerauction.ab.ca Tuesday, March 31

REGULAR CATTLE SALE – 500 to 1000 head

LOOKING AHEAD BULL SALES: Friday, April 24 - Last Chance Bull Sale - Open consignment, all breeds plus cow/calf pairs, bred cows

FARM AUCTIONS: Saturday, May 2 - David Broderson - Halkirk.

Wednesday, May 6 - Trevor Vallet - Vallet Herefords -

Daffodils springing up Stacey Lavallie INDEPENDENT REPORTER The bright daffodil, with its yellow petals and trumpet, is one of the first flowers to burst from the soil in the spring, and has come to represent not only the hope of a new season, but hope to an end of

cancer.

The Canadian Cancer Society will be selling bunches of the bright flowers at Sobeys and No Frills in Stettler on Friday and Saturday, March 27-28, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The bunches, which come with between eight to 10 stems, sell for $6, with proceeds going to the so-

ciety, organizer Judy De Mos said.

The money raised by the society goes to research into curing and preventing the various types of cancer that afflict hundreds of thousands of Canadians every year, as well as funding preventative education for those cancers which can be prevented.

Bashaw.

Saturday, May 9 - Niel Bliss - Stettler - Acreage property, equipment and household auction - in East Stettler Friday, June 5 - Multi-owner Consignment Auction Tools, household, estates, small equipment at Stettler Agriplex.

Saturday, June 20 - Consignment Equipment Auction at Stettler Auction Mart - Estates, machinery, vehicles, RVs, Tools, Misc. Real Estate.

Weekly show alley Cattle Sale, internet, regular ring: We treat “your” livestock as if they were “ours.”

Call for details.

HORSE SALES: Thursday, March 26 - All breeds & types - 5 p.m.

Saturday, May 30 - Annual Spring Horse Sale

HEARTLAND BUSINESS PARK Highway #12 - east Stettler NOW SELLING Commercial Properties - Highway Frontage - Fully Serviced - The work is done!

Smaller lots available. Price incentives to early buyers.

Central Alberta’s gateway to the east Call Jim or Greg - 742-2368 for full details!

Mineral — Salt — Corral Panel Sales For all your needs phone 403-742-2368

Stacey Lavallie/Independent reporter

Read and Rhyme celebrated the first day of spring with a special spring event, where children and parents were able to plant seeds, dig through dirt, colour and take part in crafts. Here, Natasha Gonda colours a tree picture with her daughter Felicity, 2.

Stettler Auction Mart (1990) Ltd. Lic. #00354 Auctioneers: Allen McMillan Dick Creasey Greg Johnson Scott Douglas Terry Silbernagel Office Administrator: Lona Benjamin Sales Reps: Greg Hayden - 403-740-9610; Jim Abel - 403-740-9609; Brad Lohr - 780-679-5500; Dick Creasey - 403-740-9434

Correction In the March 11 edition of the Stettler Independent, in the

story headlined “The Stettler Shoe Store sponsors…”,_the amount of

the reward Agnel Magnussen was given was reported as $25,000. The

actual figure is said to be $100,000. We regret the error.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Page 25

Independent CLASSIFIEDS

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

6 PACK

8 PACK

ADPACK

ALL IN 1

CLASSIFIEDS 1-877-223-3311 CALL TOLL FREE:

announcements Obituaries

Obituaries

NORMAN HILDA 1919 - 2015 Hilda Norman passed away at the Stettler Hospital and Care Centre, Stettler, Alberta on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at the age of 95 years. Hilda was born at Prairie Grove, Alberta on May 22, 1919, the first child of Conrad and Eva Kromm.

She grew up on the farm and went to school at Prairie Grove School. Hilda married Arnold Norman on October 29, 1941.

They had a daughter Beverly and a son Deryl. Hilda and Arnold farmed at Spruce Coulee District until they retired in the spring of 1978. She enjoyed gardening, especially her flower beds, she also enjoyed crafts, visiting and playing cards with family and friends. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. Left to cherish Hilda’s memory is her daughter Beverly (Helmut) Rompfer, her son Deryl (Norma) Norman, four grandchildren Andy, Bobby (Charlene), Barbara (Daryl) Rompfer and Shirley Norman (Greg), four great grandchildren Tamara, Justin, Ashley and Nicole Rompfer, two brothers-in-law Arnie Norman and Earl Robinson, three sisters-in-law Pat Norman, Myrtle Norman and Ruth Kromm and her nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Hilda was predeceased by her husband Arnold in 1987, parents Conrad and Eva, brothers Wilfred and Donald, sisters Mabel and Ada, brother-in-law Harold Simon, and sister-in-law Isobel Kromm. Funeral services were held at Brennen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 4819 - 49 Street, Stettler, Alberta on Friday, March 20, 2015 at 1:30 p.m.

Interment took place at Spruce Coulee Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy and in loving memory of Hilda, memorial contributions may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation and to the Spruce Coulee Cemetery in care of Brennen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Box 193 Stettler, Alberta, TOC 2LO who have been entrusted with the care and arrangements.

In Memoriam IN MEMORY OF LORNA RACHAEL MCTAGGART who passed March 25, 2014 May the wind of heaven blow softly and whisper in your ear How much we love and miss you and wish that you were here.

Your loving family

CLASSIFIEDS

The Stettler

Obituaries

JOHNSTON NELSON (BRUCE) Oct.16, 1920 - Mar. 17, 2015 Bruce Johnston of Stettler, AB., passed away in Hospital with Family by his side on March 17th, 2015 at the age of 94. He is survived by his wife Gladys, his Sons Don (Janice), Roy (Gail), four Grandchildren Cody, Kirk, Amie Mullen(Paul), Colin (Christine), one Great Grand Son Marlow (Kirk), all from Calgary. Two step children Roxy Turnbull (Drew) of Calgary, Miles McBride (Colleen) of Okotoks, and six step grand children. He is predeceased by his wife Phyllis, and brother Clarence.

Bruce joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in Trenton, Ontario after high school, working as an Instrument aircraft technician. He married Phyllis of Toronto, moved to Claresholm, AB., then to Morrin, AB., and settled in Rumsey, AB., farming for 30 years, before retiring to Stettler in 1974.

Bruce loved singing, dancing, biking, skating, skiing, camping, fishing, floor curling and playing cards. He was still biking and skating at 90! He loved his family and friends, and lived life to the fullest. He liked a good joke and a good laugh. He was always up for a sing along, a jig, and maybe a beverage or 2.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Prostate Cancer Centre at 6500-7007 14 St. S.W. Calgary, AB. T2V 1P9. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday March 28th, 2015, at 1:00 PM, at the United Church, 4820, 51 St, in Stettler, AB., with Reverend Mervyn Penfound presiding.

INDEPENDENT

Classifieds PLEASE READ YOUR AD Advertisers should read their ad the FIRST DAY IT APPEARS and report any errors in time for the next publication.

The Stettler Independent is responsible for only the first incorrect insertion.

RATES: Word Ads - 1st Week 25 Words 1-25 $16.32 each week after $14.28 additional words .27 cents ea.

Garage Sale ads $21.85 addditional words .30 cents ea.

(5% gst must be added )

MERRELL Trudy Jane ( nee Grant) Nov 19, 2014 Trudy was born in Stettler to Dick (predeceased) and Eva Grant of the Fenn area.

Although she lost to cancer last November in White Rock B.C., a Celebration of Life was delayed until her favorite season spring and will now be held May 2nd 2015 at the Kozy Korners 5024 53rd St. Lacombe at 1:00 p.m. All are welcome to come and share.

DEADLINE:.

MONDAYS @ NOON Classified Hotline 1-877-223-3311

Card Of Thanks

Card Of Thanks THANK YOU! We would like to thank Stettler Home care and Meals on Wheels for enabling Aunt Nancy Ferrier to stay in her own home. Also we would like to thank the Red Deer Hospice for their special care.

Warmest thanks to Nancy’s neighbours and friends for their many kindnesses.

We would like to express our gratitude to Rev. Lamers for the special service, Elaine Hennel for providing the music, Sylvie and staff from Brennen’s Funeral Home for making the arrangements and Botha UCW for making the lunch.

The family would like to thank everyone who attended Aunt Nancy’s funeral, for the flowers, cards and memorial tributes to the Botha Woodland Cemetery, Cancer Fund and the Red Deer Hospice.

With our grateful thanks, THE WALTERS FAMILY

Say more with an Announcement

THE family of Julius Duris, DeLores and Barb, would like to thank everyone that helped Julius through the last few months of his life. The doctors and nurses of both the Foothills in Calgary and the Stettler Hospital were marvellous. Also a big thank you to all the wonderful friends from near and far who helped make his send off so great.

We’d really like to thank the staff, choir, UCW and congregation of Stettler United Church.

LEICHT I would like to say thank you to all the friends and relatives that attended my retirement party on Thursday, March 12 at the Bashaw Community Hall. I really appreciated all the gifts, cards and visiting with old friends and listening to some of the old stories that were told. Thanks ever so much to the Bashaw Meat Market for the wonderful supper it was pretty awesome. A special thank you to all those that stayed back to help with the cleanup of the hall .

Once again thank you from Ed, Donna and family

ANNOUNCEMENTS

EYE SPY… SPY… EYE

1-877-223-3311

Look for your name in the Classifieds (stating you’re a winner) and come to the Stettler Independent to claim your prize, compliments of KFC!

Page 26

52

Coming Events

What’s Happening #50 - # 70

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

IN CONCERT Singer/songwriter Paul Sapergia 7:30 pm.

Sat. Apr. 11 Stettler Performing Art Center $15 at the door.

+

A Star Makes Your Ad A Winner!

CALL:

1-877-223-3311 To Place Your Ad Now!

52

Coming Events

Summer Vacation Bible School All children ages 5 - 12 are invited to attend Summer Vacation Bible School at Lakeview Church of God and Christ Mennonite.

July 20 to July 24 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

For more information call Dennis Toews 403-740-9624 Or Eric Toews 403-323-2435 CLASSIFIEDS GOOD FRIDAY & EASTER Hours & Deadlines Office & Phones CLOSED Friday April 3, 2015 STETTLER INDEPENDENT Publication Dates: WEDNESDAY APRIL 8, 2015 Deadline is: MON. APRIL 6 @ NOON WEEKENDER Publication Dates: FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015 Deadline is: MON. APRIL 6 @ NOON

52

Coming Events

Mennonite Youth Easter Program Mennonite Church 10 miles south of Stettler on Hwy. 56 & 2 miles east

Good Friday Morning April 3 at 10 a.m.

Everyone welcome!

For more information phone 403-742-8868 403-742-4518

CALL CLASSIFIEDS 403-309-3300 classifieds@stettlerindependent.com

Personals

60

wish kitchen & gift Bridal Registry Krista Potter & Anthony Cianfarani Kaileigh Campbell & Michael McDonald Charlene Bauer & Cody Broughton Sharlaine Burris & Lucas Howe

April 4 April 20 June 27 June 27

View registries online www.wishkitchen.com

Main Street, Stettler

403.742.8484

Classifieds Your place to SELL Your place to BUY Oilfield

755 Oilfield

Farm Work

DAIRY Herdsperson required for fulltime permanent position on dairy farm near Bashaw Alberta. Duties include monitoring cattle health, balance feed rations, artificial insemination, general farm duties as milking and feeding. Experience required 1-2 yrs min. as herd manager. Post secondary agriculture diploma.

Wages start at $25.00 per hour. Please apply by email to Henk Oosterink RR # 1, Bashaw, T0B0H0 evalleydairy@xplornet.ca

Hair Stylists

760

LOOKING for 2 hair stylists or esthetician for Alicia’s Little Nail Place & Salon, Stettler. Email resumes to aliciaslittlenailplace@ gmail.com.

800

Employment #700 - #920

Clerical

720

SMALL COMPANY NEEDS Assistant to Manager. Self-starter candidate: Proficient in office duties, bookkeeping, payroll, & task as assigned. Located: Rural east central Alberta.

Competitive wages. Apply: Box A c/o Vermilion Standard, 4917 - 50 Ave., Vermilion, AB, T9X 1A6.

Coming Events

Big Valley United Church

Ham Supper and Silent Auction March 29, 4:30 - 7 p.m.

Jubilee Hall Adults: $12 Children: $6 Under 6: Free

60

Is someone at your local paper an exceptional community volunteer?

Nominate them for the

George Meyer 12345

LEADERSHIP AWARD

Visit www.awna.com/leadership-award for details & nomination form Nominations Close March 31, 2015

52

Bearspaw Petroleum Ltd. is seeking qualified candidates to fill Floorhand, Derrickhand and Driller positions. These positions are locally based.

Applicants must have all necessary valid tickets for the position applied for.

Bearspaw offers a very competitive salary & benefits package along with a steady work schedule.

Please submit resumes: Attn: Human Resources Email: hr@bearspawpet.com Fax: 403-258-3197 Or mail to: Ste. 5309, 333 - 96 Ave. NE, Calgary, AB T3K 0S3

5302 - 42 Street, Stettler

Allied Fabrication is a young aggressive company looking for like-minded Allied is pleased to announce the opening of our new manufacturing facility in northeast individuals to join our team. If you enjoy a fast paced, positive work environment, Stettler. With our team’s safety, efficiency and success in mind it is well tooled with pride yourself on having an eye for details, a strong work ethic, and consider overhead bridge and station cranes, a separate paint bay, and comfortable lunch and yurself reliable please send your resume. Allied manufactures oil & gas production coffee area just to name a few. All of course in addition to an advanced HVAC system and equipment from our facility in Stettler, AB. We are quickly gaining a reputation as a bright, open workspaces. high quality, dependable, competitive supplier.

We are now accepting resumes for: We are now accepting resumes for:

- Quality Control Personnel - Apprentice Welders - Senior Pipefi-tter with skid package experience Labourers offersJourneyman competitive wages, and a health & wellness program, access -Allied “B”Fabrication Pressure, Apprentice Welders to overtime hours,offers and competitive the opportunity to advance career;program, division access manageAllied Fabrication wages, a health your & wellness to ment positions availabletoasadvance we continue to grow.division management overtime hours, will andbecome the opportunity your career; positions will become available as wesend continue to grow.

Please resumes to: Fax: 1-888-526-0274 or Email: careers@alliedfab.com Please send resumes to: Fax: 1-888-526-0274 or Email: careers@alliedfab.com

is currently seeking applications for full time positions of:

Experienced Class 1 Gravel Truck Driver The successful candidate should have: - A clean Class 1 License - Gravel truck and wagon experience (an asset, but not necessary) - Good knowledge of the County of Stettler - Willingness to work overtime and weekends - Drivers will also be responsible for light vehicle and shop maintance

Experienced Concrete Mixer Truck Driver The successful candidate should have: - A clean Class 3 or 1 License - Good knowledge of the County of Stettler (an asset, but not necessary) - Drivers will also be responsible for light vehicle and shop maintance We are looking for a long-term employment relationship We offer year round employment to the right candidate, late model and well maintained equipment, competitive wages with overtime compensation, and a safe, positive working environment.

If you are interested in becoming part of a successful team, that takes great pride in their employees, work and equipment, please email your resume to northstartrucking@hotmail.com or drop resume off in person to 4106-50 Ave. (Across from Atco Electric)

800

KEYERA is looking for a Plant Operator to join our Nevis Gas Plant.

The Nevis Gas Plant is a first class steam plant and a sour gas processing facility located approximately 50 km east of Red Deer.

- Minimum of 3-5 years sour natural gas operations experience - Experience with inlet compression, gas sweetening, compression, fractionation, lean oil systems, power boilers, sulphur plant, refrigeration, DCS and product storage will be considered assets - Preference will be given to a 2nd Class Steam Ticket or a 3rd Class with positive progression towards a 2nd Class Please visit www.keyera.com for more information

Restaurant/ Hotel

Service Rig

CASTOR - REGULAR DEADLINE

Personals

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Independent CLASSIFIEDS

820

Cameron Bay Holdings Inc. o/a McDonalds’s in Ponoka an 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.

Benefits (dental, disability, life and group insurance benefits) and opportunity for job advancement.

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.

Sales & Distributors

830

NEW HEALTH CANADA approved health & safety products - Looking for sales representatives in Alberta. 2) Breakthrough Wellness Healthy Aging Products and more Sales business’.

Contact: freddouglas912@yahoo.com or phone 780-437-4920.

TIRED OF the boom and bust of the oil patch?

If it’s time for a career change to sales and you have high personal standards in both integrity and work ethic our recession proof industry may be the perfect fit. Call Larry Hrynew Managing Agency Director with Heritage Education Funds Inc. today at 1-888-713-7377, ext. 2224.

Misc.

Help

Trades

850

HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE Class 1 or 3 Operators. Full-time and Part-time positions available. Openings in several Alberta areas.

Fax resume to Carillion Canada 780-449-0574 or email: mcroft@carillionalberta.ca.

Positions to start April, 2015. Please state what position and location you are interested in.

JOURNEYMAN Heavy Duty Mechanic. Target Excavating Inc., Box 642, Provost, AB, T0B 3S0.

Further information call Harvey Booker 780-704-0059.

NOW HIRING STEEL STUD FRAMERS Light/Heavy Gauge Framing. Must have experience. Great opportunity for long term employment. Email: info@lwbsi.com or Fax: 403.668.1142

PEMBINA RIVER Natural Gas Co-op Ltd. Employment Opportunity Natural Gas Utility Operator. We are seeking the right individual to join our team as a full-time employee. Experience in the operation of a Natural Gas Distribution System is preferred. Computer skills, strong public relations and a willingness to learn are also important for this position. For those without experience we are willing to train the right individual.

We offer a competitive salary, benefit package and pension plan. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Please send resumes to Pembina River Natural Gas Co-op.

Attention: General Manager. P.O. Box 122, Jarvie, AB, T0G 1H0 or email: pemgas@mcsnet.ca.

Fax 780-954-3844.

Deadline for resumes is April 6, 2015.

Business Opportunities

870

HIGH CASH PRODUCING vending machines. $1.00 vend = .70 profit. All on location in your area.

Selling due to illness. Call 1-866-668-6629 for details.

SAWMILLS from only $4,397. Make money & save money with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info & dvd: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/ 400OT. 1-800-566-6899 ext. 400OT.

880

Performance Health and Fitness is looking for a

Registered Massage Therapist to work flexible hours full time or part time.

Please call to arrange interview.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Business Opportunities

870

THE DISABILITY Tax Credit. $1,500 yearly tax credit. $15,000 lump sum refund (on average).

Covers: hip/knee replacements, back conditions & restrictions in walking and dressing.

1-844-453-5372

Misc.

Help

880

Page 27

Independent CLASSIFIEDS

880

Misc.

Help

Misc.

Help

880

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

Alberta Prairie Railway is currently accepting applications for seasonal work. Candidates must be able bodied and interested in joining Alberta Prairie in April as valued members of the 2015 track crew.

Applicants should be in CLASSIFIEDS Sell it Best! To good health, enjoy outdoor place your ad phone 1-877- physical labour and enjoy 223-3311 working as a team member. Mechanical aptitude would be an asset. Please drop off a resume or pickup an application at 4611- 47 Ave., Stettler. Alternatively resumes can be mailed to P.O. Box 1600, Stettler, AB, T0C 2L0. For additional information, call Bob at 403-742-2811.

Tirecraft is seeking an individual for the position of: Tire Technician This is a full time position offering competitive wages and benefits.

A valid class 5 license is required.

Experience an asset.

Please apply in person with a resume.

4501 - 51 St., Stettler

Employment Training

900

INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT Operator School. In-the-seat training. No simulators.

Real world tasks. Weekly start dates. Funding options. Weekly job board!

Sign up online! iheschool.com.

1-866-399-3853.

Misc.

Help

Misc.

Help

880

Employment Training

Come work at the library this summer!

The Stettler Public Library is seeking enthusiastic applicants for our summer reading program:

Summer Program Co-ordinator Summer Program Assistant If you enjoy working with children and teens, are an excellent planner and communicator, have strong technology skills, and have innovative programming and promotion ideas, this may be the position for you! You must be returning to full-time studies in the fall. See the full job description at spl.prl.ab.ca/jobs-1 Submit your application by April 6, 2015 to: Mary Zazelenchuk, Library Manager Stettler Public Library, 6202 44 Ave., Stettler, AB, T0C 2L1

County of of Stettler Stettler No. County No. 6 6

6602 -- 44 44 Ave., Ave., Box Box 1270, 1270, 6602 Stettler, AB AB T0C Stettler, T0C2L0 2L0 Phone: 742-4441 Fax: Phone: 403-742-4441 Fax: 742-1277 403-742-1277

880

900

GRAVEL PROPERTY w/River Frontage, Spruce View, Alberta. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Unreserved Auction, April 29 in Edmonton.

148+/- acres titled, gravel pit w/stock piles, North Raven River frontage, 65+/- acres cult, fenced, $4800 SLR. Jerry Hodge: 780-706-6652; rbauction.com/realestate.

MEDICAL TRAINEES needed now! Hospitals & doctor’s offices need certified medical office & administrative staff! No experience needed! We can get you trained! Local job placement assistance available when training is completed. Call for program details!

1-888-627-0297.

GUN & SPORTSMAN AUCTION. March 28 at 11 a.m. Firearms, ammo, accessories & more!

Unreserved! No buyers fee! Hwy 14 Wainwright, Alberta. Scribner Auction, 780-842-5666; www.scribnernet.com.

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

Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-athome career today!

HELP DESK TECHNICIAN Under the general supervision of the Director of Technology, this role will be responsible for providing technical assistance and support related to computer systems, hardware, or software.

We Specialize

Primary Responsibilities Provide technical assistance and support for incoming queries and issues related to: 1. Computer systems, software, and hardware 2. Mobile phone systems and software 3. Tablet systems, software, and hardware

Is seeking a full-time energetic laborer with a possibility of apprenticeship.

BeneÀts and competitive wages.

Please drop off a resume at 4706 - 44 Ave. in Stettler

Executive Director

The recruitment committee is currently accepting applications for the Executive Director Position.

Applicants with suitable academic qualifications and relevant experience in leadership and management are encouraged to apply.

Experience in the following areas would be an asset: · working with a volunteer Board of Directors · project facilitation and organizational management · financial management and budget control · event planning & volunteer coordination · communication & marketing

The Stettler Regional Board of Trade and Community Development represents member businesses in every sector of the local economy. It manages several events and projects and offers assistance and direction in areas of: Chamber of Commerce, tourism, economic development, regional partnerships.

Write training manuals. Train end users.

Install, modify, and repair computer hardware and software and peripherals.

Run diagnostic programs to resolve problems.

Resolve minor technical problems with Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), and other systems.

Requirements Working knowledge of help desk software, databases and remote control utilities Advanced troubleshooting and multi-tasking skills Working knowledge of fundamental operations of relevant software, hardware and other equipment, especially Windows 7-8.1 and Microsoft Office.

Related experience and/or training in troubleshooting and providing help desk support Certifications would be considered an asset.

For a full list of responsibilities and requirements, please visit our website at www.stettlercounty.ca. The County of Stettler offers a competitive salary and a generous employer paid benefits package. The successful applicant will be required to provide a criminal records check.

Please respond in confidence with your resume and a minimum of three work references to: County of Stettler No. 6 Attention: Andrew Brysiuk Box 1270 Stettler, AB, T0C 2L0 Email: abrysiuk@stettlercounty.ca The competition will close when a suitable candidate has been found.

The County appreciates all applications however only those selected for interview will be contacted.

Employment Training

900 Funded in part by the Government of Canada.

Funded in part by the Government of Canada.

A job description is posted on : www.stettlerboardoftrade.com

Interested applicants are asked to apply by Monday, April 6 to:

Town of Stettler Greg Switenky, CAO Tag: Stettler Regional Board of Trade & Community Development Executive Director Position Recruitment Committee Box 280 5031 – 50 Street Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 By email: gswitenky@stettler.net

12345 NOW TAKING

ONLINE APPLIACTIONS APPLICATIONS ONLINE

1530

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.

Employment Opportunity PUBLIC PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE

Service Wise

Auctions

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

Auctions

MEIER SPRING Classic Car & Truck Auction.

Saturday & Sunday, May 2 & 3, 11 a.m.

6016 - 72A Ave., Edmonton. Consign today, call 780-440-1860.

UNDEVELOPED LAND in Okotoks, Alberta. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Unreserved Auction, April 29 in Edmonton.

80+/- acres just North of Okotoks town limit.

Currently Zoned A Agricultural District. Jerry Hodge: 780-706-6652; rbauction.com/realestate.

WHEATLAND AUCTIONS Spring Consignment Auction. April 18, 10 a.m. in Cheadle, Alberta. Farm equipment, vehicles, heavy equipment, RVs, etc.

Consign now! Call 403-669-1109; www.wheatlandauctions.com

EquipmentMisc.

1620

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.

Firewood

1660

LOGS

Semi loads of pine, spruce, tamarack, poplar.

Price depends on location.

Lil Mule Logging 403-318-4346 SEASONED SPLIT FIREWOOD 4.5 kms. West of Stettler Call 403-323-0744

Office Supplies

1800

WHITE 20LB BOND PAPER: 8.5 X 11

10 pkgs. of 500 sheets

1530 $48/case

AUCTION Sales Wed. @ 6 pm.

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

Shop Stettler & Save!

403-742-2395

www.bigstrapperauctions.net

Are you a Métis student in the last year of post-secondary studies, or an apprentice in technical training? Now you can apply for financial assistance from the comfort of your couch/car/cafe.

Visit apply.rupertsland.org on your computer, tablet or mobile device!

Of if you’d still like to talk to us you can! Call toll-free at 1-888-486-3847 or visit metisemployment.ca to find the office nearest you.

COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION. 5th Annual Edmonton Motor Show Collector Car Auction.

April 10 - 12. Edmonton Expo Centre. Over 80,000 spectators. Over 80% sold last year. Consign today.

1-888-296-0528 ext. 102; EGauctions.com.

Agricultural #2000 - #2290

Page 28 Misc.

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880

Livestock

& -

.

Canada Paintearth Mine

JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN An opportunity exists at the Paintearth Mine, located between Halkirk & Forestburg, Alberta for a Journeyman Electrician.

Position ProďŹ le: This position reports directly to the Maintenance Foreman. Responsibilities include industrial electrical maintenance, including PLCs and modern drives. There will be an opportunity to work with high voltage, high power equipment. Training is provided for high voltage safety and specialized equipment. Ability to work independently is important.

QualiďŹ cations: The ideal candidate will posses a Journeyman Electrician CertiďŹ cate and have industrial experience with teck cable, cable tray and PLC terminations. Open pit mining experience with electric shovels, draglines and DC generators and motors is an asset. Troubleshooting experience with a willingness to be responsible for results is necessary.

Westmoreland Coal Company - Paintearth Mine offers a competitive compensation and beneďŹ ts package and provides the opportunity for personal growth and development. The present journeyman rate is $43.59/hr, effective April 1,2015 $44.90/hour.

Closing date: March 31, 2015 Please e-mail or fax your resume and cover letter to Human Resources: E-mail: careers.PEMSHM@westmoreland.com Fax: 403.884.3001 We thank all candidates for their applications, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We would kindly appreciate no phone calls.

www.stettlerindependent.com

2100

RED ANGUS

BULLS Heifer Bulls Cow Bulls

Performance & EPD data available A.I. Sires

PIRO RED ANGUS P & R ZOLLER (403) 742-0336 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.

Employment Training

Livestock

2100

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

2100

Livestock

Grain, Feed Hay

2190

BAR-DALE LIMOUSIN, REPUTATION Shorthorn FOR SALE: Alfalfas, ERSKINE, AB. yearling bulls, halter Clovers, Grasses plus 40, two year old virgin bulls broken, quiet, reasonably Hay, Pasture, Reclamation for sale at the farm. priced. Call Jennifer and Lawn Mixtures. Early Fully guaranteed.

403-704-6121 order discount - Book now!

Call Carole Barclay at No charge custom 403-742-4825, blending. Call FOR fast results: Classified Terry 403-740-5037 1-800-661-1529 or Want Ads. Phone 1-877Ricky 403-740-5711. email esther@ 223-3311. bardale@xplornet.com hannasseeds.com.

Livestock

2100

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.

For Sale Select group of Purebred Registered Black Angus Yearling Heifers and Yearling Angus Bulls.

200 Day EPD’s available.

Current 365 day weights available.

SQUARE hay bales, horse hay quality, 90% meadow brome, 10% alfalfa, no rain, plus second-cut alfalfa. 403-741-4353

900

For Rent #3000 - #3200 Houses/ Duplexes

MÉTIS YOUTH SUMMER PLACEMENT PROGRAM

3020

IN STETTLER 2 bedroom older house.

No pets, referenced required.

Available Immediately 403-742-6631

12345

If you’re a MÊtis youth between 15 – 30 years old, and going back to school this fall, MÊtis Training to Employment Services can give you the assistance you need to land that summer job where you can gain employable skills and the pay cheque you deserve.

Call 1-888-48-MÉTIS (1-888-486-3847) online at: www.metisemployment.ca

Funded in part by the Government of Canada.

3060

L A R G E One & Two BEDROOM APARTMENTS FOR RENT No pets Phone Ellen Phone Linda or at Ernie 403-742-1568 at 403-742-5005 BEST RENTAL VALUE IN STETTLER 1 & 2 Bedroom, furnished kitchenette suites.

All utilities, cable, internet.

1 Bedroom, $800/mo.

2 Bedroom, $1100/mo. plus D.D. Avail. immediately Kimberly 403-690-5828

Storage Space

3160

STETTLER MINI STORAGE

For more information phone evenings 403-742-4337 Lindsay Penosky - Lindon Angus Farms - Botha Alberta

Suites

LARGE 4 bdrm. house, huge kitchen, sunroom, 2 Àreplaces, dbl. att. garage, fenced backyard, new high eff. furnace, close to Rec. Ctr., $1500/mo. plus util., call or text 403-740-3725

Household, furniture, business records, etc.

Various sizes. Protected by security alarm and fenced and lighted perimeter. Owner: Reg and Darlene Hunter 403-740-9283 or 403-742-3153

AN EXCELLENT CHOICE WHERE YOUR AD REACHES RURAL READERS

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

Advertisers in the showcase section maintain Real Estate offices in Stettler, are members of the Red Deer & District Real Estate Board Co-op Ltd., and all offer full multiple listing services.

Candor Realty Ltd.

Ph. 403-742-4424 4908 - 51 Street

SOLD

EXECUTIVE 2 STOREY HOME close to schools, many features including vaulted ceilings, central vac, maple hardwood floors. 4 bdrms/ 2 ensuites, underfloor heat, hot water on demand & much much more. $449,000.

REDUCED

AFFORDABLE FAMILY HOME with 5 bdrms and 3 baths.

Open kitchen, dining and living room. Finished basement, fenced yard, deck and parking area at back. $189,900.

Locally owned & operated

ACREAGE

LOVELY ACREAGE just minutes from town. The 3 bdrm mobile has been very well cared for. Lovely outdoor entertaining space, 2 wells, 2 barns, large quonset, older 3 car garage and a workshop.

ALL ON 10 ACRES! $369,900.

STARTER HOME

3 BDRM BUNGALOW on large fenced lot. Ideal starter home or rental property. Finished basement with family room. Shingles and siding only 2 years old and 2 garages on the property. $188,500.

Fran Karen Darien Snowden Cannady Chapman

ACREAGE

THIS 4 ACRE PARCEL OF LAND is very close to town.

3 bdrm/ 2 bath, open concept kitchen, dining & living room.

42x 24 heated garage and a 3 stall barn. $425,000.

ALIX

SINGLE WIDE MOBILE sitting on its own 50’ x 120’ lot in Alix. Only 2 years old, 1465 sq. ft. of living space with 3 bdrm & 2 bath. Single Garage. $189,000.

Visit us at www.century21.ca/candorrealty for more listings

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Page 29

Independent CLASSIFIEDS

Business and Services Directory Automotive

1029

1010

G K D P

AUTO BODY REPAIR LTD.

Quality Collision Repair and Professional Service‌ Guaranteed!

Find out more about us at: www.brennanautobody.com

Gitzel Krejci Dand Peterson CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

4912 - 51 Street P.O. Box 460, Stettler, Alberta

403-742-4431 Toll free 1-877-742-4431 e-mail: gkdpca@gkdpca.com website:

www.gkdpca.com

Chapman and Co. Professional Accountants LLP Guy Chapman, CA Chris Annand, CA Kendra Walgenbach, CA Naomi Roth, CGA P.O. Box 1328 4702- 51 Ave., Stettler Tel: 403-742-3438 e-mail: gchap@gchap.ca

“Serving Stettler & area for yearsâ€? • Complete auto body repair & painting

4819 - 51 Street Stettler, AB

403-742-3141 www.numeratax.com

1196

C.R. GLASS

LTD.

“Your Service Specialists�

Randy Long • Residential • Commercial • Automotive Needs

403-742-2520 4607 - 59 St., Stettler (Beside A & W)

HEARTLAND GLASS

• Locks repinned & installed • Windshields repaired & installed • Residential & Commercial Windows & Doors • All your glass & screen needs Main St., Stettler Emergency 403-742-2665 403-742-3628

Health Care

1210

DR. D.G. BECKLUND Chiropractor -Gitzel Krejci Building

4606 - 40 St., Stettler

4912 - 51 Street Stettler, AB Open Mon. - Sat.

Phone 403-742-2869

Construction

1085

Call Barry Harvey

403-742-8838 *27 years experience*

MMBI Construction . Commercial . Industrial . Residential . Agricultural . 25 Years Experience . Multiple Crews

Electrical

1150

1100

Serving Stettler area over 35 years

403-742-1330 Drafting & Design

1120

RAILSIDE DESIGN RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DRAFTING AND DESIGN 5004 - 48 AVE., STETTLER

PH: 403-742-4101 FAX: 866-305-5686 galen@railsidedesign.com

PERFORMANCE Physiotherapy, Acupuncture & Massage

403-742-4533 “If It’s Electrical We Do It�

All types of Electrical Installation & Maintenance

403-742-5111 Serving Stettler & Area since 1978

-Residential -Commercial -Farm Buildings -Renovations

Bus.: 403-742-2553 Res.: 403-742-0370

“Keeping people in Motion...�

a division of:

GALEN WIEBE

5�Continuous Eaves “Gutter Clean� Leaf Protection

Glass Shops

Call Curt or Rob

Certified General Accountants

403-742-5520 403-882-3740 (Castor)

1130

EXTERIORS LTD.

Buzz Andersen

4814 - 49 Street, Stettler

Phone: 403-742-6612 Cell: 780-935-0540 Email: mstahlberg@shaw.ca

JT AUTO BODY LTD. FINISHING TOUCH

Ph:403-742-5979 Fax:403-742-3656

&

D

Eavestroughing

Contractors

Thorogood Pinches

i S Monrafting

4109 - 48 Avenue, Stettler

Call Gord 403-742-9761

info@leschert.net

be tahl e ka S er vic

Phone: 403-742-3555

SATISFACTION BUILT-IN!

Box 1595, 4907 - 50 Street, tree ee et et, t, Stettler AB AB

1120

House Plan Design Small Commercial Shop Drawings As Builts rg

Business Services #1000 - #1430

Accounting

Drafting & Design

Farm Equipment

1168

Sunterra Farms is seeking to rent 5000-6000 finishing spaces. Ideally to be managed by the owner/ operator. Site/barns would be flowed all in all out. For further info contact Mark Chambers 403 820 4188.

Furnace Cleaning

1193

Stettler Furnace Cleaning Qualified and Reputable

403-742-3418

Dr. E. LYNES

Real Estate #4000 - #4190

Landscaping

1240

BRIAN HALLETT LAWN & GARDEN CARE Town & Country Big or Small ‌WE DO IT ALL! Phone: 403-742-5830

Please leave a message if no answer

Legal Services

1260

LANDMAN REULE LAW OFFICE Lori R. Reule

One block East of Scotia Bank

Stettler Professional Building 4819 51 Street

403-742-3411

Stettler Eye Care Dr. R. TROY NELSON

2401 Toronto Dominion Sq. Edmonton Centre Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2Z1 Telephone: 780-426-4660 Fax: 780-426-0982

CRIMINAL RECORD? Think: Canadian pardon.

U.S. travel waiver.

Divorce? Simple. Fast.

Inexpensive. Debt recovery? Alberta collection to $25,000.

Calgary 403-228-1300/ 1-800-347-2540.

Misc.

Services

Misc.

Services

1290

NEED TO ADVERTISE? Province wide classifieds.

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

Personal Services

1315

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.

Plumbing & Heating

1330

5002 - 51 Ave., Stettler, AB Phone 403-742-2529 Fax 403-742-2522

• Power Rake • Aerate • Lawns ~ cut & trimmed For personalized services call Lana Gross ~ 403-740-3595

Open until one hour after bar closing time

CALL RICK

403-742-5450 or 403-741-4718 count

10% Dis

4910 - 51 Street Stettler, AB T0C 2L0

Get rid of your Garbage with. . .

3R

• Complete Plumbing & Heating Services • Commercial and Residential • Water Conditioning & Pumps • 24 Hour Service Service Wise - We Specialize

Stettler Ph.

403-742-5237

1370

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.

Over 2,000,000 hours St. John Ambulance volunteers provide Canadians with more than 2 million hours of community service each year.

Management

403-742-3007 Misc.

Services

1290

Misc.

Services

1290

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

4020

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.

HIDDEN GEM

Roofing

s Senior

Gary G. Grant Law Office

Houses For Sale

1290

STETTLER’S FRIENDLIEST CAB

Brenda Anderson, B.Comm., LL.B.

Phone 403-742-2683 New patients welcome

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

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

Barristers and Solicitors Advocates

NEED A LIFT, CALL A FRIEND

1290

1240

of McCuaig Desrochers

LAW OFFICE

Comprehensive eye health and vision exams Phone: 403-742-4437 Top quality frames, lenses and contacts Misc.

Treatment of eye Services disease, injuries and surgical co-management

Landscaping

BRYON D. BALTIMORE

ANDERSON

ourlaw2@telus.net

403-742-5810 or 403-742-6443

1260

RUBBER DUCK YARD CARE

LL. B.

Chiropractor 4719 - 49 St. Stettler, Alberta

Legal Services

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

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

12345 7ITHIN MILES OF %DMONTON

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

")' )2/.

View our 29 patented and patent pending inventions online at

www.1800bigiron.com

Enjoy the seclusion of this quality, 5 bdrm., 3 bath, Exe. home, furn., 4 + att.

Garage, PRIVATE Boat DOCK! Offered under Appraised Value at 749K !

Be HERE for MAY LONG! Dori Westin, Coldwell Banker Ontrack Realty 403-357-9010

Acreages

4050

Bare acreage for sale, 400 meters north of John Deere, 5 acres, $169,000.

Phone 403-742-5830.

HIGH and DRY

4 Acres, 1 Mile E of Caroline, Trees on N Property Line, Power to Property, $129,000.

Dori Westin, Coldwell Banker ONTRACK Realty 403-357-9010

4090

Manufactured Homes

75 HOMES BUILT and ready for delivery. Take an additional $5,000 - $7,500 off all stock. 20’ X 76’ models, loaded with options. Toll free 1-855-463-0084; www.jandelhomes.com.

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 CROSS COUNTY HOMES. Check out our show homes that are ready for Spring possession. Or custom build in only 8 weeks to match your own inspiration! Visit us in Acheson. 780-470-8000; www.crosscountryhomes.com.

Page 30 Industrial

3130

Buildings For Sale

Industrial Shop/Land for Sale or lease in Stettler, AB $335,000 • 7500 ft2 quonset shop on 1 acre • 208V and 480V service • Overhead radiant heat and 4 exhaust fans • 2 bathrooms • Two 16’ wide x 14’ high automatic overhead doors • Option to buy 12’ x 40’ office skid and 30’ x 40’ heated/insulated tent • Great setup for a welding or machine shop Call Jeff at 403-742-6400 or email jeff@alliedfab.com

Commercial Property

4110

SHOPS

FOR SALE OR LEASE

PRICE REDUCED~Sitting on 2 acre lot AT THE EAST END INDUSTRAIL AREA STETTLER 2 BAYS 25X90 2250 SQ FT, INCLUDING 1000 SQ FT OFFICE SPACE, ENTIRE BUILDING REPAINTED, HARD WOOD FLOORING, 14 FT DOORS 1 BAY 60’ x 40’ 2400 sq ft . INSIDE REPAINTED & CONCRETE FLOOR, TWO- 14 FT DOORS Lease. Triple net.

Separate living accommodations on site can be provided

Email or Call: dreinhart@telus.net 403-740-6630

Storage Space

4150

STEEL BUILDINGS “Spring Sales with Hot Savings!” All steel building models and sizes are now on sale. Get your building Transportation deal while it’s hot. Pioneer #5000-5300 Steel 1-800-668-5422; Automotive Services ........5010 www.pioneersteel.ca.

Antique & Classic Autos ....5020

Financial #4400 - #4430

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

4430

Money To Loan

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.

DO YOU NEED to borrow money - Now? If you own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits will lend you money - It’s that simple. 1-877-486-2161.

GET BACK on track!

Bad credit? Bills?

Unemployed? Need money? We lend! If you own your own home you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420; www.pioneerwest.com.

Cars ..................................5030 SUV’s................................5040 Trucks ..............................5050 Heavy Trucks....................5060 Vans/Buses ......................5070 Motorcycles ......................5080 Campers ..........................5090 Motorhomes......................5100 5th Wheels........................5110 Holiday Trailers ................5120 Tent Trailers ......................5130 Utility Trailers ....................5140 ATV’s ................................5150 Boats & Marine ................5160 Snowmobiles ....................5170 Tires, Parts & Accessories ......................5180 Auto Wreckers ..................5190 Vehicles Wanted ..............5200 Car/Truck Rental ..............5210 Recreational Vehicle Rental ..............................5220 Trailer Rental ....................5230 Misc. Automotive ..............5240 RV’s ..................................5300

Public Notice #6000

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

DO YOUR PART

RECYCLE

Reached a Milestone?

Share It!

YOUR 1.877.223.3311

PAPER!

995

% 10c0 lable

Recy

AL-ANON 403-742-5233 403-742-0990

ALZHEIMERS SUPPORT GROUP

403-742-5437 during business hours

CELIAC (Gluten Intolerance) Brenda 403-742-3067

COCAINE ANONYMOUS Pager toll-free (20 sec. response time) 1-403-357-6266

COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS SUPPORT GROUP 403-742-2337 (parents who have lost a child[ren])

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS 403-742-4059

Holiday Trailers

HOME SUPPORT STETTLER & DISTRICT

5120

403-742-6568

Trailers Cost Less in Davidson

Public Notices

6010

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the following Development Permit Applications have been approved as permitted uses in accordance with the Town of Stettler Land Use Bylaw No. 2060-15:

2.

Hot Line 403-342-1444

STETTLER & AREA ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY

STETTLER & DISTRICT FOOD BANK SOCIETY Kathy Elaine Willis -Williams 403-742-4567 403-742-2745 Elaine Williams - 403-742-2745 4820 - 51 Street

STETTLER CITIZENS ON PATROL RCMP office 403-742-3382 www.stettlercop.org

Box 280 (5031 - 50 St.) Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 www.stettler.net

1.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

(STABIS) For more information phone 403-742-6456

www.fasttoysforboys.com

plus GST/HST

This paper is

403-742-4271; 403-742-1887 403-742-3214; 403-742-2966 or 403-742-4271

403-742-2337

2007 300M Chrysler, 4 dr, sun roof, good condition, mileage 153,466. Phone 403-742-6113.

Value Ad Network

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

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

BIG BROTHERS & BIG SISTERS ORGANIZATION

5030

Cars

5050

with a combined circulation of over 800,000 for only...

Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

For more info Kira & Ian FCSS, 403-742-2339

780-672-1035

Customizable and secure. From storage to workspace.

Place your ad in this newspaper and12345 province wide $

ADULTS/CHILDREN ANONYMOUS

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

1-877-213-8008 Davidson, SK

Squeezthee MOST out of your advertising dollars

Community Support Services

403-742-4263; 403-742-8122 or 403-742-4091

12345

780 440 4037 | SEACAN.COM

6010

BRIGANTIA PLACE

3160

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

Public Notices

(formerly Camrose Women’s Shelter)

12345

Trucks

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Independent CLASSIFIEDS

No: Legal Description: Municipal Address: Applicant: Proposed Development:

2845-2015 Lot 21-23, Block 55, Plan 3049AT 4513 - 51 Street Passionate Paws Ltd.

No: Legal Description: Municipal Address: Applicant: Proposed Development:

2847-2015 Lot 33, Block 3, Plan 943MC 5703 - 42 Avenue Garry Rushton

Change in Occupancy

Detached Garage

Dave Dittrick Planning & Development Services

STETTLER HANDIBUS 403-742-5858

STETTLER HEALTH EMERGENCY LINE PROGRAM 403-742-2337

STETTLER PEOPLE FOR SUICIDE AWARENESS 403-742-2337

STETTLER READ & WRITE OFFICE 403-742-2999

T.O.P.S. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Grace – 403-742-0681 Vivian – 403-742-3935

VICTIM SERVICE 403-741-7841 CONFUSED? GETTING THE RUN AROUND? CONTACT YOUR INFORMATION AND REFERRAL CENTRE Residents of Stettler and the surrounding area now have access to this free and confidential service. It provides information and referral on social agencies, government services, clubs and organizations, to best suit the caller’s need.

Just Dial - 403-742-1155

WHAT CAN THE CLASSIFIEDS DO FOR YOU???

Coming Events Obituaries Memorials Pets Lost/Found Classes Vacation Homes Personals Fitness Arts/Crafts Realtors Babysitters Condos Volunteers Career Planning Legal Aid Tutors Oilfield Announcements Trades Vehicles Public Notices Rentals Acreages Motorcycles Business Opportunities Cottages Livestock Grain/Feed/Hay Tractors Pasture land Campers/RVs Extra Income Security Registrations Meetings Repairs Farmers Markets Trade Fairs Rodeos & MUCH MORE!

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Public Notices

Independent COLUMNS

6010 Box 280 (5031 - 50 St.) Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 www.stettler.net

PUBLIC NOTICE DISPOSAL OF LOST AND FOUND PROPERTY AND USED EQUIPMENT The Town of Stettler is offering for sale items that have been turned in by the RCMP, as well as Town-owned used miscellaneous equipment. All items are purchased on an “As Is Where Is Basis” and can be viewed at the Town Shop on April 9 & 10, 2015 between the hours of 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

A tender sheet and list of the items being offered for sale will be available at the Town Office or the Town Shop during regular business hours on April 1, 2015. Submit your sealed bid marked “2015 USED EQUIPMENT TENDER” to the Town Office prior to 1:00 pm. April 13th, 2015.

The highest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.

GST will be added to all quotes.

County of Stettler No. County No. 6 6

6602 - 44 44 Ave., Ave., Box 1270, Stettler, AB AB T0C Stettler, T0C2L0 2L0 Phone: 742-4441 Fax: Phone: 403-742-4441 Fax: 742-1277 403-742-1277

INVITATION TO TENDER PUBLIC PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE

LEASE LAND TENDERS The County of Stettler is accepting tenders on all of the following lease lands: Parcel # 1 Roll Number 218900 Parcel # 2 Roll Number 340700

NE-8-42-17- W4M SE-33-41-18-W4M

157 acres (more or less) 146 acres (more or less)

All tenders are for a two year period, ending December 31, 2016 All tenders are subject to County Policy that are available at the County Office and on the County Website.

Tenders must contain: name, address, and telephone number of lessee, the legal description, Parcel Number. Tenders are to be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Lease Land” addressed to: Attention: Quinton Beaumont, County of Stettler No. 6, Box 1270 Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L0.

Tenders must be received by 4:00 p.m., May 4, 2015 Successful bids will be notified before May 15, 2015.

Lessee is required to pay annual taxes.

Grazing period each year is July 15 to October 15.

Any further information can be obtained at the County office or by calling Director of Agricultural Services Quinton Beaumont.

W

hether it happened Yesterday or Today, Whatever you want to say, To celebrate your special day...

~ Say it with a classified

ANNOUNCEMENT 309-3300 1-877-223-3311

Email: classifieds@reddeeradvocate.com

The Stettler Independent Page

31

Yemen: Another civil war The last American troops are being pulled out of Yemen after al-Qaeda fighters stormed a city near their base on Friday. Houthi rebels who have already overrun most of the country are closing in on Aden, the last stronghold of President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. And on Sunday ISIS (Islamic State) sent suicide bombers into two big mosques in the capital, Sanaa, killing 137 people.

The US State Department spokesman put the best possible face on it, saying that “due to the deteriorating security situation in Yemen, the US government has temporarily relocated its remaining personnel out of Yemen.” He even said that the US continued to support the “political transition” in Yemen. But there is no “political transition.”

There is a four-sided civil war.

Why would anybody be surprised? There has been no 25-year period since the 7th century AD when there was not a civil war of one sort or another in Yemen. (And the impression that it was less turbulent before that may just be due to poor record-keeping.) But this time it’s actually frightening the neighbours.

Yemen’s current turmoil started in 2011, when the dictator who had ruled the country for 33 years, President Ali Abdullah Saleh, was forced out by non-violent democratic protesters (and some tribal militias who backed them). Saleh’s deputy, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, took over and even won an election in 2012, but he never managed to establish his authority over the deeply divided country.

Hadi had the backing of the United States and most of the Arab Gulf states (including Yemen’s giant northern neighbour, Saudi Arabia) because he was willing to fight the Islamist extremists who had seized much of southern and eastern Yemen. But his main preoccupation was actually the Houthis, a tribal militia based in the largely Shia north of Yemen.

Angry at the status that the north was being offered in a proposed new federal constitution, the Houthis came south in force and seized Sanaa last September. In February, after months of house arrest, Hadi fled to the great southern port of Aden, his home town and Yemen’s second city, and declared that the capital instead. So the Houthis came south after him.

Meanwhile Saleh, the former president, returned from exile and made an alliance with the Houthis – despite the fact that he had launched six major offensives against them back when he was president. That’s what radicalised the Houthis in the first place, but they needed some national figure on their side as they moved deeper into the south, and Saleh is at least a Shia. He will have to do.

Clear so far? Good.

The third contender for power is al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), whose forces, like the Houthis, are only a half-hour’s drive from Aden.

As its fighters closed in on Aden last week, AQAP seized the town next to the airbase where the American forces were living, and Washington ordered them out. The last thing it wants is American military hostages in AQAP’s hands.

It is not yet clear whether AQAP and the Houthis will fight each other first (and then the winner gets to attack Aden), or whether one of them will grab the city and try to defend it from the other. It’s even possible that Hadi can hold Aden – but he probably can’t take back the rest of the country.

And we mustn’t forget the fighters of ISIS (Islamic State), who announced their presence in the country last month. Their sole operation of note so far has been the suicide attacks on two Shia mosques in Sanaa. But as Sunni fanatics in a country that is currently being overrun by its Shia minority, ISIS will not lack for recruits. If it doesn’t qualify as a full fourth force yet, it soon will.

In conventional terms, Yemen doesn’t matter much. It has a lot of people (25 million), but it is the poorest country in the Arab world. Its oil has almost run out, and its water is going fast. You could argue that its geographical position is “strategic” – at the entrance to the Red Sea, commanding the approach to the Suez Canal – but it’s hard to see any Yemeni government getting the kind of military forces it would need to close that waterway.

What worries people is the possibility that the jihadis (either al-Qaeda or ISIS) could come out of this on top. They are certainly not there yet, but many Sunnis will see them as the best chance to break the hold of the Shias who, despite their internal quarrels, have collectively dominated the country for so long.

Shias are only one-third of Yemen’s population and the resentment runs deep. The Houthi troops now occupy almost three-quarters of the country’s densely populated areas, but it would be an exaggeration to say that they actually control all that territory. They are spread very thinly, and if they start to lose they could be rolled up very quickly by the jihadis.

That could turn Yemen into a terrorist-ruled “Islamic State” with five times the population of the one that sprang into existence last July on both sides of the Syrian-Iraqi border. The odds are against it, but after that “July surprise” nobody is ruling it out.

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

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Wednesday, March 25, 2015