Ponoka News, December 02, 2015

CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY Vol. 67, No. 49 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 | 403-783-3311 | WWW.PONOKANEWS.COM

Stampeders keep building their muscles Story on page 23

The early banking boom in Ponoka Story on page 5

Open house Meaka Kinnaird smiles upside down Saturday, Nov. 28 as he flips through the air at the Ponoka and Gymnastics and Trampoline Club open house. Please see our story on page 17.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

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2 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

Petition against proposed borrowing bylaw submitted to the town

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE A petition against the proposed borrowing bylaw to pay for the North Bridge and road realignment project has been submitted to Town Hall.

The petition was delivered Wednesday, Nov. 25 with what is believed to be a list of signatures of 718 electors.

For a petition to be legally valid to be considered by the town, a minimum of 10 percent What is needed for a petition to acquire legal validity for consideration is 10 per cent of the electors declaring their support for it. With 718 signatures, the petition does seem to have adequate support for the town to take it into consideration.

If all the signatures in the petition are authenticated, the petition may cost taxpayers more money in the short-term as it would mean the town could not borrow money for the project for the next 40 years as is proposed in the borrowing bylaw.

Residents would most-likely

have to pay for the $5 million project within five years.

Other options for the town if the petition is successful are as follows: • Town planners could facilitate and pay for a plebiscite to garner a vote from citizens on whether they want the bridge project to move forward.

• Halt the project and leave an unfinished roadway.

Regardless of whether the petition is successful, the current bridge will be removed within months as it is said to be beyond its life expectancy.

In 2003, a report showed the North Bridge had life left until 2012. The council of the day took no action on the report, however, a second report was commissioned in 2012, which stated the bridge needed to be replaced.

Interim CAO Doug Wright is in the process of reviewing the petition to ensure it meets standards under the Municipal Government Act. There is a 30-day period to review the petition.

Letters

Clearing the air on the North Bridge project Dear Editor, I would like to take the time and clear up some misconceptions that have been circling the coffee shops of town. One is that there has been money put aside for the bridge replacement from the past, which there has not. Next - that the project is on hold, which it is not. Both stories are false.

I want to reaffirm that the town continues to maintain a balanced budget under the rules of the Municipal Government Act and we are in very good fiscal shape by all accounts under the legislation we are enacted by. Every year our books are audited and are public record for all taxpayers to inspect.

I am sure you are wondering – now that there are a significant number of names filed on a petition, where do we go from here? Step one is for administration to validate the names and addresses of all those who signed. Next, we will need to decide on plebiscite and public hearing. Then, we either change the bylaw or

raise taxes to pay for bridge in short term - meaning 5 years or less.

If we have to call for a plebiscite, the extra cost of doing so will need to be reflected in an increase of taxes above our proposed 1.5 percent increase in 2016.

If the plebiscite is lost and the borrowing bylaw not approved, we will need to completely have to revise the 2016 budget. This means we will have to make massive cuts in service and programs to prepare for short term borrowing to complete the bridge replacement.

When we decided to replace the existing North Bridge last year, I would never have guessed that we would be at this point where we are petitioned on a vital part of the town’s infrastructure. The bridge has been discussed for being replaced since the late 1990s.

Penalties would be too severe to halt the project now, and the safety and liability of the old bridge would be too much of a management risk.

Believe me when I say the

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most economical way to finance this long term use of the bridge is the borrowing bylaw. Having enough money for these million dollar projects means starting 20 years prior, or utilizing the borrowing that the government offers us at long term stable and low interest rates. Even as governments prepare to spend billions on infrastructure as we have heard in the just recently completed elections, it will mostly be low interest borrowing they will be offering municipalities and not a lot of extra granting funds as all funds are either taxed or borrowed in 2015. There is no free money!

Now for a little background.

The land for this project was purchased many years ago.

The preliminary design and discussions had been going on for many years, before I was elected to council. These discussions and decision to replace the bridge have also included seeking government assistance.

Due to the state of the economy in past few years and lack of will on the part federal and provincial governments to allocate funds into infrastructure for communities, this council needed to take the matter into our own hands and move this important project forward.

With the confirmation of engineering reports in 2003, I would have expected that former councils would have started placing funds in reserve for a replacement.

As councils, we should be placing funds away every year in contingency for future building and major projects like this. But unfortunately that has not been the case, and it is extremely hard to do when we have so many other concerns.

We are always trying to be fiscally responsible, but as we find out year in and year out, the costs for these kinds of projects escalate in price and regulation and this continues to place strains on available funds. And as we know, governments have downloaded to municipalities more responsibility to take control of our own infrastructure.

The bridge has served Ponoka very well. We had options to either replace it or close it and when we discussed this last spring, we heard loud and clear that closing it was not very

popular option. As construction started on the road portion of the construction, it became apparent that the borrowing bylaw was not readied prior to first phase of construction. As mayor, I apologize to all citizens on behalf of council and administration for the oversight and take full responsibility. We have made changes to administration in areas of guidance. We have contacted and are working with Municipal Affairs as we continue to move the project forward.

The bridge portion of the project is on schedule as was the original plan for March 2016 and total completion and removal of the existing structure by the end of August 2016. Once the bridge and final elevation base coat have been placed, the new roadway then pavement, curbing and connection to trail way is completed, the new bridge will be operational.

So to be clear, the project has not been stopped or delayed by any means at this point in time.

The town of Ponoka has the lowest amount of borrowed debt amongst all the towns and cities along the QE 2 corridor as well as the lowest amount of growth along the corridor beside Millet. If you doubt my stats, just go to the Alberta Municipal Affairs website and do some research of your own. We have used only 13 per cent of our debt limit, and of that number, between the end 2015-17, the town will be retiring almost $200,000 worth of payments that the town has been paying in past many years.

The proposed borrowing bylaw is 40 years at $240,000 year, with an allowable amortization rate of 75 years.

Council believes it is a good risk management position to have it cleared off the books with 35 years of use remaining by engineering standards. Maintained properly, it can get the residents another 100 years or better like the old green bridge of the past.

Thank you for this opportunity to clear the air and provide what I believe is factual and helpful information for this important discussion.

Sincerely, Rick Bonnett, Mayor, Town of Ponoka

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

PONOKA NEWS 3

Truck stolen with over $100,000 worth of liquor

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE Investigators are looking for suspects involved in the theft of a truck loaded with more than $100,000 worth of liquor.

The truck was parked at the Liquor Store in Ponoka Thursday, Nov. 26 at approximately 12:15 p.m. and was eventually located abandoned in the Bashaw area. Police dog and police air services were called to locate the suspects involved.

Investigations determined the culprits entered a farmyard and then fled.

It was determined the suspects recently stole a 2001 blue Dodge Ram from a nearby residence.

Reports indicated the vehicle was northbound on Range Road 221 but officers could not locate the suspects. The file is under investigation.

Police looking for alleged impaired driver A collision on Nov. 30 on Range Road 252 has police looking for a driver believed to be impaired at the time.

Police say a vehicle entered the west ditch and hit a fence. A query of the vehicle determined the licence plate did not match the vehicle The passenger of the vehicle was located at a neighboring property and investigations determined the passenger hat hitched a ride home and both the driver and passenger had been drinking. The file is still open.

Police looking for liquor thief Police are looking for a woman who entered Liquor Town and allegedly stole two bottles of Red Tassel from the store.

The incident occurred on Monday, Nov. 23 and she is described as First Nations with a dark hoodie with the words SAMCRO on the back.

Motorist driving too fast for conditions Members of the Ponoka Integrated Traffic Unit charged a motorist with driving at an unreasonable speed after hitting the ditch.

Crews were called to the

scene of the collision Nov. 25 at 3 p.m. after the driver entered Highway 2 at a high rate of speed not suitable for the conditions. He was given a ticket for $233.

Lumber truck hits ditch The driver of a semi tractor loaded with lumber is lucky to have no injuries after hitting the ditch Nov. 23.

After hitting the ditch the second of two trailers became detached from the truck and flipped upside down.

Mischief off Highway 2 overpass Police received complaints of culprits throwing something off a bridge over Highway 2 at 12:40 a.m. Nov. 26.

Officers say two individuals were on the overpass throwing snowballs towards oncoming traffic.

By the time police arrived, the suspects had left the scene although foot prints could be seen leading to the overpass.

Man charged with second degree murder Maskwacis RCMP charged 19-year-old Joshua Crier with second degree murder in the death of 20-year-old Kirsten Cutknife on the Samson Cree Nation.

Events leading to the arrest were due to a po-

Accused kidnappers offered deal at preliminary hearings

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE The seven individuals accused of kidnapping a Ponoka man were scheduled to attend preliminary hearings at Ponoka Provincial Court last week almost one year after the alleged incident occurred.

The hearings were held over the course of two days on Monday, Nov. 23 and 24, with the five of the seven accused, Christine Kirkeby, Shane Kerik, Tyler Scott, Zachary Purdy and James MillerLaney appearing before the court while Lane Dickson and Ashley Shewchuck failed to appear.

Purdy was denied bail since the events

transpired and he was given a 913-day jail sentence, less time already served, after pleading guilty to some of the charges laid. He was given time and half credit for the time so far at 516 days, but must still serve the rest of his term.

Kirkeby was remanded in custody for seven days and received 12 months probation. Sentencing for Scott is set for Friday, Dec. 11 and Miller-Laney was ordered to stand trial for the events.

Kerik’s charges are believed to have been withdrawn and the hearings for him did not proceed.

Dickson and Shewchuk had arrest warrants issued for them.

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lice investigation where Cutknife was found dead in a residence on the Samson Cree townsite at 10 a.m. on Nov. 28.

Police have also charged Crier with assault with a

weapon on Zoe Littlechild, 20. Crier is remanded in custody and will first appear in Wetaskiwin provincial court Dec. 17.

If you have information, please call the Ponoka

RCMP at 403-783-4472. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by internet at www.tipsubmit.com.

PHONE: 403-783-4911 FAX: 403-783-5222

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Admission: Silver collection in support of Cystic Fibrosis and the Ponoka Food Bank For more information and details contact Roy Scabar at 403-783-3250 or 403-783-7350

4 PONOKA NEWS

Religion

Your Guide To Local Houses of Worship

CHURCH DIRECTORY Associated Gospel Churches of Canada

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

Meaning of Incarnation revealed by birds

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PONOKA Sr. Pastor Paul Spate

Erin Dirsten - Fac. Youth & Family Min. & James Crosina - Fac. of Community Life

5109 - 57 Ave. Ponoka www.fbcponoka.org

403-783-5533

Bible Discovery Hour 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

NEW COVENANT BAPTIST REFORMED CHURCH Currently meeting at Ponoka Christian School 6300-50 St. Worship Service Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Everyone Welcome! phone: 403-783-6962 • www.baptistreformedponoka.org

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

Rev. Mitch Ramkissoon www.parklandurc.org

PONOKA WORD OF LIFE CHURCH Pastor Rob McArthur

403-783-5659

DEACON ROLLIE COMEAU St. Augustine Catholic Parish

Sunday @ 10:30 a.m.

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

www.wordoflife.ca

PONOKA UNITED CHURCH Minister: Beatrix Schirner

ponokaunited@shaw.ca

Sunday Service 10:00 am.

5020-52 Ave. Ponoka

Phone: 403-783-4087

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

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

403-783-6012 • www.sonriseponoka.com

ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH Fr. Shimit Abraham CFIC Mass Times: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 9:00 a.m. Sunday

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

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

403-783-4329

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

Perhaps the single greatest event in the history of man and God’s relationship was the “Incarnation”, the word becoming flesh, God becoming man. Although his entry into the life of the world was greatly anticipated for centuries, his actual arrival was subdued, quiet and humble.

The question is often asked, “Why did God have to send his Son to live among us?” If He could do all things and was in control of all things, couldn’t he have conceived a different plan of salvation?

Why would he take on human form, live among us in Jesus Christ, teaching, healing and forgiving, before giving up his life for us? The answer is not easily found and has been the focus of much debate and discussion over the centuries. There is a story by Louis Cassels called “A Christmas Parable” that provides a glimpse into this great mystery. The story goes like this:

“Once upon a time there was a man who looked upon Christmas as a lot of humbug. He wasn’t a Scrooge. He was a kind and decent person, generous to his family, upright in all his dealings with other men. But he didn’t believe all that stuff about Incarnation which churches proclaim at Christmas. And he was too honest to pretend that he did. “I am truly sorry to distress you,” he told his wife, who was a faithful churchgoer. “But I simply cannot understand this claim that God becomes man. It doesn’t make any sense to me.”

On Christmas Eve his wife and children went to church for the midnight service. He declined to accompany them. “I’d feel like a hypocrite,” he explained. “I’d rather stay at home. But I’ll wait up for you.”

Shortly after his family drove away in the car, snow began to fall.

He went to the window and watched the flurries getting heavier and heavier. “If we must have Christmas,” he thought, “it’s nice to have a white one.” He went back to his chair by the fireside and began to read his newspaper. A few minutes later he was startled by a thudding sound. It was quickly followed by another, then another.

He thought that someone must be throwing snowballs at his living room window. When he went to the front door to investigate, he found a flock of birds huddled miserably in the storm.

They had been caught in the storm and in a desperate search for shelter had tried to fly through his window.

“I can’t let these poor creatures lie there and freeze,” he thought. “But how can I help them?”

Then he remembered the barn where the children’s pony was stabled.

It would provide a warm shelter.

He put on his coat and galoshes and tramped through the deepening snow to the barn. He opened the door wide and turned on a light.

But the birds didn’t come in. “Food will lure them in,” he thought. So he hurried back to the house for bread crumbs, which he sprinkled on the snow to make a trail into the barn. To his dismay, the birds ignored the bread crumbs and continued to flop around helplessly in the snow.

He tried shooing them into the barn by walking around and waving his arms. They scattered in every direction - except into the warm lighted barn.

“They find me a strange and terrifying creature,” he said to himself, “and I can’t seem to think of any way to let them know they can trust me.

If only I could be a bird myself for a few minutes, perhaps I could lead them to safety …”

Just at that moment the church bells began to ring. He stood silent for a while, listening to the bells pealing the glad tidings of Christmas. Then he sank to his knees in the snow. “Now I do understand,” he whispered.

“Now I see why You had to do it.”

The majority of the Old Testament involves God revealing himself to humanity, first by performing great and wondrous deeds and secondly by sending prophets to

guide and direct his people. Because of our stubbornness of heart, God finally sent his son, Jesus Christ to show us the way, the truth and the light. “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).

This truly was a great moment for humanity, past, present and future.

As we enter into the Advent season (the first Sunday of Advent being Nov. 29) we are drawn into the great mystery of the Incarnation. We anticipate his birth date with hope, love, joy and peace symbolized by the four candles of the Advent wreath. In many churches the colour “Violet” is used to adorn altars, candles, and decorations and the vestment colours are the same. Although violet is not considered as deep as purple,( the colour of Lent), we are still called during this time of preparation for Christmas to examine our lives, to seek forgiveness, to show kindness to others in our generosity and compassion, and to open ourselves up to a more full and joyful relationship with God. The Trappist monk and mystic, Thomas Merton, in his thoughts on Advent found in his book, Season of Celebration says this: “Our task is to seek and find Christ in our world as it is, and not as it might be. The fact that the world is other than it might be does not alter the truth that Christ is present in it and that his plan has neither frustrated nor changed: indeed, all will be done according to His will.

Our Advent is a celebration of this hope.”

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

PONOKA NEWS 5

Reflections of Ponoka

The early banking boom in Ponoka

BY MIKE RAINONE FOR THE NEWS During the early settlement of the Ponoka area in the late 1800s and beyond, the opportunities for countless pioneer families to establish their new homes and livelihoods was overwhelming, but in those humble beginnings, the funds to achieve their lofty goals would be extremely hard to come by. Many arrived here with only meagre belongings and a few dollars in their pockets, and what they worked so hard to earn had to go right back to supplement their ongoing survival and successes here on the prairies. Any precious money earned in those days was likely carefully kept under the mattress, in a tin box tucked away in the cellar or in that heavy old black safe in the back room.

But progress would come quickly through great efforts and determination, and with an ongoing need for financial support and directions, the first official banking service arrived in the Village of Ponoka in 1902 when Messrs. Farley and Walker of Carberry, Manitoba leased the premises for a tiny bank on main street.

On February 17, 1903 The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce continued its western expansion and became the first major banking institution to establish an office in Ponoka, which was located in a small frame wooden building across the street from the Royal Hotel, with Roland H. Brotherhood as the first Manager. The next banking service to come to town was a Merchant’s Bank in 1916 beside the local Co-op Store on 51 Avenue and was managed by the congenial Mr. Art Baadsgard, and would later move into a fancy brick building on Main Street, which would later become the first local home of the Bank of Montreal. The BMO later ceased business here for a short time, reappeared in 1961 and opened up in the Cash Food’s building, and then in 1964 unveiled a palatial new branch on the sight of the old Ponoka Town Hall, which still operates today.

As the local banking business continued to boom, the CIBC purchased more property behind the original bank, erected the prominent big red brick building in 1911, which was renovated and extended again in 1955,

Photo courtesy of Fort Ostell Museum

Ponoka’s first major bank was this tiny Canadian Bank of Commerce, which opened in February 1903 in exactly the same location where the present CIBC. stands today. Notice the wooden sidewalks, and the customers rushing to conduct their business early. and has gone through many changes to provide the present day institution. It has been told that the first massive steel bank vault came into the Ponoka station in the early 1900s, was transported across the street on Dick Slater’s dray and gingerly moved into place with the help of many local men, and is likely still there today. It would be in 1948 that the first Credit Union would be established in our town in an office next to Dr. Melvin Graham’s historical home and medical facility on 51 Avenue, and thrived under the leadership of President Angus MacLeod and Treasurer Bill McIntosh.

Ada McIntosh later took over as the first ever female bank manager in Ponoka, the palatial new branch office of the Ponoka Savings and Credit Union was opened at 4802-50 Street in 2006, then with later amalgamations the present modern facility of Community Savings would be introduced at 4780-Highway 2A just a few years ago. The staff at the Provincial Mental Hospital also organized and operated their own credit union for many years at the massive psychiatric facility.

The Imperial Bank of Canada opened an office in Ponoka on February 27, 1950, and was located in a small frame building just across the street from the local Co-op Store on 51 Avenue, and the first manager was Clifford J. Asp. The facilities were so small that it was necessary to transport the cash and records back

and forth to Wetaskiwin each day, but rapid expansion resulted in a bigger premises in the Jack’s Menswear building, the completion of a posh new two story branch at 5002-51 Avenue in 1959, and the eventual amalgamation with the CIBC in June 1961 under one roof at the busy present corner of 5002-50 street location.

Ponoka’s first provincial Treasury Branch was opened on April 19, 1939 at the west end of Chipman Avenue under the management of Mr. Frank Robinson, and due to a steady growth and thriving economy would later open their present facility at 5018-48th Avenue.

The newest banking institution to be welcomed to Ponoka was the Royal Bank at 5031-51 Avenue. Over the years, in addition to providing our community with the normal financial services of a chartered bank, our long-standing Ponoka branches have provided their customers with such extra perks as safe deposit boxes, extended hours, and of course today’s amazing electronic benefits that claim to provide the best 24-7 rates and bang for our buck. Along the way, they have provided countless employment opportunities for hundreds of young men and women to join their congenial management and staffs as well as right from the beginning striving to become a great friend and supporter of all facets of our growing family community.

Remember When...

Photo from Ponoka 50th Anniversary Book

One of the most colorful events of the early history of Ponoka was the lively Indian powwows that were held along Chipman Avenue.

The friendly tribes camped in the Battle River Valley for several days, bartered and traded their unique bead work and pelts, and then performed their gala traditional dances in front of huge crowds in the vacant lot where the Ponoka News is now located.

6 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

Opinion

Proper communication is the key

MUSTAFA ERIC Editor

Rural Alberta is up in arms over the recently introduced Bill 6 aimed at enacting legislation to ensure farm and ranch workers’ rights to protection.

Alberta is the only province in the country without

a law securing farm workers’ rights and eligibility to protection; as a left-leaning, pro-labor government, it is natural for the government of Rachel Notley to want to pass legislation protecting workers.

What is not natural, and probably not clever or pertinent, is the way the Bill was introduced and had its first reading swiftly approved, sending panic waves among the farming communities throughout the province.

Ever since the first reading was passed on Nov. 17, there has been a growing wave of reaction from opposition parties, farmers’ organizations, individual farmers and municipalities, with many of them sending busloads of protesting farmers to Edmonton to make their voices heard at the doors of the Provincial Legislature.

It looks like after her ap-

parently quite successful bid to bring together various seemingly irreconcilable stakeholders of the energy industry in the province, Premier Rachel Notley’s government seems to have overlooked the importance of communicating with the key elements of Alberta’s second most important economic sector.

Opposition critic on agriculture, Wildrose MLA Rick Strankman, along with other opposition MPs, has been writing columns and opinion pieces blaming the government for “putting the cart before the horse” with a strong emphasis on the lack of consultation on the part of the government with farmers and farmer organizations and agricultural associations.

The reaction has clearly been noticed and the government suspended the

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

Judy Dick Manager

second reading of the law at the Legislature on Nov. 25, announced town hall meetings to consult with farmers and farmer organizations and the Minister of jobs, Skills, Training and Labor Lori Sigurdson has had to issue a statement to clarify that 4-H activities were in no way being jeopardized, the kids’ lifestyle in the farm was not to change and there would be enough flexibility in designing the regulations to satisfy farmers’ concerns before implementation.

Just as the Bill 6 controversy was making waves around communities, the government then announced Bill 8, making clear that the provincial government would now be part of the bargaining process, which engages the school boards across the province with teachers’ union.

Alberta School Boards

Mustafa Eric Editor

Jeff Heyden-Kaye Reporter

Association reacted strongly saying this new legislation would restrict their ability to negotiate salaries raises with teachers; and teachers, despite having campaigned for years for government to take a seat at the table in what is called a “two-tier bargaining process”, still said they would like to see more details and most importantly, criticized the government for giving too short a notice for the legislative process to start and be concluded.

What appears to be the common concern in both legislative initiatives is the rush on the part of the government to have the legislation passed and implemented without adequate consultation with the stakeholders.

Regarding Bill 6, almost everybody agrees that there should be legislation to

Jordie Dwyer Reporter

ensure the safety of farm and ranch workers. What is opposed is the lack of consultation and the hurry surrounding it. As for Bill 8, again the lack of prior consultation with the relevant parties seems to have spurred criticism.

It is understandable for the NDP government to try and quickly pass legislation to respond to the needs of its voter base so that their support will continue when the time comes for the next election.

However, without communicating its intentions properly to all stakeholders may be working against what the government is trying to do. They will be well advised to remember that poor communications (Albertans should look in the mirror) brought the downfall of the 44-year-old PC dynasty in the province.

Karen Douglass Sales

Susan Whitecotton Administration

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

PONOKA NEWS 7

Letters

PAT results are not the whole story Dear Editor, “If only the parents would send us better kids!”

That would be a crazy thing for a principal of a school to say, but to some degree it represents what public high schools have said for decades. At PSC, our staff believes every single student who walks in our door deserves our very best, regardless of personal background, past academic achievement or academic needs. We do not interview a student and their family and see if they will ‘measure up’ to our standards…We open our doors, provide hope and whatever supports are needed and begin to work with them with a goal of 100 per cent of our kids will graduate. Period!

High schools of the past may best be described as filters, they separated those that can from those that can’t. We would never say only those that are good strong athletes can take physical education. Why would we say only those that already know math can only take math. It is ridiculous, but in days gone by, those students that were not being successful would be ‘withdrawn’ or simply failed and walk away with all the responsibility being placed upon them for their success or failure. In today’s schools, we try everything to get them

through and we share in the responsibility as teachers, students and parents. It may surprise some readers that the same students who fail the provincial PAT in Grade 9 somehow end up passing the Bio 30 exam and get into university. I can tell you it happens consistently at our school. We do not filter them to other schools or let them drop out without any intervention at all; we figure out what they need and then work tirelessly to get them there, and when they mess up and do something stupid, we don’t cast them aside and let someone else deal with them; we pick them up, dust them off and send them back with even more support.

What the results that have been published do not show you are some of the ‘other’ facts; the fact that many of the students in Grade 9 that come to us directly into Grade 9, come with a very limited educational background. Many read at levels from Grade 2 to Grade 5. If we were to filter the kids, our results most certainly would be better, but our society would not. Somehow the most dedicated group of people I have ever worked with, our teachers, take the results you have seen in Grade 9 and get them through to graduation, no matter what.

One may ask why the dropout rate in Alberta is

so high. The answer is quite simple, high schools don’t work for everyone. So why is PSC different, perhaps is it in the environment we are creating, the so called “open classroom” (whatever that is) creates a warmth and support that our students appreciate and they want to be here as opposed to the institutions of old? Or perhaps is it the fact that the “Fridays off”, which are being questioned, are when this staff looks at every single student, one by one, and tries to figure out what each individual needs to help them achieve success? Or maybe is it the fact that on those same Fridays, we try to find answers as dedicated professionals on how to get students who are in Grade 9 to read, even if it’s only at a Grade 6 level? In the good old days, a teacher taught just social or chem or bio, now a teacher teaches kids and not subjects.

Our school has undergone a lot of adversity and challenge; I have watched as students and staff have attended funerals and celebrations, and each time, I am reminded of what really matters. Not that a mark on a PAT is unimportant, it is. But it is just that, a mark that measures, on that one day, how much they know, and provides us a pretty good starting place for what to do

Your school leaders deserve praise, not criticism Dear Editor, The Ponoka News story of Nov. 18, entitled “Provincial tests results need explanation” is right on. What misses the mark completely is the analysis of statistics by reporter Jordie Dwyer that infer Ponoka schools are failing your students.

Comedian George Burns once quipped that we should all attempt to reach age 100 because few people died after age 100; like Dwyer’s analysis, true, but misleading in its inference. I moved to Central Alberta after working as a college educator and chairing the Greater St Albert School Board, so I know a little about education. One of the things that I know is that educators can improve their statistics by “cherry picking” students and it is done all the time, particularly in areas with known low performing communities. Our First Nation peoples are one such community where a large educational gap exists. According to a study

by Dr. Eric Howe of the U of A, in 2006 in Alberta, over 45 per cent of First Nations youth failed to achieve a high school education as compared with 15 per cent for other groups, and education correlates

closely with better jobs, reduced rates of criminality, fewer divorces, fewer family interventions, greater life satisfaction and even longevity.

A few Alberta schools are challenging that problem by allowing any and all students into their schools. In doing so, they have improved the First Nations student success rate by 11 per cent over a single decade and the numbers are improving yearly. So, the simple answer to the challenge that the Ponoka school results “need explanation” is this: Your educational leaders are prepared to accept diminished schools statistics (not performance) in order to give all young people a real chance at a future. I think it is regrettable that Superintendent Larry Jacobs failed to explain that, because in doing so, he has allowed that article to leave a negative public impression of your schools and their teachers and leaders.

In truth, the schools are better than most and the educational leadership should not be criticized, but commended for their integrity and foresight.

Ron LaJeunesse Westerose, Alberta

now. Could the results be better? Yes. Do we give up?

No. What we seek is support from our parents, students and community to help us achieve our potential; frankly this staff and the students deserve it.

We can blame technology, but really is that the problem; and if it is, we as parents need to share in the responsibility to help fix it.

We can blame Fridays off, but your kids do the same hours in the classrooms as they always have, but now teachers spend another day trying to figure out how to help. If we go back to removing those Fridays, our school day gets shorter and is spread out over 10 days, not nine. So, not sure that is the answer either. Maybe it’s society, maybe that’s to blame, or video games, or relationship breakdown, numbers of divorces, television, movies, drugs…and the list goes on. But when results are not what we want them to be, we look to blame something or someone. I get it and take full responsibility

for our results, but it won’t convince me to return to the days of old where we filter out the bad ones, so we make ourselves look better when a newspaper reporter or the Fraser Institute decides to point out test scores.

And finally, some things can’t be measured by a test and I will tell you we have the greatest kids I have ever had the honour of working with. While we don’t always agree, they work with us and remind me and our staff every day why we do this.

We want to provide strong citizens in our community who show character and integrity. While we certainly want ones that are educated and achieve high academic standing, my wish for all students is success, whatever that means to them. We want students to leave our school as ethical, entrepreneurial and engaged citizens, ready for any challenge that lays ahead. In that regard, you have a school that every Christmas season goes about creating hope and joy with its Santas Anonymous drive

which feeds and provides Christmas for well over 100 families in our community, delivered to your door,

by PSC kids; kids that for no other reason than to help a custodian, pick up a shovel and clear a front entrance of snow, kids who put on the most remarkable Remembrance Ceremony in the province and are nationally recognized for their work, kids that raise thousands of dollars for a variety of causes each year, and a staff that inspires and with the help of every parent, creates young people that I am very proud of, even if they failed a PAT. We can always do better and I can tell you we consistently look for how to do just that, but before we cast stones, I invite every single community member into our school for a day, see what we do, see what we are trying and then see the evidence that success is everywhere, and simply thank a teacher and encourage a kid.

Ian Rawlinson Principal Ponoka Secondary Campus

8 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

FCSS donations: (L-R) Town of Ponoka representative Wes Amendt, Ponoka Food Bank president Dean Hill and KidSport representative Deserae Huck each accept a $5,000 donation from Ponoka Family and Community Support Services representative Doug Gill and executive director Shannon Boyce. The presentation was made on Nov. 17 as part of a commitment to give back to the community through support of worthwhile events, projects and programs provided by community organizations.

Photo by Jordie Dwyer

Children’s Christmas Shopping Party Everyone is welcome to join us for a day of shopping, gift wrapping, festive music and treats!

Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm @ St. Augustine School, 5520 - 45 Ave. Cr., Ponoka For info call 403.783.3888 Let our Elves help you shop for Mom and Dad, Grandpa, Grandma... something for everyone on your list!

e Drop by th ws Ponoka Ne to see a beautiful e sample tre on display

Fir Ever Green Tree Farm U-Choose, U-Cut Christmas Trees OPEN 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Daily After hours by appointment

When you’re done your shopping our Elves will be glad to help you wrap and tag your gifts so you take them home ready for the Christmas tree.

Enjoy holiday treats and a visit with Santa.

We’re bringing the stores together for our unique, indoor, kid-friendly, affordable, fun one-stop shopping party!

Selfies with Santa Available for a $2 donation to Ponoka Community Christmas dinner.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

PONOKA NEWS 9

TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES UPDATED SNOW CLEARING AND ICE CONTROL POLICY

Ponoka Snow Removal Zones, revised November 2015.

Town Council approved a new Snow Clearing and Ice Control Policy at their November 24 meeting. The goals of this new policy are to improve customer service, improve efficiency of operations and to ensure the Town is in compliance with current legislation. The full review is a result of a motion last March, where Town Council asked for a review of the Town’s snow removal policy in the downtown core.

The Town of Ponoka clears snow and ice from Town streets, lanes, sidewalks and parking lots to improve safety and make sure roads are clear for emergency services. The service also reduces the inconvenience of snow and ice for vehicles and pedestrians. Snow clearing and ice control occurs between November 1 and March 31.

In the recent Citizen Budget Survey, residents rated snow removal as their #1 priority when asked how they would spend $20,000 or add $50 to everyone’s annual tax bill. We know that snow removal is important to residents and businesses in Ponoka.

The new policy makes the following changes: • Two new zones have been added to improve customer service

• • • •

The Priority Routes map is updated Parking lots, sidewalks, and trail clearing maps are updated Changes are made to how snow is cleared in the Downtown The new policy has been prepared to show these changes in a clear manner • Priority routes are cleared first; the Town will next clear the Airport Runway, the Downtown (Zone 6) and Commercial and Industrial Areas (Zone 5). Following this, residential areas will be cleared on a rotational basis, once it is safe for workers and equipment to be on the roads. It takes on average 6 passes to clear a roadway during an average snowfall, and in an average year, crews clear 800,000 cubic metres of snow!

• The entire new policy is posted on our website – www.ponoka. ca, including maps that show Priority Snow Clearing Routes and Snow Clearing Zones. We also have a Snow Clearing FAQ that answers common questions on the website. This material is also available for pick up at Town Hall.

Ponoka Fire Department Weekly Report PONOKA FIRE WEEKLY REPORT: NOV. 21 – 25

For the week of November 21 - 25 the fire department The Ponoka Fire Department is donating Canadian Civil Defense equipment in its possession to the Civil Defense Museum, with some artifacts also made responded to 6 emergency calls available to our own Fort Ostell Museum.This equipment was provided to First

• 3 Motor Vehicle Accidents • 1 Fatality • 1 Vehicle in the ditch, driver OK • 1 Multi vehicle accident Fire Crews stood down as it was outside our response area.

Responders such as Fire Departments in the Cold War Era – the same time that Air Raid Sirens were erected in locations across Canada. It is over 60 years old and a proud part of Canada’s history – we are happy to make these donations to educate people about our history. The Civil Defense Museum will use it at pop-up museums during Emergency Preparedness Week in May.

HOMETOWN NEWS

HOMETOWN EVENTS

FEATURE NEWS – ROLL OUT THE CARTS PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION CP Holiday Train – December 8 Arrival at 5:30 PM; show from 5:45 – 6:15 pm. This is a fundraiser for our local foodbank! Please donate ON DECEMBER 7 AT 6:30 PM – KINSMEN COMMUNITY CENTRE. Bring your questions about the new Waste and Recycling Program and look at the carts. Carts are generously to those in need at Christmas being delivered this month. Look for your information package inside or check out the information on Winter and spring swim lesson registration start on December 7 the Town website - Ponoka.ca. This is also a great time to consider supporting the Ponoka Rising Sun Christmas Break 3 on 3 Hockey Challenge - December 29 and 30, Clubhouse’s recycle program. For information about this option please call them at 403-783-5810 contact Wes Amendt 403-783-0118 COUNCIL UPDATES Next meeting of Council: Tuesday, December 8. Please note this meeting will be at 7 pm Klaglahachie Fine Arts Society Presents Mary Poppins! Details and at the Ponoka County Boardroom. This gives everyone time to greet the CP Holiday Train at show times are on the Town Calendar, on Ponoka.ca home page 5:30! Agenda packages are posted on the website under ‘Town Hall’ in advance of every Council Think you would like to become a lifeguard? Starting January, Taylor meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend. will be coaching a junior lifeguard club at the Aquaplex. Stop in or call TOWN NOTICES the pool for details.

Draft Recreation Master Plan is on the website for review. This plan goes to Council in January for approval, and we are still seeking your comments. Send them to wes.amendt@ponoka.org New Heritage & Downtown Committee is seeking members representing Downtown businesses and the public at large. Contact our Economic Development Officer Stephen Novak at 403-783-0116 Sign Up for Monthly Tax Plan payments -Please sign up by December 18, 2015 for the 2016 Tax Year. You will need to sign a form and be sure to bring a “VOID” cheque with you.

Dog Licences are on sale until January 31, 2015 for $25 each. After this date they will be of $40.

Winter hours at the Waste Transfer Station have started: 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Recreation Schedules and Aquaplex New are online – http://www.ponoka.ca/community!

Ice Rental: Small ice surface is available for rent. Contact Tamara @403- 783-0131

QUESTION OF THE WEEK! Our new Question of the Week is “How do you find out about Town news and events?”

Please let us know, by going to our website at www.ponoka.ca and let us know if you prefer the website, Facebook, Twitter, or the Hometown Weekly News. Of course, we think you should check them all!

10 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

Local couple co-winners of national farm award

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edge of technology in both the goat milking and processing sides.

That includes their recently installed rotary milking system, which is one of the most technologically advanced systems of its kind in North America.

“Definitely, it is our volume of production and our willingness to remain at the top of the technology model that helps to keep us operating efficiently and remain sustainable,” she stated.

The Bos couple didn’t start out wanting to run a full scale processing facility, but were able to make it work following the closure of two other facilities in the province.

It was that show of ingenuity in the face of adversity and having the strength to take a risk in order to keep going that also made them a choice for the judges.

They also try to inspire and educate through tours - the farm hosted more than 600 people last year - as well as giving back to the community. Currently, the Bos’ provide the Calgary Food Bank - as part of the Children’s Milk Program - with a 2.5 cents per litre of milk they sell as a donation.

“Every year, our organization recognizes and welcomes more innovation and more passion with farm families who are helping shape the dynamic future of Canada’s agri-food sector,” said OYF president Luanne Lynn.

“The Cronin and Bos families both exhibit the values of OYF and the agriculture industry in their unique and successful farm businesses.”

YOUR PAPER!

Award winners: (L-R) Sponsor representatives Komie Hossini of Bayer CropScience and Charlene Raymond from John Deere stand with co-winners Mike and Amy Cronin plus Patrick and Cherylynn Bos (AB) and CIBC representative John Steeves for the official award presentation in Edmonton on Tuesday, Nov. 24.

Photo submitted

A local couple that have really been at the forefront of pioneering an industry have been recognized for their efforts.

Patrick and Cherylynn Bos, who operate Rock Ridge Dairy located southwest of Ponoka, were named the co-winners of the Outstanding Young Farmers of Canada (OYF) award at a ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 24 in Edmonton. A couple from Bluevale, Ontario - the Cronins that run a hog operation were the other co-recipients in the annual competition that has been running since 1980.

“We were really honoured and humbled to be named winners along with the Ontario couple,” said Cherylynn in a phone interview on Monday, Nov. 30.

The Bos family has run a goat dairy operation for the last 18 years,

which now has about 1,400 goats, as well as a milk processing facility for the past nine years that handles a lot of the goat milk produced in Alberta along with organic cow milk. Beside simply bottling the milk, they also produce various dairy products for market across western Canada.

Cherylynn added the award demonstrates how far along their industry has come.

“With the goat dairy industry really in its infancy, this kind of recognition will help to set the industry apart from being just another hobby farm. It shows that there are really different ways of handling the family farm to make it viable in the long term,” she explained.

A big reason for their success - and one of the reasons they were selected for the award is their commitment to staying on the cutting

RECYCLE

BY JORDIE DWYER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

PONOKA NEWS 11

Government criticized for not consulting stakeholders on Bill 6

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE “Kill Bill 6” was a common phrase uttered widely last week as rural farmers took to the Alberta Legislature to protest the proposed enhanced protection of farm and ranch workers.

Discussion among rural farmers worried over how the proposed Bill 6 could affect their livelihood focused on considering the how the new legislation would bring Occupational Health and Safety (OH and S) oversight and Workers’ Compensation coverage to farms with employees. Those changes are scheduled to come into effect Jan. 1 and some have questioned whether these changes will make it tougher for farmers to do the job they need to do.

Beef farmer and Ponoka County Coun. Mark Matejka said the biggest issue he found was there was little discussion among rural farmers, which created fear and confusion. “We would’ve preferred to see more input from the industry.”

He suggests that uncertainty was exacerbated by how quickly the proposal is recommended for approval.

Despite that worry, Matejka feels safety on the farm is important and he does not think any farmer is questioning that.

“It could still work. Some aspects of it are still needed,” suggested Matejka.

“We don’t know how the rules are set up. It’s the unknown that is causing people some concern,” he added.

Labour minister responds Questions that arose through social media and among farmers included how these measures would affect families who have children that help out on the farm and how would 4-H clubs be able to function if workers compensation is required.

Lori Sigurdson, minister of jobs, skills, training and labour, said in an interview the purpose behind Bill 6 is to create a safe work environment for farm workers not to cause issues for 4-H clubs and family farms.

She referred to Kevin Chandler, who died in a farm accident in 2006. As there was no farm safety legislation, Chandler’s wife Lorna took the province to task for not including farm safety rules. In the event of a death on the farm, OH and S has no jurisdiction to investigate or provide tools to prevent the death from occurring again, says Sigurdson.

“The worker has a right to protection,” she stated.

She added that many details of Bill 6 will take time to develop and the implementation of workers compensation and Oh and S will be a gradual process.

“We need to take into consideration the vast diversity of farming,” she added.

The proposal requires adolescents to not work for more than two hours on a school day, more than eight hours on a non-school day and between the times of 9

Dozens of farmers converged on the legislature Friday, Nov. 27 to protest the proposed farm safety legislation of Bill 6.

Farmers from Ponoka continued to protest the bill on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Naomi McKinney

p.m and 6 a.m.

Although all other Canadian provinces have farm safety legislation, it does not appear that the province investigated how those laws work. Sigurdson said the goal is to make Bill 6 about Alberta and is intended to keep employees on farms safe.

Looking at Bill 6 from a legal perspective From a legal standpoint, farm safety should be a right for all farm employees, says Eric Adams, University of Alberta law professor.

The protests faced by the provincial government show errors in judgment by policy makers, according to Adams. The proposed legislation was designed by the majority NDP government with little rural representation. Adams says that when the province wants to pass laws that affect rural constituents, they will come under automatic scrutiny.

He suggests the NDP government may be learning a political lesson in including rural farmers when it comes to planning for their future. Despite these challenges, farm safety must be considered. Adams says there are few industries in Alberta that are not legislated by the

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The tragic death of four children in in rural Alberta highlights the need for farm safety.

“The government wants to protect workers in terms of health and safety,” said Adams.

From that perspective, Adams suggests these are reasonable questions. Other provinces such as Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia also have safety legislation.

“Those farms have not come crashing to a halt because the province regulates safety on them,” suggests Adams.

He said there should be some protection for employees of a farm. What the government did not do was proper consultation with rural farmers, he added.

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12 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

NEW WASTE AND RECYCLING PROGRAM STARTS JANUARY 2016 The Town of Ponoka offers its utility customers a weekly collection schedule which includes waste (Grey Cart), Blue bag, for recyclables and Yard waste (Green cart) in the summer months (May 1 to October 31). Carts will be delivered to your home starting in December 2015. This new program helps to keep Ponoka clean and green! It also meets the Alberta Government's requirement to reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill, and increase the amount we all recycle. The Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse is a non-profit based organization that also offers a Blue box program. If you wish to support this worth while community service please contact them for further details. Each cart will contain paperwork like the samples shown here.

Zone map - You will receive a zone map and collection calendar for your zone for the entire year Pamphlet - A pamphlet that describes the program Cart Placement - When and how to place your rolling carts on collection day Acceptable items for recycling This material is also available on the Town website - www.ponoka.ca. Paper copies are available at Town Hall. For more information please call the Town at 403-783-4431.

CART PLACEMENT Front Curb Only

Community Check Stop: Emergency crews including the Ponoka Fire Department, EMS, police and Ponoka Victim Services held a Community Check Stop Thursday, Nov. 26 at the Ponoka Elementary School crosswalk with a view to raising awareness on how they serve the community.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye For additional information please visit the website at www.ponoka.ca or contact the Town of Ponoka at 403-783-4431

PONOKA’S NEW WASTE AND RECYCLING PROGRAM ROLL OUT THE CARTS FOR A CLEAN, GREEN PONOKA! Starting January 4, garbage and yard waste will be collected from new rolling carts. This is a front curb collection service.

The new Waste and Recycling Program keeps Ponoka clean and green! It also meets the Alberta government’s requirements to reduce waste going to the landfill, and to increase the amount we all recycle.

The carts delivered to your home have serial numbers. These are recorded and will be associated with your address. The paperwork inside the carts includes: • A Calendar showing your NEW 3-DAY Collection Schedule • A Map of the Town that will show your collection zone • An explanation of our new Blue Bag program The new rolling cart program will ensure cleaner garbage pick-up with less wind-blown debris, greater efficiency and fewer injuries for handlers. It will also allow you to dispose of your lawn waste right from home. *Please note that Yard Waste Collection (Green carts) will run from May 1 to October 31.

Calendars with pick-up schedules are also posted on the Town website Ponoka.ca and are available at Town Hall.

Blue bags will be collected on alternative weeks to rolling waste and yard carts pick-up. See the Calendar for details.

Blue bag recycling collection is easy, efficient and environmentally friendly. By using blue bags you are protecting materials from the elements and preventing material from blowing around in the wind. Blue bags also allow a higher volume of recyclables to be placed out with greater ease, relieving you from throwing so much in the garbage. *Blue bags do not need to be sorted.

Please find a space outside, perhaps by your garage, for your rolling carts. Make sure the space gives you easy access to your front curb, where carts will be picked up. If you don’t have a garage, try along the side of your house, next to a back or side entry. Storing the organics cart inside the garage is not recommended.

To Blue Bag or Not to Blue Bag? ACCEPTABLE MATERIAL 9 Tin cans 9 Milk cartons 9 Tetra-pak drink containers juice boxes 9 Aluminum foil & pie plates 9 Paper 9 Plastic bottles and jugs with recycling logo 9 Boxes (flattened) 9 Newspaper 9 Cardboard egg cartons 9 Pop cans UNACCEPTABLE MATERIAL 8 Styrofoam 8 Plastic bags or film 8 Lids of any kind 8 Glass

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PONOKA NEWS 13

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14 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

County reverses decision on grader trades

BY JORDIE DWYER A change in market conditions has caused Ponoka County to take a u-turn on a previous decision to not trade-in three graders for the coming year.

During the presentation of the public works superintendent report at its regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 24, council revisited the topic of trading in three used graders and purchasing three new ones - as has been recent practice for the county as part of their equipment renewal strategy.

Back on Oct. 27, council approved foregoing the annual trade-in based on information provided by administration that showed the benefits wouldn’t be realized considering the low Canadian dollar and the growing difference between the value of a new grader and what the county would receive for its used ones at auction.

Since that time, the price for used graders - similar in model and hours of use to what the county has - has become more favourable, prompting administration to request council adjust its thoughts on the process.

County chief administrative officer (CAO) Charlie Cutforth explained to council that some 2013 graders were recently sold at auction for $485,000 - a significant difference than the $350,000 - $400,000 price tag that had been discussed in October.

“If that’s the value our pieces of equipment could fetch, the difference between the lower dollar and the price for a new grader doesn’t matter too much,” Cutforth stated.

“However, there would still be a risk attached going to auction as our graders may not realize that value.”

That said, the suggestion from Cutforth and public works superintendent Herb Schwingel was that the county look into purchasing the three graders - as per the regular replacement schedule - while negotiating on pricing with Finning, a company that trades such machinery, as well as with Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers on a value of the used machines that would be sufficient and acceptable to the county.

Schwingel explained that the delivery time for the new graders would remain

the same as usual - late March - however the price of the new orders would be locked in now, if the go-ahead was provided. He added the order could be set aside, if the used graders don’t meet the re-sale value the county is looking for.

“In the long term, given the economy, if we don’t get back the value for the graders we can always wait and maintain the previous stance of trading in six graders next year,” explained Cutforth.

In the end, council determined it would be best to try and stay with its regular replacement program, so it approved the order of three new graders subject to evaluation of the trade-in value of the used machines with a final decision expected on the purchase during the county’s 2016 budget discussions.

Road projects Discussion took place among council members on whether to move forward on a pair of road construction projects administration have targeted to start this coming spring.

The projects - one involving about five miles (eight kilometres) of Range Road 43 plus Township Road 440 and the other being the widening and paving of 5.5 miles of Menaik Road - were brought to the table so the county could begin the process of getting landowner agreements and other permits in place so work could begin on the two projects as soon as spring arrives.

Council did approve the two projects proceeding, however council will still have the final say in whether construction starts when they finalize the funding during 2016 budget discussions.

Penalty taken off table Council approved a recommendation from administration that will see one company catch a break on paying its 2015 property taxes owing.

The company, which was not named, had agreed to a payment schedule that would see the final payment made next February. However, as Cutforth explained, doing that would incur some tax penalties for the company, which may not be to the county’s advantage in the long term.

“In the MGA (Municipal Government Act), any taxpayer can ask for consideration to enter into a payment schedule

for their property taxes without penalty.

Normally though, those payments are completed before the end of the tax year, and since this particular payment schedule extends into the new year, the company would then be subject to penalties,” he told council.

What Cutforth suggested would be a more prudent course is that council approve the payment schedule and exempt it from the approximate $22,000 in penalties as the company is a big employer in the region, deals with a number of other municipalities and has been very diligent in working with the county on paying its

dues.

Cutforth added he anticipates the county will be receiving more requests to enter into payment schedules from companies given the present economic conditions facing the oil and gas industry.

Funding request Council approved their annual contribution to the Blindman Handi-van Society in Rimbey, despite the request for 2016 coming a tad early. The $20,000 from the county - which was going to be added to its 2016 budget anyway - will be used to assist in paying the salary for the handi-van’s driver.

Town moves ahead with updated snow removal policy

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE Council approved an update to the Town of Ponoka’s snow removal policy aimed at increasing service levels within the community.

The decision was made Tuesday, Nov. 24 during council’s regular meeting after Dave McPhee, director of operations and property services briefed councillors. Rather than keep several large town zones, McPhee said he created six, smaller zones with an updated service level guideline to meet delay concerns.

With help from new equipment and staff, crews have been able to tackle areas quicker. Part of the demand was seen in recent budget survey results, which showed strong support for snow removal. The increased service levels will also see an increase in operations costs, said McPhee.

He estimates this updated policy will add $50,000 to $80,000 annually to operations.

The top five priorities are the main arteries through town, major streets, the airport runway, the down-

town core and the commercial industrial zone.

Depending the road conditions and weather forecast, snow clearing will begin when there is an accumulation of 10 cms.

Snow clearing residential streets will rotate from Lucas Heights, the north end of town, the central district and Riverside.

For ice control, crews use a road salt mixed with a sanding material at a variety of rates depending on the temperature conditions. Priorities start at primary roads, intersections, railways crossings, bridges, abutting highways then to collector roads and hills.

The next priority is for secondary roads and their intersections. Crews will then focus on parking lots, lanes and sidewalks.

Waste management open house set Council requested an open house detailing the new waste management and recycle program be provided. The date is set for Monday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 at the Kinsmen Community Centre. Residents eager to hear more about the program can attend the open house to have their questions answered.

PONOKA RISING SUN CLUBHOUSE

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

We also pick up cardboard from local businesses.

For more information on these programs please call

403-783-5810 Weekdays

Carts are being delivered this month.

Amanda HendersonKada, executive director of the Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse said she would attend the open house to answer questions residents have on their program.

Henderson-Kada needs confirmation from existing or new customers by Dec. 14 that they will utilize the clubhouse’s services.

Utilities and environmental committee Town council approved third reading to establish a Utilities and Environmental Committee to find ways to increase revenue from the town’s utilities.

The make up of the committee will include two councillors, four members of the public and one member of the Economic Development Board. Each member will have a vote on the committee.

Staff gift and holiday hours Council approved that town staff will receive $50 gift certificates from either IGA or No Frills, or split with both, as a holiday gift.

The total value of the gifts is $4,250 plus a safe ride home, estimated at $100 for the staff party at the Curling Rink Dec. 4.

Council also approved the holiday hours for the town office: closed at noon Dec. 24, closed Dec. 25 and 28. Dec. 29 to 30 regular business hours. Closed at noon Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Subdivision report Parkland Community Planning Services approved an application to adjust a property line to accommodate an existing fence.

The lot is categorized under the low density narrow lot residential off of 39 Street north of Highway 53.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

Thank You

PONOKA NEWS 15

The organizing committee of the SECOND ANNUAL PONOKA FESTIVAL OF TREES sincerely thanks the sponsors, everyone who donated and purchased live/silent auction items, made monetary donations and the volunteers who helped in so many ways to make this event such a success!

PRESENTING SPONSOR Legacy Ford, Ponoka OPENING NIGHT GALA Alberta Flares Energy Services Ltd. Vold Jones Vold Auction Co. Ltd. Danny Hooper, Auctioneer – Ponoka Ag Society BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Town of Ponoka SENIOR’S TEA Ponoka Chrylser Jeep Dodge FACILITY Calnash Ag Event Centre PONOKA FIR Accu Publishing Ponoka FCSS Ponoka County Tantec Electronics Ponoka News Sunny 94 Cervus Equipment RED CEDAR Family Health Clinic Will’s Welding Servus Credit Union Bob Ronnie Catering GREEN LARCH Ponoka Professional Pharmacy Bob & Company Catering Sommer Home Hardware Building Centre Ponoka & District Chamber of Commerce Peggy Hamilton

MONETARY DONATIONS MGM Land Services Jorgenson Homes Rowland Parker & Assoc.

Ivy Pugh Sherry & Keith Gummow Tyler Fessler Linc Drynan Dwayne & Margo Stretch/Helen Smith Allison Klimec Kelly Sperber Joanne & Pat McMillan Nell Liddle Lori Jones-Holt/Jones Agencies Joan Staldeker Alberta Willis LIVE AUCTION DONORS Laurie River Lodge Ponoka Stampede Assoc.

The Liquor Store/Chad Jones Westjest/Direct Travel & Cruise Centre Altitude Laser Spa Totally Baked Cupcakery Jim Hamilton/IGA Boston Pizza Murray Schur Vold Rodeo Busted Ladies Lingerie Kim Meyer Neufeld SILENT AUCTION DONORS Dr. Brett Jones, Prairie Boys Truck & Car Wash, Sommer Home Hardware, Ponoka Physiotherapy, Twisted Label,

The success of this fund raising event in support of the Ponoka & District Health Foundation would not have been possible without each and every one of you. Together this works.

H & R Block, Jones Agencies, Randy Hammond Trucking, Sisters Country Rustics, Prairie Points Quilt Shop, Klaglahachie Fine Arts, Direct Travel, Cervus Equipment, Strand Media Corp, The Brick, Jones Boys Saddlery & Western Wear, Deb Jones, Red Neck Barbie/Bruce’s Tru Hardware, Ponoka Golf Club, MiCasa Imports, Wedin’s Team & Corporate, Barnstorm CreationsShyla Campbell, Alberta Flares, Scentsy-Melissa Marois, West Central Mechanical, Hot Mess DistressedBobbie Jo Van Eaton & Wanda Stang, Manulife Securities-Tim Corkery, Ponoka Stampede Assoc.-Mike Stretch, Ada Ashton, Busted Ladies Lingerie, Flowers For You, The Beauty BarStacey Millard, New Beginning-Amanda Nickerson, Remax - Central Alberta, The Cutting Edge, Shoppers Drug Mart, Rip ‘n Ronnie’s Fitness Raffle draw sponsors

Rexall Drugs, Cervus Equipment, Judy Dick Festival of Trees Entertainers

Cameron Hinton Larry & Lorraine Gustafson

16 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

New regional fire services consensus coming slowly but steadily

BY JORDIE DWYER AND JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE Any impasse that may have been hindering progress on getting a regional fire services agreement might have been taken care of.

A meeting between representatives from Ponoka County and the Town of Ponoka on Tuesday, Nov. 24

seems to have created a breakthrough and removed the stumbling blocks that saw talks between the municipalities on establishing a regional fire department bog down during the last 12 months of discussions.

Recently, the county began forging its own path on regionalization by passing motions to set up its own fire department to cover the eastern region in order to

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be prepared if an agreement wasn’t reached by April 28, 2016 - the date the current fire protection agreement between the two expires.

However, according to statements made at the Town of Ponoka’s council meeting on Nov. 24, movement has been made toward signing a new agreement in favour of a regional fire service.

“As long as we get the same level of fire service that we have now, or better … that’s what we want,” stated town interim chief administrative officer (CAO) Doug Wright at the meeting.

Discussions between Wright and Ponoka County CAO Charlie Cutforth have already begun, as the pair was scheduled to meet earlier this week and the hope of both men is to have a draft agreement complete before Wright’s contract is up at the end of January.

As for the county, they are continuing to put a contingency plan in place to provide service should it be necessary.

Regional fire chief Dennis Jones updated county council at their regular Nov. 24 meeting on the status of those plans.

Jones explained they currently have 16 applicants, as well as about six more pending, that are all either current or previous members of the Ponoka Fire Department. In addition, Jones has secured commitments to maintain mutual aid agreements with all of the surrounding municipalities along with receiving offers to provide apparatus and a variety of firefighting equipment and gear from various department should they need it. There has also been an offer by a local industrial company to provide a building for a temporary fire hall.

“What that all means is we currently have in place the manpower, location, equipment and support necessary to begin providing fire protection service to the residents of the east side of the county should there be no signed agreement with the town upon the expiration of the present one,” he said.

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

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

PONOKA NEWS 17

(R-L) Ponoka Junior B Stampeders captain Cody Lemon presents a donation of $400 to Deanna Groves of the Ponoka Gymnastics Club as well as athletes and other club representatives prior to the team’s game at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Centre on Wednesday, Nov. 25. The donation was to assist the club in their fundraising effort for their new facility and the children also enjoyed a tour of the team’s dressing room plus a chance to chat with some of the players and coaches.

Photo by Jordie Dwyer

Gym Club hosts official grand opening ending controversial saga

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

RECYCLE

YOUR PAPER!

It was a long time coming but the Ponoka Gymnastics and Trampoline Club are finally the official owners of their land.

The club held an open house Saturday, Nov. 28 at their building with members having fun with the different equipment available to them. Club president Barry Groves said he is excited to have such strong community support.

He said approximately 90 per cent of the project is finished with the next phase to complete the upstairs mezzanine and coach’s room. He expects to complete the bridge funding payment to Ponoka County by December.

“This is a kids facility and that’s what it needs to be,” said Groves.

He said for the fall session 148 kids signed up, an

increase of approximately 30 kids from last year,

which he feels is partly due to installed trampo-

lines and a new home.

Mayor Rick Bonnett added that he is pleased the building is complete.

“Glad to see it’s up and going. It’s for the kids and for the community.”

“It’s great to see they’ve got their own building,”

added Bonnett.

County Coun. Mark Matejka is proud of Ponoka County’s financial contribution and knows there are many members who are also county residents.

“I think it’s wonderful to see the community come

together.”

“Our expectation would only be to see that it grows,” said Matejka.

Groves held a ribbon cutting ceremony for attendees with Bonnett and Matejka cutting the ribbon.

JOHN W. LOW Agencies Inc. 5118 - 50th Street, Ponoka 1-800-392-8658 6 ACREAGES AVAILABLE

Fiona Nobles smiles upside down Saturday, Nov. 28 as she flips through the air at the Ponoka and Gymnastics and Trampoline Club open house.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

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18 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

Raising big dollars: Residents pulled together to raise a whopping $75,950 from the Ponoka Festival of Trees that will benefit the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre. Here members of the festival committee pose with the cheque reveal Sunday, Nov. 28 at the Calnash Ag Event Centre. Members of the committee pictured (l-r) Tammy Henkelman, Judy Dick, Lori Jones-Holt, Carol Dunn, Theresa Turner, Cec Dykstra and Sherry Gummow. Members of the Ponoka and District Health Foundation pictured (l-r) are Dorothy Ungstad, Barry Neath, Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye Joanne McMillan, Nell Liddle, Jennifer Parker and Kelly Sperber.

GREAT IDEA FOR CHRISTMAS STOCKING STUFFERS!

RAFFLE

2015

Canadian PaciÀc

Holiday Train

Benefitting the Ponoka Food Bank by donating cash or food.

TO SUPPORT OPERATIONS AND PROGRAMS OF THE CALNASH AG EVENTS CENTRE

PRIZE:

2015 John Deere XUV 825i Gator or $10,000

Tuesday, December 8th @ 5:30 pm 50 St. and 47 Ave. (across from the Brick) Featuring Musical Guests

TICKETS

20.00

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2500 Tickets Printed

PRIZE AWARDED MAY NOT BE EXACTLY AS SHOWN

Draw will be held December 31, 2015 at Calnash Ag Event Centre

Devin Cuddy

Kelly Prescott

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TICKETS SOLD AT: Calnash Ag Events Centre, Jones Boys Saddlery & Western Wear, Busted Ladies Lingerie, and Cervus Equipment

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A Proud Community Supporter

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

PONOKA NEWS 19

Tea and sale: Folks came to the Fort Ostell Museum Thursday, Nov. 26 for a fun tea and bake sale. From left, Carol Merkel, museum manager Sandy Allsopp, Elsie Nelson and Betty Peterson enjoy some treats and tea.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Kinettes gearing up for new Centennial Park playground

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE Anyone driving by Centennial Park may have noticed the playground has been removed but have no fear, a bigger, better playground is in the works for next spring.

The Ponoka Kinettes have joined forces with the Ponoka Lions Club to construct this new playground and the two groups were recently awarded a Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) grant.

With money raised, including support from the town and county of Ponoka, the group plans to build the playground May 25 to 28 in 2016, says Kinette Leanne Reed.

In an effort to save money on installation, the groups are seeking support from residents to help out during those days, she explained. By having volunteer help — something the Kinettes have always done when it comes to playground construction — organizers will be able to save money and add further amenities to the splash park. “We’ve always done community builds,” Reed said.

She added that the groups are working closely with companies that deal with gravel and cement to help reduce the overall cost of construction. Doing that will help them build small shelters for families at the splash park during the hot summer months.

The new playground, designed by Blue Imp, has

newer features including two zip lines, several slides, a wheelchair accessible ramp on the playground and swings.

“It’s going to have a lot of use,” stated Reed.

Anyone wishing to make further donations or get involved should call Reed at 403-597-1110. She estimates 30 to 40 volunteers will be needed.

See Amid the Winter’s Snow Rosedale Valley String Orchestra Central Alberta Home School Choir A concert in support of the

Christian Life Orphanage Mwanza Tanzania Dec 4 Clive Baptist Church, 7:30 pm Clive Dec 5 New Life Fellowship Church 7 pm, 20 Kelloway Crescent, Red Deer Dec 13 Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Centre 3 pm, 4501, 50 Street, Camrose A free-will offering will be taken.

info: 403-783-3446 / debzepick@gmail.com

Illustration courtesy of the Ponoka Kinettes

Ponoka Drop-In Activities 5015 – 46 Avenue

Drop-ins welcome at all events.

Dec. 20 - 7 pm - Gospel Concert with “Strings n’ Things” Regular Jam session every Saturday at 1pm Billiards - Weekdays 1:00pm. Mon through Sat – 50 cents per game. Honour system Monday Bridge 1:00pm Monday Whist - 1:30pm Monday Yoga - 6:30pm Tuesday Canasta - 1:00pm Tuesday & Thursday Exercise class 9:30am Tuesday Pickleball 6:30pm Centennial Centre - contact Janice Mackie 403-396-3160 Tuesday Shuffleboard - 7pm Wednesday morning - PIANO LESSONS FOR SENIORS (Sara Driedger 403-790-1980) Wednesday Sewing Guild 9:30am to 4pm Wednesday Cribbage 1:00pm Wednesday Yoga - 6:30pm Wednesday Duplicate Bridge 7:00pm Thursday Floor Curling - 1:00pm Thursday Weaving 1:00pm Welcome to drop-in to see how it’s done Thursday Bridge 1:00pm Thursday Art Club Drop In Noon to 4pm Friday “500” 1:00pm Saturday Yoga 9:30am Memberships available for 2016 - $10.00 per person. To rent our facility contact Dorothy @ 403-783-3027 or George @ 403-783- 3514 or leave a message @ 403-783-5012. Rentals are increasing and we would like to invite our town administration, business groups, and general public (Wedding, funeral, and Birthday groups), to inquire about rentals services and prices early in their planning. We may fit your bill!

20 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

Town donates treasure trove of Cold War artifacts

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS A search of old air raid sirens at the Ponoka Fire Hall revealed a treasure trove of Cold War artifacts dating back to the 1950s and 1960s that has historians eager to show the world.

Recently a Ponoka member of Edmonton’s Civil Defense Museum was on the lookout for old air raid sirens that were in use during the Cold War. As luck would have it, the member caught a glimpse of some crates that had the stencil markings of the old Civil Defence Health Service on them.

A further look into the boxes revealed old, never-used health and safety artifacts such as first aid kits, stretchers, band aids and other first aid items.

Finding the “time capsules” — in the words of Fred Armbruster, executive director of the Canadian Civil Defense Museum Association — put him on the edge of his seat, he was so excited.

“The original packaging for me is almost an artifact,” said Armbruster.

The items in the crates included complete lists of their contents with everything in their place including the yellow painted “Canada Health” logos on the bags and other accessories. Artifacts marked with a yellow circle and blue triangle indicated they belonged to the Civil Defence and Ponoka’s cache has those same markings.

Understanding just what the artifacts are requires some research into the history of the Civil Defence, says Armbruster.

In the wake of the Second World War, a new threat of war developed between the United States and Russia and in an effort to enhance preparedness in the face of nuclear threat, North American towns began a large scale community-driven defence mechanism. “All of Canada and the Unites States lived in fear of these bombs,” Armbruster added.

“They had to have a mechanism in place basically to help each other out,” he added.

Each municipality had its own civil defence headquarters, usually a fire hall, police station or hospital, and citizens within the groups had a specific hierarchy with wardens to medical personnel to radiology crews to emer-

gency crews. Citizens developed bomb shelters and in some places, says Armbruster, underground hospitals. He referred to Medicine Hat, which uncovered an underground hospital some years ago.

“There was a civil defence

organization in Ponoka,” stated Armbruster.

How these artifacts arrived in Ponoka is uncertain but it is believed they were delivered to the Fire Hall sometime in the early 1990s. Town council approved the items be

donated to the Canadian Civil Defence Museum Association and Fort Ostell Museum.

What’s next?

Taking a detailed catalogue of the artifacts and crates will be Armbruster’s first order of business.

He wants to work with Sandy Allsopp, Fort Ostell Museum manager, to put together an exclusive Ponoka display for residents during Alberta Emergency Preparedness Week in the first week of May, 2016.

Eventually Armbruster wants to take these artifacts across the country.

His goal is to tell the story of the days of the Cold

War, which is one of the reasons the group looks for old air raid sirens. They collect them and refurbish them. “Until we came along there was no one to tell the history.”

Finds like this don’t come often but when they do, they just lead the way to more discoveries.

Armbruster hopes find more caches like this in the near future.

CongratulaƟons Shelley!

Your smile and compassion make you a great caregiver.

Employee of the Month

These first aid items show some of the Civil Defence first aid artifacts used during the Cold War recently discovered at the Ponoka Fire Hall and date back to the 1950s and 1960s.

Photo by Donna Brinkworth

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

PONOKA NEWS 21

MSW Meats hosts holiday market

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS Crafters enjoyed a chance to show their wares during an open house at MSW Meats Friday, Nov. 27.

The annual open house was hosted by MSW Meats in an effort to get people out to the country to purchase holiday crafts as well as see some of the free range, grass fed meat products the farm has for sale, explained owner

Mark Stewart.

“They’ll come and see that we’re out on the farm and we try to do things the right way,” said Stewart.

His hope is to generate new customers to products from smaller farms.

Indeed, Stewart said the open house is a great way to meet the whole family.

He feels there is growing interest from consumers who want to know what goes into the food they buy.

“It’s really good for the farmers because … taking the product that we raise and making it available in the freezers and to the public. People are really starting to catch on to that,” said Stewart.

He has a variety of products available such as elk, longhorn cattle, grass fed organic meat and at the store at his farm the family offers a variety of steaks, burgers, sausages, beef jerky and more.

Klaglahachie Fine Arts Society Proudly Presents

MSW Meats held a holiday craft sale Friday, Nov. 27 at their farm to bring shoppers to their business. Other home crafters were invited to the show.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

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

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Tickets may be purchased by calling 403-783-4087 or visiting kfatheatre.com

22 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

Don’t cry for me Argentina

BRENNAN TURNER FarmLead The grains market continued to trade through the U.S. Thanksgiving week with a stronger U.S. dollar, amidst a little more geopolitical risk in the Middle East and more economic indicators suggesting a Federal Reserve interest rate move higher sometime soon. Some hotter temperatures in India (thanks El Nino) are

leading to slower and/ or smaller plantings of wheat and rapeseed crops there, suggesting that imports of cereals and veggie oils in 2016 is sure to be higher.

Also pressuring markets was a new pro-business leader being elected as president in Argentina, a hopeful change for a country that’s been plagued by 20–30 per cent annual inflation since they defaulted as country 14 years ago.

Managed money continues to kill its long positions in the futures markets as we head into the winter months only soyoil and soybean futures holding a net long position as of November 15th (albeit barely). Oil prices continue to act like they’re consistently getting taken out back behind the wood pile and getting spanked,

which is part of the reason soybean and canola prices remain pressured. Canola crush margins are about 50 per cent of what they were a year ago, which is why the smart move seems to be contracting canola to move grain in later months.

A couple more thoughts on Argentina: how does the government change affect grains? New Argentine President Macri is planning to immediately cancel all export taxes on wheat and corn, and kill the 35 per cent% export tax on soybeans through February. This is significant considering that it’s been estimated that Argentinian farmers are holding onto about 22 million tonnes of grain that they’ve been waiting to sell once the new gov-

Crestomere 4-H Multiclub news

BY MACKENZIE GILLARD For the month of November, the members and the cleaver kids got the pleasure of having guest speakers at our meeting.

The members had a judging workshop after the meeting, followed with their projects. Riley Sharp, a former 4-Her with lots of judging experience came to tell us the do’s and don’t’s of judging.

Everyone received their project books and we dis-

cussed the budget for this year. Sewing members started making pillow cases from their own fabrics.

Woodworking members are getting experience with basic hand tools, and learning to build a tractor out of wood. The more experienced members are working on more advanced skills with power tools. The Small Engines members started identifying parts of an engine. Sheep members went to the Gull Lake Veterinary Clinic for a biosecurity work-

VJV MARKET REPORT MARKET REPORT NOVEMBER 25, 2015

On Wednesday, November 25, 2015 - 3058 head of cattle went through our rings TOTAL - 3058

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

90.00-105.00 80.00-95.00 75.00-95.00 60.00-75.00 110.00-140.00 110.00-130.00

Feeder bulls 130.00-160.00 Good Bred Cows Older Bred Cows 1,200.00-1,800.00 Good Bred Heifers: Cow/calf pairs (younger) Cow/Calf pairs (older) -

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

170.00-185.00 195.00-215.00 215.00-230.00 215.00-235.00 235.00-260.00 265.00-290.00 295.00-320.00 340.00-380.00

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

115.00-130.00 10.00-180.00 -425.00 7.00-12.00 2.25-3.50 -

Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers

160.00-180.00 180.00-210.00 190.00-215.00 195.00-220.00 215.00-230.00 230.00-255.00 250.00-285.00 290.00-330.00

ernment relaxes the export taxes. Further, add in that their harvest starts around February, it could turn out to be a constant rush of South American product flooding the market.

That being said, the U.S.D.A. is currently forecasting 5 million tonnes of wheat to be exported

by Argentina this year, 16 million tonnes of corn, and 10.75M tonnes of soybeans, but with this new government, it may not be unrealistic to add 10 or 20 per cent to these numbers.

The interesting thing moving forward though will be watching the soymeal market though as Argentina has been the #1 exporter of the feedstuff for a long time (almost 47M tonnes in 2015/16 forecasted by the USDA) but with it looking cheaper to ex-

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because it isn’t taxed).

All in all, you may not cry over Argentina, but those losing market share to their new policies may.

To growth!

Brennan Turner President & CEO 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 & 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

Ponoka Fish and Game news SUBMITTED BY ROBERT GREENE PUBLICITY CHAIRMAN

shop. Veterinary Science started looking at the basic structures of cells in a body, and how they work together.

The Cleavers had two guest speakers, Jen Blaire, and Mark Cutts. Jen Blaire is an agricultural reporter for the Alberta Farmer. She came to explain what it takes to be an agricultural reporter, and showed us that you don’t have to live on a farm to love agriculture.

Mark Cutts came to teach about different types of soil, and they got to play in the dirt. He also taught about water filtration in sand, soil, and clay. The Cleavers were then given a tour of Stamm Dairy. “We got see how they robotically milked cows,” one of the excited kids told me.

So, overall it was tons of fun for everyone, We are looking forward to our next events, including our public speaking workshop and the Christmas party.

November is here again but so far it has been great weather wise. Every good day we have this time of year helps make the winter a little shorter. A little snow would have been nice for hunting but we can enjoy what we have.

Speaking of hunting - we took our yearly trip to the far north in October, the weather was great for hunting there, only had one rainy day in the two weeks we were there. That is a blessing for it is all gumbo up there when it rains. You had better stay on the hardtop.

The game was in good shape as there were a lot of second growth crops that the game like to feed on. You still have to have plenty of patience to harvest an elk or moose as they are not standing around all day in the open waiting for you. We did okay this year so makes it

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port soybeans, the soymeal processing piece may become a smaller denominator in the scheme of things.

The usual reaction by now “What the heck is Brennan talking about Argentina so much for?”

Fact: had it not been for their government export taxes Argentina could easily be the #2 or #3 exporter of corn AND soybeans. With government deregulation like the new Argentinian President is proposing, it can shift the tide of how business is done, in this, a more globalized grain industry. Simply put, with Argentina definitely increasing their exports, this means substitution of other things elsewhere. Further, it may take away more barley acres in the South American country (it’s been a safe crop to grow

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worth while going so far to hunt.

Things are winding down for the year at the club, but we still have horn measuring coming up on December 6 at the club house. If you have something to measure, bring it on out.

Our membership for this year is now at 850 plus.

There are not many clubs in Alberta who have more members per population as the Ponoka Fish and Game. Some clubs have bigger numbers but they have a bigger population to draw from than us.

There have been some changes in obtaining a gun license. There will no longer be a P.O.L. license, it has been changed to a P.A.L. Also there will no longer be any Challenge courses. If you need to get a license you must take the complete course.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, which now has a huge membership, has now secured over two

million acres of habitat for hunting. That is quite a chunk. They have bought and been donated land by lots of people who have their property left for future generations to have a place to hunt. Great!

Hope all of you read the a article in your Outdoor Canada magazine about Cecil the lion. Sure did not take long for the anti-hunters to jump on that story, did it? There are some good points made

by George Grunfield, who wrote this article. If you have not read this story, pick up your magazine and do so.

It is not very long before we start or new year programs, which starts with our annual Awards Banquet the first Saturday of February. Then our yearly Alberta Fish And Game Conference that will be held in Edmomton the third week of February.

Have a great Christmas Holiday and a happy New Year to all.

SIT BACK, RELAX & READ THE

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

PONOKA NEWS 23

Sports Stampeders keep building their muscles Cody Lemon of Stampeders blocked by Lightning goalie and defenceman in his attempt to create a scoring opportunity on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Centre.

Stampeders won the game 3-1.

Photo by Mustafa Eric

BY MUSTAFA ERIC In a two-steps-forwardone-step-back week, Ponoka Stampeders continued to build up confidence in their journey for what they hope to be a playoff spot by defeating Blackfalds for the first time in a few years, overpowering Stettler but falling to Okotoks of southern division.

In their first game of the week against Blackfalds on the road on Tuesday, Nov.24, Stampeders managed to score six goals conceding only three, a result that made head

coach Tyler Fiveland happy, proud and more hopeful. It was in the second period in that game that the Stampeders established their supremacy with three successive scores by Braeden Grant, Jordan Wombold and Nate Higgins, adding to the first goal in the first period by Jess Fischer and beefed up by the two goals in the third by Nate Higgins and Teagan Colonna.

Fiveland said defeating Blackfalds was a major confidence booster for the Ponoka boys. “It is now high up in their mind that they can win over teams

like Blackfalds,” he added.

The home game against Stettler on Wednesday, Nov. 25 seemed challenging at times but it was overall a rather easy fixture for Stampeders.

Ponoka boys got on the board in the first two minutes of the game with Jordan Wombold. In just another minute, Tyson Crampain opened the lead to two goals, but that was all the fans were to see in terms of scoring by any team until well into the third. Five minutes into the second, a major brawl involving all the players on the ice

ended up with ejection of players from both teams and a five-minute penalty against Stampeders, who did an effective job of penalty-killing, depriving Lightning of any chance to score. But the Ponoka boys also squandered the chance of a four-minute power play with only four Lightning players on the ice by failing to score.

In the third, the visitors raised the stakes when they scored in the fourth minute sending the hosts to a heightened attack mode, which resulted in Stampeders’ third and last goal of the game in

the fifth minute.

In the game against Okotoks on Friday, Nov. 27, Nate Higgings responded to the hosts’ first goal within a minute in the middle of the first, and in the second, Brendan Scott put Stampeders in the lead in the fourth minute.

But in the third period Okotoks scored three in a row to extract the two points out of the game.

Fiveland said his team was improving at both the defensive and offensive ends. “We are now having a big handle on the deflections, earlier we were leaving a lot of

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pucks in the front of the net unattended, now we are helping our goalie a lot more.” He added that, as demonstrated in the game versus Blackfalds, his offensive line was focusing a lot more on scoring.

In the Okotoks game, he said Stampeders had outshot their hosts by a substantial margin and they were all targeted shots.

In an important test of their newly found confidence, Stampeders will take on Blackfalds at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Centre on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 7:45.

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24 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

Broncs senior girls battle hard at provincials

BY JORDIE DWYER Overall, chalk up a trip to the provincial championship as an experience not to be forgotten.

That’s how Ponoka Secondary’s Broncs se-

nior girls volleyball coach Ron Labrie basically described his team’s appearance at the 3A Girls Volleyball Provincials in Bonnyville on the weekend.

“Our provincial expe-

rience was outstanding.

Bonnyville Centralized High School were outstanding hosts,” he stated.

The Broncs had a great round robin, finishing with four victories and

The Ponoka Secondary senior girls volleyball squad finished a respectable fifth at the recent provincial championship tournament in Bonnyville.

Front row (L-R) Hailey Boser, Hannah Hahn, Ferron French-Scott, Sawyer Liddle, Delaney Brachmann Back row (L-R) Sarah Morin, Kiana Weed, Chloe Labrie, Tess Pearman, Lauren Bussiere, Carmen Lomas, McKenzie Henderson, Coach Ron Labrie Missing: Coach Ranelle Muncast

one loss in their pool.

They opened the 12team, two pool tournament with a loss to the number three seed St. Joes Catholic from Grande Prairie 25-11, 25-23 on Thursday afternoon (Nov. 26).

However, the girls stormed back with a dominant 25-14, 25-11 performance Friday morning (Nov. 27) over the 11th seeded host Bonnyville squad. The Broncs had a much tougher match that afternoon against the 10th seeded team from Taber, but eventually would get the edge winning 25-20, 16-25, 16-14. The Broncs would cap off with the

day with a 25-16, 25-22 win over 6th seeded St. Martin de Porres from Calgary.

Ponoka finished off their round robin on Saturday morning (Nov. 28) defeating a very tough 7th seed from Morinville 25-15, 27-25.

That left them in second in their pool and moved them into the quarterfinals against Springbank, but fell in straight sets.

Labrie added the girls battled hard throughout the tournament We had only dropped one match to the eventual Silver medalist St. Joes from Grande Prairie.

“Springbank is a strong

team with two setters who ran a 6-2 offense with enormous height on the wings. They had excellent ball placement and great outside hitters, but we thought that our quick offense and strength in the middle would be a good match up,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the girls gave away too many points on our serve in addition to some below average passing early.”

Springbank would eventually wind up with the bronze, losing in the semifinal to St. Albert Catholic who went on to capture the provincial title over St. Joes Catholic.

Bantam team makes it to C finals

Photo submitted

Season’s Greetings The annual Season’s Greetings supplement offers you an opportunity to thank your customers for their patronage and send Christmas greetings.

Mason Vogel, of the Bantam Moose team, takes a shot against the Athabasca goalie Saturday, Nov. 28 during the team’s tournament. The team made it to the C finals.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

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Ponoka Minor Hockey’s Bantam Moose team didn’t win last weekend’s home tournament but they are showing improvement.

Coach Ryan Raugust said they made it to the C finals and while they didn’t win overall, the players grew from the experience. His goal over the weekend was for the players to go out and play hard each and every game. He said maintaining a high level of intensity was their biggest challenge over the course of the tournament.

“It’s a lot more fun when you’re giving it your all,” said Raugust.

He suggests a memorable game experience comes with giving strong energy. Indeed, Saturday, Nov. 28 5 p.m.game against Athabasca proved to be a winning one. Players passed the puck on a regular basis bringing it ever closer to the opposition net, which in-

creased their chances of scoring.

Their passing plays proved too much for Athabasca who struggled to keep up. Raugust said something coaches have been working on during practices is passing at least 20 times before getting the puck to the net. Players have taken well to the strategy, says Raugust, and they have made the drills into a fun part of the practice.

Raugust said there was only one team at the tournament who they had played before, which made it a fun experience. His team has players from other central Alberta communities such as Clive and Bashaw. Normally it takes some time for players to develop strong team camaraderie but Raugust says players have settled in quite well.

As for the regular season, the Moose team sits in the fourth spot out of six teams with a record of 3-6-0. Their next game is set for Dec. 12 at Sylvan Lake.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

PONOKA NEWS 25

Midget Wolves face off with RCMP for fundraiser

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE The Midget Wolves hockey team and members of the central Alberta RCMP hockey team faced off last week in a fundraiser game to raise money for a program aimed at getting kids into team sports.

It was on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex that the two teams worked to bring money to Ponoka’s KidSport program, says treasurer Kathy Matejka. “The team has come together to put this fundraiser on.”

Donations of $3 to watch the game plus other fundraising efforts helped raise more than $1,500, which Matejka credits the RCMP members and midget team for accomplishing. “I think the boys have done a good job in pre-sales,” she added.

Wolves assistant coach Peter Hall helped bring everyone together for the game and he suggests it is a great opportunity for camaraderie between players and the RCMP members.

“This is not competition.

It’s just about fun and to raise some money,” said Hall.

His players put in extra effort and pre-sold 400 tickets

to the game. They did such a good job the parking lot was completely full, added Hall.

KidSport is a non profit organization that provides funds to families who want to involve their kids in

team sport activities, says Matejka. “This year so far, we have funded 48 kids.”

She added that this year the need has been greater due to a struggling economy.

RCMP Const. Adam Al-

Kadri said the night was a good opportunity to have a fun game with the midget team and to continue to grow community relations.

Const. Ryan Koehli has been part of the fundraiser for

the last three years and is the former midget coach.

Being able raise money for KidSport is something he feels is important.

“I think any team sport teaches life skills and hock-

ey is no different,” said Koehli.

He suggests KidSport is a positive way to get kids involved in those team sports.

As for the game, the RCMP won 12-7.

The Midget Fountain Tire Wolves faced off against the central Alberta RCMP hockey team Tuesday, Nov. 24 to raise money for Ponoka’s KidSport. More than $1,500 was raised at the game.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

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26 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

Horse riders learn ins and outs of eventing

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Olympian Jessica Phoenix hosted an equitation clinic last weekend at Extreme Stables giving riders tips to better jumping.

Here (far right) she guides a rider and horse through a jump.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

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Olympic horse rider Jessica Phoenix gave central Alberta horse riders important tips and tricks in the equine eventing discipline last weekend.

The clinic was held at Extreme Stables east of Ponoka where Phoenix worked with riders to better understand eventing and how to handle their horses. The three day clinic started with dressage where no jumping is involved, the second phase worked on jumping over fences that can fall down and the third phase worked on cross-country fences.

“You’re galloping upwards of 25 miles per hour at fences that don’t fall down,” said Phoenix.

She taught horses and riders techniques and specific footwork to make a successful jump. Results of the clinic gave riders a better understanding of their horses and it created a stronger bond between the horses and their riders.

The Olympic rider has represented Canada in countless international competitions including at the Pan American Games, where she has won several medals for her skills in eventing. Her efforts also landed Canada a spot at the Rio 2016 summer Olympic games.

Getting to that level of competition takes more than just a rider and horse, says Phoenix. Aspiring eventing Olympians will need a team of individuals who know what they are doing.

She suggests family and coaches are just as important as the veterinarian and farrier. “It just all goes into that success at the end of the day … make sure you’re with the most positive people that you can be with.”

Equestrian sports are gaining some momentum worldwide, says Phoenix and she sees growth due to interest from mainstream media. The sport as a whole is growing momentum and Phoenix is optimistic about what that will do for athletes and the industry. “Just growing the sport that way at the grassroots level is what will make us more competitive on the world stage,” she adds.

Seeing improvements from riders is an important part of why Phoenix hosts her clinics. “I honestly feel whether you’re at the Olympic games having your best personal performance or whether you’re in a situation like this teaching somebody…where it’s just complete clarity, it’s incredibly rewarding as a professional and that’s why I love what I do,” said Phoenix.

Stable owner Angie Golley intends to hire Phoenix again to bring further training for riders in the area.

Adam’s Chevrolet Super League Curling standings SUBMITTED Wednesday, Nov. 25 was the fifth week of the Adam’s Chevrolet Super League Curling.

With round robin play now completed, the playoff format has been determined with the division of the 12 teams into three pools. Pool “A” will have the top four teams of Sherrer, Baron, Stebner and Classic Granite Works curling for the top money. The middle four teams of Adam’s Chevrolet, Brake, Lea and Waldren will compete for money in Pool “B”. Pool “C” will consist of the teams of McKelvie, Ponoka Professional Pharmacy, Riske and Walton. With close races in each pool, the stage is set for a very exciting remaining three weeks of playoff action.

Adam’s Chevrolet Super League Curling standings going into the first week of playoffs are: Pool “A” · Sherrer- 330 · Baron- 310 · Stebner- 305 · Classic Granite Works- 280 Pool “B” · Adam’s Chevrolet- 210 · Brake- 190 · Lea- 190 · Waldren- 180 Pool “C” · McKelvie- 130 · Ponoka Professional Pharmacy- 115 · Riske- 85 · Walton- 75

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

PONOKA NEWS 27

Our body should be the most precious thing that we own

MIKE RAINONE HAMMERTIME

Forget the diamonds, the furs, the fancy vehicles, the palatial homes and all the other fancy toys and perks that we possess, because in the end, it is our body that should be the most precious thing that we own. After all, our body works for us 24-7 for a life-time for no pay and quite often far too much play, and as we have all discovered on many occasions if we don’t treat it right, it may not always perform as we expect it to, especially as it ages. *Our heart pumps approximately 2000 gallons (7571 litres) of blood through its massive maze of chambers every single day, and is required to beat more than 100,000 times a day to achieve this most incredible feat. *On average, all of us take around 17,000 breaths a day, and we don’t have to think about a single one of them. Yet, if you want to stop breathing temporarily for swimming, to stop hiccups, or whatever else, we are easily able to do that, because a typical pair of adult lungs is able to hold a huge six liters of air for quite a while.

*Every day our body ensures that we don’t contact cancer thousands of times over by sending special enzymes scuttling around to inspect DNA strands for faults and to fix them before they turn into tumours. *Did you realize that our brain never stops working, and it is estimated that between 50,000 and 60,000 thoughts pass through it each and every day, which is a whopping total of 35-48 thoughts every minute. *The cells in our stomach lining produce an alkaline substance every few milliseconds to neutralize stomach acid, and if they didn’t do this your tummy would digest itself, because some of those acids are strong enough to dissolve metals. *Did you know that we blink about 28,000 times every day, with each one lasting about 1 second? This voluntary reflex is what our body uses to keep the eyes clean and moist, which is very crucial given that 90 per cent of the information we receive is visual, and can justify any vital scene or image in just 0.01 seconds.

*Most of the body’s energy is expelled via heat, and our body produces the same heat as 25 light bulbs over the course of a single day.

Is that why we sometimes have hot flashes??

Quick facts: Red blood cells travel around the body in less than 60 seconds and make 1440 trips a day; body cells replenish themselves every 24 hours; we shed more than 1 million skin cells every day; a healthy full scalp contains 100,000 hair treads; and the brain and mouth work together to allow us to speak around 5000 words a day, but not always in synch.

Whatever the case we should always love, pamper, protect, and be very proud of our body, providing it with ample rest, fun times and proper nutrition and diet, enjoying our own choice of exercise and fresh air, taking regular medical check-ups, drinking lots of water to keep it moving. We may not always feel in tiptop shape or the best of moods each and every day, but we must always strive to feel good about ourselves, and then just go ahead and have a great week, all of you.

Ponoka Jubilee Library wants to know what you think

BY JACLYN BERRY

Here at Ponoka Jubilee Library we are always striving to provide you with the best service possible. With that in mind, we have created a very short survey that we are hoping people will fill out for us, so that we can

gauge how the library is doing, what we can work on, and what we can offer in the future to help the library be a great place for everyone in our community. The survey is available two ways: first, you can come to the library at 5110 48 Avenue and fill out a paper copy, or second, you can go online and fill out the survey, which is found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L9DPV6H. It should only take a minute or two to fill out, and we appreciate everyone’s opinions.

Just a reminder that

we still have a few 2016 Charlie calendars still available. These calendars feature 12 different full-colour pictures of Charlie, doing all the things that she does best, such as relaxing in the sun, hitching a ride on a wagon, stealing heat from a furnace vent, and many more cute things. The proceeds from the sale of calendars are split evenly between the ‘Charlie Fund’ which helps pay for Charlie’s food, treats, litter and vet bills, and the ‘Free Membership Fund’ which has helped maintain our free mem-

berships into 2016. They make a great Christmas gift, come get yours before they’re gone.

This Saturday, Dec. 5 is our ‘Vintage Family Christmas’, from 1 to 3 p.m. Each family who registers for the event will be given a live miniature evergreen tree to decorate with the vintage Christmas ornaments that they create.

Call the library at 403-7833843 or stop by to book your family a spot. This program is free-of-charge, but we are accepting food bank donations.

We have a wreath mak-

ing evening on Thursday, Dec. 10 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Be taught to create a Christmas swag wreath, made from fresh boughs and all the trimmings. The cost of the class includes all supplies and instruction. Space is limited, so you must register and pay in advance; any questions, contact the library.

There has been a sharp increase in food bank use this year, and we at Ponoka Jubilee Library would like to do all we can to help those in need, especially during the holiday season.

With that in mind, we will

have a collection box at the library from now until December 22. Please bring your non-perishable items down to the library over the next month and we will be sure to pass them along. Let’s help make everybody’s holidays a little brighter.

Coming soon: From Gillian Flynn, author of ‘Gone Girl’ comes an homage to the classic ghost story, with her novella ‘The Grownup’. This story proves once again that Gillian Flynn is one of the world’s most original and skilled voices in fiction.

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28 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

County

CLASSIFIEDS

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

6 PACK 8 PACK

Announcements

What’s Happening

50-70

Employment

Services Directory

700-920

Items Buy/Sell

1010-1430

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

announcements

CALL TOLL FREE:

ADPACK ALL IN 1

Agriculture

1500-1990

FAX: 403-783-6300

Coming Events

52

Coming Events

Card Of Thanks

52

JUST ASK FOR THE

CLASSIFIED N.E. BUY • • • • • • •

The family of Thelma Hornby wish to express our thanks to Dr. Du Toit, Ponoka Hospital & Care Centre staff, Sunrise Village and Northcott Care Centre for the excellent care of Thelma. Thank you to Marlon Wombold, Sheila Van Alstyne and staff for the care and compassion to our family, Beatrice Schiner for her kind words and Bob Ronnie Catering for supplying the lunch.

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

CLASSIFIEDS Sell it Best! To place your ad phone 1-877223-3311

Coming Events

52

Legion Auxiliary Gift & Bake Sale Saturday, December 5 10 am - 4 pm Your One Stop Shopping

Home Business, Bake Sale, Toys, Crafts, Raffles & Silent Auction To book a table phone Marlene 403-783-6560

52 AWNA’s Annual Symposium

Internationally Acclaimed Speakers

Advertising • Page Design Sales • Creative Cloud Software Journalism • Photography Full course descriptions online

www.awna.com/symposium

1-877-223-3311 CLASSIFIEDS...BRINGING BUYERS & SELLERS TOGETHER!

Ponoka News Stettler Independent Bashaw Star Castor Advance Weekender Lacombe Express Pipestone Flyer

Starting at 25 words for $53.55 Call toll free 1-877-223-3311 or Local 403-309-3300

Gail, Gerry, Kathy and families

GET MORE COVERAGE WITH YOUR AD

Something for Everyone Everyday in Classifieds

Bentley Christmas Craft & Gift Sale Sat. Dec. 5th 10 AM to 3 PM Bentley Community Hall Lots of local vendors with a wide variety of items for your shopping pleasure!

Rental & Real Estate

2010-2210

GET MORE COVERAGE WITH YOUR AD

Coming Events

1-877-223-3311 3000-4310

• • • • • •

Ponoka Rimbey Eckville Sylvan Lake Lacombe Pipestone Flyer

Starting at 25 words for $45.90 Call toll free 1-877-223-3311 or Local 403-309-3300 Buying or Selling your home?

Check out Homes for Sale in Classifieds

PONOKA FARMER’S MARKET Christmas Markets At the Royal Canadian Legion, Hwy 2A

Wednesday, December 2 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Thursday, December 3 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Wednesday, December 9 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Thursday, December 10 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

LUNCH AVAILABLE PROVIDED BY THE LEGION LADIES

For tables or more information call Donna at 403-783-6776

Public Notice

6010

EMAIL: classifieds@ponokanews.com

54

Lost

$5000 REWARD leading up to or for the finding of 14 missing simmental cows and 13 calves. Cows have a brand of TLX on the left rib and also possibly a brand of PG (‘G’ is backwards) on the left rib. Calves are probably unbranded. Went missing in Alliance/Sedgewick area. Phone 780-386-3745 or 780-888-1258.

+

A Star Makes Your Ad A Winner!

CALL:

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

JUST ASK FOR THE

CLASSIFIED N.W. BUY

Vehicles

5010-5240

Meetings

59

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

Neighborhood Place 5110 - 49 Ave., Ponoka For more info 403-783-4557 We change daily to serve you better.

Celebrate your life with a Classified ANNOUNCEMENT

ALATEEN

Weekly meetings Tuesdays @ 8 p.m.

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

403-783-4557 or 403-783-8371

EASY!

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

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

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

52 Street & 52 Ave. Ponoka.

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

Medical

Employment #700 - #920 Caregivers/Aides................710 Clerical ..............................720 Computer Personnel ..........730 Dental ................................740 Estheticians........................750 Hair Stylists ........................760 Janitorial ............................770 Legal ..................................780 Medical ..............................790 Oilfield ................................800 Professionals......................810 Restaurant/Hotel ................820 Sales & Distributors ..........830 Teachers/Tutors..................840 Trades ................................850 Truckers/Drivers ................860 Business Opportunities......870 Miscellaneous ....................880 Volunteers Wanted ............890 Positions Wanted ..............895 Employment Training ........900 Career Planning ................920

Caregivers/ Aides

710

IN HOME caregiver for elderly parents, optional accommodation avail. at no charge on a live in basis, this is not a condition of employment, driving req’d, F/T on farm near Rimbey, $15.75/hr. Equal opportunity employer.

Encourage all applicants. email: POSITION FILLED

Medical

790

790

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.

Restaurant/ Hotel

820

BENTLEY SUBWAY

has immediate openings for permanent full time and part time

FOOD SERVICE SUPERVISORS

for all shifts between 6:30 AM and 10 PM. Duties include supervise and coordinate activities of staff who prepare and portion food, train new staff, establish work schedules, order food and supplies, maintain records of stock, sales, repairs, wastage, ensure food quality and control. Must be friendly, reliable, and a team player. The ability to work under pressure in a fast paced environment is necessary. High School Diploma, Food Safety Certificate, and at least one year experience in the food service industry is required. Must be able to work days, evenings, weekends. Starting wage $13.75/hr with benefit package available.

Apply in person at 4930 - 50 Avenue Bentley between 6:30 AM and 9 PM, or by email to boroneilson@gmail.com

HUGE DEMAND for Medical Transcriptionists!

CanScribe is Canada’s top medical transcription training school. Learn from home and work from home. Call today!

1-800-466-1535; www.

Cameron Bay Holdings canscribe.com info@ Inc. o/a McDonalds’s in canscribe.com.

Ponoka and Red Deer (Gasoline Alley East and West) is now hiring full MEDICAL time and part time Food TRANSCRIPTION! Service Supervisors.

In-demand career!

Wages are between Employers have work-at- $13.95 to $16.00 per hour, home positions available. depending upon experiGet online training you ence and qualifications. need from an employerCandidates must be able trusted program. Visit: to work a variety of shifts CareerStep.ca/MT or and have 3 to 5 years pre1-855-768-3362 to start vious experience. Must be training for your work-at- able to supervisor up to 20 home career today! crew. Part-time applications will be accepted from Canadians and Permanent Residents. Apply in person 4419 Hwy 2A, Ponoka, It’s simple to run a Garage 37479 Hwy 2, Red Deer, Sale Ad in the Classified and 37428 Hwy 2, Red section and make quick cash. Deer or email resume to Phone C l a s s i f i e d s cbay22@telus.net or fax to 1-877-223-3311.

403-783-4251.

SIMPLE!

PONOKA NEWS 29

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

AG EQUIPMENT

Sales & Distributors

830

SALES ASSOCIATE REQUIRED

For North/Central Alberta.

Opportunity for a mature person or couple in wholesale fashion jewelry, giftware and clothing sales.

• • • •

Rimbey Implements Ltd.

Great second career.

Must be fit and love to travel.

Work schedule approx.

8 months per year.

A strong interest in ladies fashion an asset.

Reply to: order@klassenjlrs.com Terry, 306-652-2112 Check us out at: www.klassenjlrs.com

Business Opportunities

Al York

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

Rimbey, AB

850

Trades

OUTBOARD MECHANIC WANTED for Vancouver Island. Rigging experience an asset. Email resume to: accounting@ campbellriverboatland.com or phone 250-286-0752.

Business Opportunities

Business Opportunities

870

GREAT CANADIAN Dollar Store franchise opportunities are available in your area. Explore your future with a dollar store leader. Call today 1-877-388-0123 ext. 229; www.dollarstores.com.

870

GET FREE VENDING machines. Can earn $100,000. + per year. All cash-locations provided.

Protected territories. Interest free financing. Full details. Call now 1-866-668-6629. Website: www.tcvend.com.

Whatever You’re Selling...

We Have The Paper You Need!

CLASSIFIEDS 1-877-223-3311 CALL NOW TO FIND OUT MORE

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

ANIMAL SERVICES

995 plus GST/HST

Value Ad Network

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

Professionals

CONCRETE SERVICES

WETASKIWIN READY MIX •

Residential • Commercial • Agricultural

OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY Ph: 587-786-3142 780-352-4301 dmarkevich@wrmconcrete.com

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

A & J AUTOMOTIVE A & J AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR 6701 - 46 Ave. 6701 46 Ave. Ponoka, AB - T4J 1J8 Ponoka, AB T4J 1J8 (403) 783-8755 (403) 783-8755 Al Dickhaut Owner/Operator Al Dickhaut Owner/Operator

ELECTRICAL SERVICES FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENTATION NEEDS

•ELECTRICAL • INSTRUMENTATION Jim Kelly 403-304-3707

jmtk@live.com

Trent Kelly 403-506-0240

880

ACADEMIC Express ADULT EDUCATION AND TRAINING

PLUMBING SHANDALL PLUMBING LTD.

JANUARY START GED Preparation

+

Squeezthee MOST out of your advertising dollars

Fax: (403) 843-3430

Misc.

Help

Would you like to take the GED in your community?

• • • • • • • • •

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

403-340-1930 www.academicexpress.ca

AN EXCELLENT CHOICE WHERE YOUR AD REACHES RURAL READERS

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

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

BOBCAT SERVICES Sur-B Enterprises Ltd.

BOBCAT SERVICE • Snow Removal • Driveways & Parking Lots • Post-Hole Augering - 6, 9, 12, 15 • Corral Cleaning • Grading & Construction Call Jim Ashbough 403-783-2764 or Cell:783-2764 587-729-0092 Call Jim Ashbough or Cell: 588-0599 Jack Surbey 783-5283 Cell: 588-0597

OVERHEAD DOORS

WHATEVER YOU’RE SELLING...

810

Gerald & Tina Owners

Ponoka is Recruiting!

Location Location! Ideally located along the thriving Calgary-Edmonton Corridor - one of the fastest growing markets in Canada, Ponoka is positioned for growth. Ponoka’s strong community lifestyle appeal and ideal location offers opportunities for all. The growing and dynamic community of Ponoka boasts a vibrant, rural lifestyle in the heart of central Alberta. Nestled in the picturesque and lush Battle River Valley, Ponoka is still one of Alberta’s ‘best kept secrets’. The Town of Ponoka is home to some 6,800+ residents and is a service hub for both the oil and gas industry and the agricultural sector. Ponoka also has an innovative and thriving manufacturing sector. Ponoka is also known for its leading edge mental health and brain injury centre. Ponoka is on the move and has something for everyone. Recreation, culture, scenery, adherence to protecting sustainable practices and small town living are “keeping it real” for the next Chief Administrative Officer and their family.

The Town of Ponoka is pleased to accept executive applications that will be considered for the position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to lead a municipal workforce and work within a growing community.

EXECUTIVE REQUIREMENTS This executive position reports to Mayor and Council who; through, executive recruitment will require the following competencies: • Serves as an advisor to council through reporting, recommendations and assessing the issues for decision; • Builds rapport with the public, council, the region and the administration staff team; • Maintains a strategic focus and assists Council with the development and implementation of long term strategic and operational plans; • Provides financial stewardship; • Administers advice and guidance to Council, Administration, Developers, new businesses and residents on Economic Development, Planning and Development • Provides stewardship of municipal resources and leadership of all staff teams and community boards and committees; • Provides policy development, Bylaw compliance and oversight, legal and contractual coordination and due diligence; • Is able to bond and build a relationship with the community.

COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS • The ability to negotiate, adapt, listen, and persuade through communication, and interpersonal leadership; • Comprehensive knowledge and experience regarding leadership and management of operations, practices, and administration; • A high level of ethical competence; strong analytical skills and manage complex financial processes; • A bachelor degree and 10 - 15 years of progressive management experience, with a minimum of 5 years at a senior management level; • The commitment to executive development, motivation and training for senior administration and all staffing levels; • Set goals based on an established vision; • Be assertive and decisive in decision-making; • The ability to take direction and synthesize it into action plans, operational plans, emergency plans, and community development and capacity building.

Wage will be negotiated via Delstan Innovations Group/The Werkz and the Town of Ponoka.

Please submit your cover letter and resume electronically outlining experience, education in key municipal functions, references, reasons for applying and salary expectations by 12:00 p.m. on 11 December, 2015 to: The Werkz Delstan Innovations Group Municipal Executive Recruiting Agent Municipal Executive Recruiting Agent OR Attention: Donna Tona, CTS at email: Attention: C.D. (Doug) Wright, CD at email: donna@donnawekz.ca dugrite@gmail.com

#4, 3616 67 St. Ponoka, AB www.doorsondemand.ca

403-783-2454

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR JUST

30

$

PER WEEK.

REACHING 6000 HOUSEHOLDS PER WEEK.

BOTTLE DEPOT

PONOKA BOTTLE DEPOT Open Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm

Closed Sundays & Holidays We Now Recycle Milk Cartons for Deposit

3, 5520 Hwy 2A (Across from Husky)

403-783-6875 SALES & SERVICE

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

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

30 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 HEATING & EAVESTROUGHING

DENTISTRY

RIMBEYDENTALCARE DR. STEVE CALDER BS C DDS

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

Business and Services Directory Misc.

Services

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

DENTAL CARE BIRCHLAND DENTAL CLINIC

Business Services #1000 - #1430

PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY

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

• DR. RICK BARR • DR. JEFF BARR • DR. STELIAN LISMAN • DR. DAVE CHORKWA • DR. PREETY BACHAN

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

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

-

•

5120-51ST AVE, PONOKA

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

NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME

Caregivers

1070

THE PROFESSIONAL HOME CLEANERS

Papa’s Little Helpers Cleaning Services

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311 HEATING

“Committed to your comfort”

Robin Esau

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

robin@KlesAir.com www.KlesMechanical.com

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

Weekly – Bi-weekly Reliable – Bondable

403-786-9987

We Make It Clean Call Jhenn at

403-963-4014 Legal Services

1260

CRIMINAL RECORD? Think: Canadian pardon.

U.S. travel waiver.

Divorce? Simple.

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

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

Misc.

Services

1290

1310

F.J.B. PAINTING

INT • EXT RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL 403-307-4691

fjbpainting@hotmail.com

Personal Services

Wagon hostess.

Cleaning

Painters/ Decorators

Quality First Always • Free Quotes

WILL BABYSIT in my home . . . at your house?

It’s time to call 403-783-4540 your Welcome

8AM - 12:30PM • 1PM - 5PM

30

A Population Explosion

1060

OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday

This space could be yours for $

1290

Heather Goodwin 403-704-3647 heathermccg@shaw.ca EASY ALBERTA DIVORCE: Free consultation call 1-800-320-2477 or www.canadianlegal.org CCA Award #1 Paralegal.

A+ BBB Reputation. 26 years experience.

Open Mon. - Sat. REACH OVER 1 Million Readers Weekly. Advertise Province Wide Classifieds.

Only $269 + GST (based on 25 words or less). Call now for details 1-800-282-6903 ext. 228; www.awna.com.

Oilfield

1305

JOURNEYMAN industrial insulator, local, 28 yrs. exp., sheet metal shop.

403-729-2005 or 403-846-5319

Misc.

Services

1315

Unplanned pregnancy may be difficult to face.

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

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.

HIP OR KNEE Replacement? Arthritic conditions? Restrictions in walking/dressing?

Disability Tax Credit. $2,000 tax credit. $20,000 refund. For Assistance: 1-844-453-5372.

Commercial - Residential Installations - Repair

Rental Misc

1350

Need RV or Self Storage?

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

Also RV storage.

Secure compound.

Call Keith at

First Call Towing

783-3636 Roofing

1370

METAL ROOFING & SIDING. 32+ colours available at over 55 Distributors. 40 year warranty. 48 hour Express Service available at select supporting Distributors. Call 1-888-263-8254.

HOURS: Mon - Thurs 9 am - 12 Noon; 4 pm - 6 pm; Fri. 9 am - 12 Noon; 4 pm - 7 pm; Sat. 9 a.m. - 12 noon; Sun. 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. & 4 - 7 p.m.

403-783-6272

www.clinkerskennels.ca

Welding

403.783.3501 wcmltd@telus.net

BOBCAT SERVICES PONOKA BOBCAT SERVICE A division of 1127730 Alberta Ltd.

NO JOB TOO SMALL!

SNOW PLOWING & CLEARING

WCB • Insured • Licensed Locally owned/operated

CALL BRIAN HEBERT

403-506-3377

VETERINARY SERVICES

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

Phone 403-391-1684 ʹͶ

DO YOU WANT Pet Services 1318 YOUR AD TO BE CLINKERS READ BY 100,000 KENNELS Potential * Quality Boarding for your dogs & cats *Proof of vaccinations and advance bookings required

3912 - 66 St, Ponoka www.wcmltd.ca

Buyers???

TRY

Classified Advertising SERVING CENTRAL ALBERTA RURAL REGION

CALL 1-877-223-3311

Dr. Bruce Wine

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR JUST

$

30

PER WEEK. REACHING 6000 HOUSEHOLDS PER WEEK.

VETERINARY SERVICES

1410 Welding 1410

1290

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

Attention: Farmers

8 a.m. - 5 p.m Mon. to Sat. • Open late Thursday 24-hour Emergency Call • Dr. Kelly Loree • Dr. Leighton Coma • Dr. Trevor Hook • Dr. Jasmine Hardy • Dr. Candace Wenzel

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

METAL RECYCLING & MORE SERVING FARMERS, INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL & THE GENERAL PUBLIC • Mobile Shears/ Magnets/Grapples • Mobile Flattener/Baler • Mobile Excavators/ Loaders • Scrap Metal Bin Service • Demolition & Decommissioning Hwy 12 East Lacombe • Earth Moving/ 403-357-4415 Excavating/Landscaping www.prometalscrap.com • Scrap Metal Depot

Berni's Refrigeration

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

and Appliance Service

MAIN: (403) 783-7591

783-4880

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

FAX: (403) 783-8178

Reaching 6000 households weekly

For just

$30 per week this space could be yours!

403-783-3311

PONOKA NEWS 31

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 VETERINARY SERVICES

Ponoka Veterinary Clinic Dr.Jacobson Murray•Jacobson • Dr. Murray Dr. Clayton West Dr. Clayton West • Dr. Nicole Macdonald • Dr. Katie Graves Dr. Ashley Shannon

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

24 Hr. Emergency 403-783-4348

5502 - Hwy 2A Ponoka, AB

T4J 1M1

BOBCAT SERVICES

BRUCE’S BOBCAT

Snow Cleaning & Removal

Volunteers Wanted

890

Auctions

1530

BIG STRAPPER AUCTIONS

UPCOMING SALES Wednesdays @ 6 pm.

Ponoka FCSS

Dec. 2, 9, & 16

is accepting applications for a

Firewood

1660

FREE

FIREWOOD YOU CUT

Close to town at The Moose Hall, 2 miles south of Ponoka on 780-951-0199 Hwy. 2A ~~~~~ TO BOOK YOUR SALE LOGS CALL 403-782-5693 Semi loads of pine, spruce, tamarack, poplar, birch.

Check website for full listings Price depends on location www.bigstrapperauctions.net of delivery. Lil Mule Logging 403-318-4346 UNRESERVED SPORTSMAN & Firearms Apply by: December 16 Public Auction. Saturday, December 5, 2015, 10 a.m., 9320 - 52 St. S.E., Employment Cats Calgary, Alberta.

Unreserved Industrial Training Public Auction. Tuesday, KITTENS to give away to a December 15, 2015, 8 SEEKING A CAREER in kind home. 403-704-2333 a.m., 9320 - 52 St. S.E., the Community Newspaper Calgary, Alberta.

For more business? Post your information see www. resume for FREE right canadianpublicauction.com Travel where the publishers are or call 403-269-6600. looking. Visit: Packages awna.com/for-job-seekers.

UNRESERVED AUCTION. SAVE 30% on our Heavy haul, highway SYNERGY Greenland and Wild trucks, trailers, light trucks, HEALTH AND SAFETY Labrador Voyage until tools, fabrication equipNow offering safety training December 18, 2015. See ment, plus much more. in central Alberta.

Labrador as it was meant Wed., Dec. 16, Acheson, FIRST AID…H2S...Ground to be seen - By Sea Alberta; Disturbance and more Aboard the comfortable CenturyServices.com for See our website Ocean Endeavour. No more details. www. extra charge for singles! synergyhealthandsafety.ca Quote Community Or call 403-877-6387 Newspapers! Call toll free Equipment1-800-363-7566 or visit: Misc. www.adventurecanada .com. (TICO #04001400).

A-CHEAP, lowest prices, steel shipping containers.

Used 20’ & 40’ Seacans insulated & 40’ freezers, Wanted Special $2200 Wanted: To Buy Buy & Sell Professional wood carver #1500 - #1990 needed. 1-866-528-7108; WANTED: WILL PAY cash www.rtccontainer.com. for construction equipment, backhoes, excavators, dozers, (farm tractors Misc. w/loaders) 1985 or newer.

Help Skid steers, wheel loaders, screeners, low beds, any condition running or not.

250-260-0217 .

BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE Applications available at the office 5006 - 52nd Ave. or by contacting shannon@ponokafcss.net Phone: 403-783-4462

1830

900

1900

403-783-0663 PLUMBING

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

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

JESSE ZINTER Office - 403-783-5489

WATER WELL DRILLING SERVICE

1620

1930

880

RENN MILL CENTER INC. requires

PARTS DISTRIBUTION & YARDMAN REQUIRED (1)

• Water wells drilled • Water wells serviced 403-783-2220 WEBSITE@DARCYSDRILLING.COM

WATER WELL SERVICE

ECKLUND

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

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR JUST

$

30

PER WEEK.

REACHING 6000 HOUSEHOLDS PER WEEK.

Duties & Responsibilities: Loading and unloading trucks, receiving and distribution of parts, yard and facility maintenance in winter and summer.

Must have forklift experience and good mechanical aptitude.

Full Time-Permanent - Benefits available Send resumes by fax: 403-784-2060 Or email: info@rennmill.com

Volunteers Wanted

890 Ponoka is Recruiting!

UTILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE The Town of Ponoka is seeking four members at large for the new Utilities and Environmental Committee.

The purpose of this Committee will be to explore various means of revenue generation, examine various funding and business models as they relate to town owned utilities, the natural gas distribution system and waste management.

If you are interested in joining this Committee, please submit a completed application form on or before December 20, 2015 to the Town of Ponoka.

Application forms are available at Town Hall: 5004 – 54 Street, Ponoka, AB T4J 1N8 or on the Town’s website: www.ponoka.ca

GET YOUR BUSINESS OUT THERE

403.783.3311

Suites

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

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

Houses/ Duplexes

3020

HOUSE FOR RENT

4 B/R, 2 Bath home for rent in Riverside w/ double garage & large backyard. $1,500 + utilities, Security deposit $1,500.00. May consider small pets.

Call 403-704-3152

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

Grain, Feed Hay

2190

ROUND BALES Alfalfa, Timothy, Brome mix

No rain, 1100-1200 lbs.

$110/bale Usona area 403-783-5985

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.

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY

2 bdrm house with single car garage $850/mnth plus D.D. N/S, N/P

5004 56 Ave, Ponoka

3060

Manufactured Homes

4090

2 bdrm $900/mnth including utilities 403-790-6011

HARVEST SALE! Save $50,000 from the replacement cost of this 20 X 76 drywalled Grandeur Showhome that has to go! A sacrifice at $124,900. Call Terry 1-855-347-0417 or email: terry@ grandviewmodular.com.

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY

Buildings For Sale

AVAILABLE JANUARY 1

Bachelor suite $600/mnth including utilities 403-790-6011 AVAILABLE DEC 1 Newer bright 3 bdrm suite in Ponoka. Utilities incl. plus cable & internet.

5 appliances, N/S, N/P. $1250/mnth plus D.D.

4150

STEEL BUILDINGS. “ Really Big Sale - Year end Clear Out!” 21 x 22 $5190. 25 x 24 $5988.

27 x 28 $7498. 30 x 32 $8646. 35x34 $11,844.

42 x 54 $16, 386. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422; www.pioneersteel.ca.

780-217-9363

PONOKA, 2 bdrm. suite in Riverside. Fridge, stove, shared laundry. $675.. rent/dd. gas & water incl’d.

Absolutely N/S, no pets, Avail. imm. 780-242-0924

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

403-357-0287

Rooms For Rent

3090

ROOM FOR RENT

Fully furnished including bedding Avail. Dec. 1

403-783-4540 Storage Space

3160

FOR RENT Shared storage heated bay in Ponoka 780-951-0199

Financial #4400 - #4430 Investments ......................4410 Money Wanted ................4420 Money to Loan ................4430

Money To Loan

4430

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.

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.

NEED A LOAN? Own property? Have bad credit?

We can help! Call toll free 1-866-405-1228; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.

CALL 403-588-0597 PONOKA NEWER 3 bdrm. townhouse, 6 appl., 3 bath, $1,295/mo.

Phone 403-704-1221 PONOKA, Duplex avail.

Jan. 1. 3 bedroom. $950. rent/dd, no pets, 4 appls. + drapes. 403-346-3943 or 403-358-9179

Suites

3060

Available Immediately 1 bdrm suite utilities incl.

Pasture

3180

PASTURE & HAY LAND. 400 - 8000 acres of year round water supply. Full operational with management available. Central Saskatchewan. Crossfenced & complete infrastructure. Natural springs excellent water.

Shortly ready to locate cattle. Other small & large grain & pasture quarters. $150k - $2.6m. Call Doug Rue 306-716-2671.

403-790-6011 Downtown Ponoka One bdrm Apartment No Smoking No Pets

403-357-0654 2 BDRM bsmt. suite in PONOKA incld’s util’s, washer/dryer, no pets, non partier, N/S. Long term working tenants and seniors welcome.

Avail immed. 403-704-1645

Real Estate #4000 - #4190 Manufactured Homes

4090

CROSS COUNTRY HOMES. Come view our show homes that are ready for quick possession; 20’ wides from $114,000! Visit us in Acheson.

780-470-8000; www. crosscountryhomes.com.

Transportation #5000-5300 Automotive Services ........5010 Antique & Classic Autos ....5020 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

Trucks

5050

2013 GMC Sierra Duramax $37,000.

76,000 kms 587-679-1000

32 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

Hammy’s SPIRITS

OPEN

10 AM - 11 PM 7 Days A Week

CAPTAIN MORGAN SPICED RUM 750 ML

22 $ 99 35 $ 99 53 $

99 EACH

1.14 L

EACH

SLEEMAN HONEY BROWN

1.75 L

341 ML 12 BOTTLE

21

$

BONUS MINI FLASK

99 EACH

GRAND MARNIER

$

EACH

BAILEYS ORIGINAL IRISH CREAM

MOTT’S CLAMATO CAESAR EXTRA SPICY OR ORIGINAL

$

750 ML

1499

EACH

EACH

CORONA EXTRA

330 ML / 12 BOTTLE

$

EACH

8

$ 99 EACH

EACH

200 ML

1.14 L

355 ML 4 BTL

3299

LAKEVIEW CELLARS VIDAL ICEWINE

2599 $ 3499

$

750 ML

2399

EACH

CROWN ROYAL WHISKY

750 ML

2599

$

$

1.75 L

37 59 1.14 L

99

$

99

HENKELL ASSORTED VARIETIES

APOTHIC ASSORTED VARIETIES

2/$2100

2/$2300

750 ML

OR

109 9

$

EACH

750 ML

OR

NEW AMSTERDAM VODKA ASSORTED FLAVOURS

119 9

$

EACH

$

750 ML

1899

EACH

Bay #5, 4502 - 50th St. • 403-783-2333 Prices in effect Wednesday, December 2 to Tuesday, December 8, 2015 Prices do not include GST or deposit. We reserve the right to limit quantities